One of the few Cary Grant movies to fully disappoint me - especially surprising since its 1934 but the direction failed him.
Preston Sturges is one of the writers, but didn't get to directing yet (this is six years before The Great McGinty and The Lady Eve). But you can see the handprints of Sturges on this Paramount picture.
The problem is there are four writers and they don't seem to be on the same page with each other or the director.
Sylvia Sydney is very good in a comedic role but the material is dated.
Vince Barnett's comic relief is just beyond annoying and almost drops this to a 3-4 rating.
There are two parts of this movie which are noteworthy besides the actors:
1. The use of split screen: this was rarely used by this time and is always fascinating before the digital age.
2. If you pay close attention you will see parallels to Chaplin's The Great Dictator (six years later) in the use of mood, sets and costumes. I am convinced Chaplin saw this and was influenced by parts of it.
Overall, just does not hold up well.
Preston Sturges is one of the writers, but didn't get to directing yet (this is six years before The Great McGinty and The Lady Eve). But you can see the handprints of Sturges on this Paramount picture.
The problem is there are four writers and they don't seem to be on the same page with each other or the director.
Sylvia Sydney is very good in a comedic role but the material is dated.
Vince Barnett's comic relief is just beyond annoying and almost drops this to a 3-4 rating.
There are two parts of this movie which are noteworthy besides the actors:
1. The use of split screen: this was rarely used by this time and is always fascinating before the digital age.
2. If you pay close attention you will see parallels to Chaplin's The Great Dictator (six years later) in the use of mood, sets and costumes. I am convinced Chaplin saw this and was influenced by parts of it.
Overall, just does not hold up well.