Louisiana Purchase (film)

Louisiana Purchase is a 1941 American musical comedy film directed by Irving Cummings. It is based on the 1940 Broadway musical of the same name, with a score by Irving Berlin. Bob Hope stars as Jim Taylor, a naive U.S. Senator sent to investigate corruption in Louisiana during the annual Mardi Gras festivities. The film follows Taylor's entanglement with the seductive Marina Von Minden (Vera Zorina), and his attempts to expose the crooked dealings of a powerful businessman, Oliver P. Loganberry (Victor Moore).

The plot largely revolves around mistaken identities, romantic complications, and slapstick humor amidst the backdrop of colorful Mardi Gras celebrations. The film features several musical numbers, including "Louisiana Purchase," "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow," and "You're Lonely and I'm Lonely."

Louisiana Purchase was noted for its lavish production values and the comedic performances of its cast. While not considered a major critical success, it was a popular film that capitalized on Bob Hope's rising stardom and the appeal of its Broadway source material.