THE FOREIGNER

This small and hokey comedy begins slowly enough, but thanks to the commitment of Paxton Whitehead as the “foreigner” Charlie in exotic Georgia, this old chestnut still amuses and keeps our ears and minds attuned. Though many jokes are as thin as the overalls worn by these good-natured hicks, they’re dispensed with aplomb and move right along to the goofy and unexpected conclusion. The recording is occasionally muddy, but the sound is adequate. The real problem here isn’t the technical, it’s the writing. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 04]