Whistling series

(On Cable TV, August 2022) Red Skelton remains a divisive comedian, and Whistling in Dixie finds him doing what he did best—for better or for worse. The second film in a trilogy of “Whistling” amateur sleuth comedies featuring him as a radio writer/actor known for criminal mysteries, it leaves the New York City area of the first and third films. A trip down south for his wedding gets sidetracked when there’s a mystery to solve at a military academy with a Confederate past. Skelton is clearly in his element here, blending irreverence and zingers while the rest of the cast does their best not to stand in the way of his showboating. It’s a watchable but not overly impressive affair until the third-act climax, in which Skelton’s physical comedy skills are showcased in a long and crazy barn fight sequence featuring two twin brothers (one evil, one reformed) and a cavalcade of physical gags. Ann Rutherford is always worth a look, but Rags Ragland isn’t always tolerable as the twins. Whistling in Dixie is not that good, but it’s decent enough to watch, and the climactic sequence makes up for a multitude of duller moments.