Knock on Wood (1954)

After another failed relationship, ventriloquist Danny Kaye takes his anger out on his dummies. Unfortunately the doll maker he hires to do the repairs is a member of a spy ring and unbeknownst to Kay, hides secret plans inside the dolls’ bodies. Ever since being surprised by The Court Jester, I’ve been wanting to check out more films with Kaye in the lead in hopes of finding a similar vibe. There are some bright moments in this film that match that zaniness with tongue twisters and gags, but the spy aspect is dragged down by Kaye’s visits to a Swiss therapist and the love interest he finds there. It is appealingly bright visually and while I don’t know if Danny has experience as a ventriloquist, he is committed in the scenes where he is required to mimic the activity. 

Oscar Nomination: Best Writing, Story and Screenplay