This movie is an almost flawless exercise in satire, though of course it will also pass generically as a comedy. While viewing the movie I thought of Vittorio De Sica and how similar it was to his own movies (Miracle in Milan came to mind). Only later I realized it was an American adaptation of DeSica's and Zavattini's movie a few years before.
In this day and age of robo cops and extraterrestrials it's hard to imagine that at one time there were human interest stories like this. The plotting too was superb, with effortlessly scripted complications coming one after the other.
It's also great to see Peter Lorre using comedic talents one normally doesn't identify with him. Warner Baxter, of course, was the second Best Actor Oscar winner for The Cisco Kid but frankly he didn't have much to do in this film, despite looking puzzled. Marjorie Weaver stole the show with an absolutely charming performance.
This film is flawless entertainment with both cynical and satirical commentary on the human condition while still fitting comfortably within the comedy genre.
In this day and age of robo cops and extraterrestrials it's hard to imagine that at one time there were human interest stories like this. The plotting too was superb, with effortlessly scripted complications coming one after the other.
It's also great to see Peter Lorre using comedic talents one normally doesn't identify with him. Warner Baxter, of course, was the second Best Actor Oscar winner for The Cisco Kid but frankly he didn't have much to do in this film, despite looking puzzled. Marjorie Weaver stole the show with an absolutely charming performance.
This film is flawless entertainment with both cynical and satirical commentary on the human condition while still fitting comfortably within the comedy genre.