Barney Google is returning to Kokomo with his menage: race horse Spark Plug, trainer-jockey Sunshine, and ostrich Rudy. The people turn out to greet him -- the race horse, that is, and Sunshine. Feelings about Google are less kind, and soon the four of them are on a train headed elsewhere, causing havoc to passengers and crew.

This appears to be the first movie in the series about Billy De Beck's popular cartoon character. It's more interested in establishing that, yes, Barney does look like Google in makeup and costume, and in causing a general sense that chaos is funny. Like producer Larr Darmour's other cartoon series about Toonerville's Mickey -- played by Mickey Rooney -- it's cheap and of more interest to fans of the strip than lovers of movie comedy.

The farce subgenre features exaggerated situations, slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and chaotic, rapid-fire events. Farces are known for their absurd and over-the-top comedic elements, often involving misunderstandings, physical comedy, and improbable scenarios.

Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Lorna Patterson in Airplane! (1980)

The screwball comedy subgenre, which emerged in the 1930s and 1940s, is known for its fast-paced, zany, and often absurd humor. They feature witty dialogue, comedic misunderstandings, and unconventional romantic pairings. These comedies often incorporate elements of farce, slapstick, and satire to create a unique and entertaining blend of humor.

Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal in What's Up, Doc? (1972)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Barney Google returns to Paducah with his horse, jockey Sunshine and ostrich. The town turns out to greet him--the horse, that is. Feelings about Google are less kind, and the four are soon on a train causing havoc to passengers and crew.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

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