I found the first half of the film to be a bit stuffy. In fact, I was expecting to give it a negative review. But, once they move on to the estate, it really became quite clever. Don Ameche's charming screen persona is evident here, and Claudette Colbert is her usual vivacious self. But considering this film was made in the magic cinema year of 1939, it seemed rather old world. And perhaps the reason is that it was one of those films making sport of the old moneyed rich. And that is so mid-1930ish.
Two things struck me as illogical here. First, the idea that someone as sophisticated as Claudette Colbert's character would we wandering around Europe with not a bit of money in her pocket. Second, John Barrymore was clearly way over the hill in this film; difficult to believe he was once considered a great screen actor; watch his eyes...flashes of silent screen overacting on occasion.
Mary Astor is excellent as the philandering wife of John Barrymore. She is probably one of Hollywood's most underrated actress. Francis Lederer, with whom I was not at all familiar, played the butterfly playboy excellently. And Monty Woolley was delightful as the judge in the divorce court.
Many consider this to be one of the great screwball comedies. I don't rate it quite that highly. It won't find its way onto my DVD shelf. But I'm glad I watched it, and may do so again. It's definitely worth watching just to see the chemistry between Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert.
Two things struck me as illogical here. First, the idea that someone as sophisticated as Claudette Colbert's character would we wandering around Europe with not a bit of money in her pocket. Second, John Barrymore was clearly way over the hill in this film; difficult to believe he was once considered a great screen actor; watch his eyes...flashes of silent screen overacting on occasion.
Mary Astor is excellent as the philandering wife of John Barrymore. She is probably one of Hollywood's most underrated actress. Francis Lederer, with whom I was not at all familiar, played the butterfly playboy excellently. And Monty Woolley was delightful as the judge in the divorce court.
Many consider this to be one of the great screwball comedies. I don't rate it quite that highly. It won't find its way onto my DVD shelf. But I'm glad I watched it, and may do so again. It's definitely worth watching just to see the chemistry between Don Ameche and Claudette Colbert.