I noticed that another reviewer was lucky enough to see this and the remake ("Holy Matrimony") which starred the wonderful Monty Woolley. They indicated that Woolley was much better and I have little doubt they are probably right--after all, I love Woolley in all his films--particularly in "Molly and Me" (which also starred Woolley and Gracie Fields). However, I am not so adamantly against "His Double Life", as although Roland Young was probably little like Woolley, he still was quite good and the film is worth seeing.
As for Young's character, he is a world-renowned artist who is extremely social phobic--hating the limelight and preferring anonymity. As a result of his extremely odd fixation on NOT becoming famous, no one actually knows what he looks like--they just know they love his art. I assume that the usually acerbic Woolley probably played this character differently--less phobic and more a man who simply disdains society--which is his usual persona.
When this artist's servant dies unexpectedly, weird things begin to happen. Through a simple mistake, the doctor thinks the dead servant was the great artist and declares him dead. The mousy Young tries to tell the doctor and others that he's not dead but a combination of their refusal to listen and his meek ways result in him officially remaining dead! At first, this is a problem but when he meets a sweet lady (Lillian Gish) and they fall in love, he realizes this change in identity could be a boon! Overall, the film is quite sweet and charming. While there certainly could be room to improve the film, Young was very good and there is far more to like than dislike. While it all seemed a bit impossible to believe, I was able to easily suspend disbelief and just enjoy this slight little film.
By the way, "His Double Life" was apparently also done twice as a silent. I'd sure love to be able to see them as well.
As for Young's character, he is a world-renowned artist who is extremely social phobic--hating the limelight and preferring anonymity. As a result of his extremely odd fixation on NOT becoming famous, no one actually knows what he looks like--they just know they love his art. I assume that the usually acerbic Woolley probably played this character differently--less phobic and more a man who simply disdains society--which is his usual persona.
When this artist's servant dies unexpectedly, weird things begin to happen. Through a simple mistake, the doctor thinks the dead servant was the great artist and declares him dead. The mousy Young tries to tell the doctor and others that he's not dead but a combination of their refusal to listen and his meek ways result in him officially remaining dead! At first, this is a problem but when he meets a sweet lady (Lillian Gish) and they fall in love, he realizes this change in identity could be a boon! Overall, the film is quite sweet and charming. While there certainly could be room to improve the film, Young was very good and there is far more to like than dislike. While it all seemed a bit impossible to believe, I was able to easily suspend disbelief and just enjoy this slight little film.
By the way, "His Double Life" was apparently also done twice as a silent. I'd sure love to be able to see them as well.