The premise is hardly unfamiliar, having been done quite a number of times, and always has the dangers of doing little new, being repetitive and trying too hard. 'Too Many Husbands' did sound very intriguing still though, because Wesley Ruggles was one of those competent if undistinguished directors and there are many good examples on film of the type of film 'Too Many Husbands' is. Not to mention having Jean Arthur, Melvyn Douglas, Fred MacMurray and Harry Davenport in the same cast.
A lot is done well in 'Too Many Husbands', as it does entertain and charm for most of its running time and most of the cast are strong. At the same time, it doesn't quite make the grade, it was in need of a stronger second half, one performance for me did not work really and it could have done with more subtlety and variety. Still, not too bad a way to spend a dreary afternoon when there is very little to do with bad weather and lockdown restrictions.
Shall start with the good things. Most of the performances are very good. Arthur is her usual perky and alluring self and Douglas is suave, just as charming and with great comic timing. My favourite performance came from Davenport, who is an absolute joy to watch and has a real twinkle to his performance. All in roles so well suited to them and played to their strengths. One shouldn't dismiss the dependable contributions from Melville Cooper and Edgar Buchanan. Ruggles directs with zest in the first half.
Was somewhat mixed on the visual side of things, the costumes coming off best visually. To me the first half was a lot of fun, with some sparkling wit and sophistication in the dialogue delivered with tremendous energy. The story also charmed and compelled in the first half as well and the characters more investable.
Not everything comes off well sadly. While the first half was thoroughly enjoyable, the second half was less so and sort of petered out really. It became thin on the ground story-wise, the charm got lost amidst the silliness and the material got rather repetitive and tried too hard for laughs. The ending also is practically a non-event.
MacMurray also didn't work for me. His character was not a meaty one really and he plays it rather blandly and is also too smug. While the costumes are fine, there is just too much of a filmed play feel to the photography which tends to confine the action too much.
Overall, worth seeing but uneven. 6/10
A lot is done well in 'Too Many Husbands', as it does entertain and charm for most of its running time and most of the cast are strong. At the same time, it doesn't quite make the grade, it was in need of a stronger second half, one performance for me did not work really and it could have done with more subtlety and variety. Still, not too bad a way to spend a dreary afternoon when there is very little to do with bad weather and lockdown restrictions.
Shall start with the good things. Most of the performances are very good. Arthur is her usual perky and alluring self and Douglas is suave, just as charming and with great comic timing. My favourite performance came from Davenport, who is an absolute joy to watch and has a real twinkle to his performance. All in roles so well suited to them and played to their strengths. One shouldn't dismiss the dependable contributions from Melville Cooper and Edgar Buchanan. Ruggles directs with zest in the first half.
Was somewhat mixed on the visual side of things, the costumes coming off best visually. To me the first half was a lot of fun, with some sparkling wit and sophistication in the dialogue delivered with tremendous energy. The story also charmed and compelled in the first half as well and the characters more investable.
Not everything comes off well sadly. While the first half was thoroughly enjoyable, the second half was less so and sort of petered out really. It became thin on the ground story-wise, the charm got lost amidst the silliness and the material got rather repetitive and tried too hard for laughs. The ending also is practically a non-event.
MacMurray also didn't work for me. His character was not a meaty one really and he plays it rather blandly and is also too smug. While the costumes are fine, there is just too much of a filmed play feel to the photography which tends to confine the action too much.
Overall, worth seeing but uneven. 6/10