Watch The Birdie (1950)

Because his camera store is heavily in debt, a man (Red Skelton) decides to freelance as a newsreel cameraman to get the money to pay his debts. But when he accidentally films two crooks (Leon Ames, Richard Rober) discussing their plans to swindle an heiress (Arlene Dahl), he soon finds himself in danger. Directed by Jack Donohue (ASSAULT ON A QUEEN), this ineffectual comedy feels padded out even at a brief running time of one hour and 11 minutes. I find Skelton amusing in small doses but the film makers have decided one Skelton isn't enough so they have him playing his father and grandfather too! His scenes as the father and grandfather are the dullest in an already dubious comedy. Skelton does have one funny scene in a crowded dressing room but even then, the scene goes on too long. The only other laugh is provided by Ann Miller as a beauty contestant trying to pose with a group of turkeys. Even if you're a Skelton fan, you might find this sluggish. With Pamela Britton and Dick Wessel.