It's a wonder to me how this adorably hilarious gem of a film is not more commonly recognized. Leslie Howard and Bette Davis having fun together for once with the innocent beauty of Olivia DeHavilland and the slight sexual innuendos of the 30s make this one of my favorite films.
shareYes..this one is one of my favorites..very quick, very funny..I was pleasantly surprised to see Leslie in a different role than his usual quiet intellectual...
Cake or death?
I know! You can totally see that he's having fun with his role.
Oh you're a plumber? What on EARTH is that?
I haven't seen it in years but remember fondly. However, my memory isn't that great because it was on local tv last night - twice! - and I forget to watch, set vcr. I'm so mad. Does anyone know if it's available for purchase?
shareI was able to get a DVD of it on E-bay a few weeks ago..(looked like a DVD of a VHS version, but it played ok)
Cake or death?
I saw this film a while ago on Fox Classics. Comedies these days don't come anywhere close to the hilarity of this film. Leslie Howard had me on the floor laughing my arse off!
"Your views are as narrow as your tie."
- Bernard Herrmann
Great screwball comedy !!!
shareIt was interesting to see three performers who were far better known for dramatic roles (Howard, Davis, and de Havilland) kicking up their heels in a comedy. I was particularly impressed by Bette Davis, who was not at all arch or mannered (as I would have expected).
shareAgreed. It was interesting and very entertaining! I knew Howard and Davis could be funny, but I never saw Olivia in a oomedy before, and she was wonderful! Of course, Eric Blore was the best.
shareJust saw it now for the first time and cannot believe I hadn't seen it before. Where has this film been kept? Locked in a vault? Disgraceful.
Funny, clever, cheerily entertaining, with a multitude of intelligent, witty, dialogue and scathing jabs both on the profession of acting and of so many, many other things.
DEFINITELY, ABSOLUTELY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE.
Bravo!
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I've tried for years to find an affordable copy of it without luck. Not an Oscar film, just a nutty screwball comedy with rapid-fire dialogue and terrific actors who seem to be enjoying themselves. I would have loved to have seen a series of films with Leslie Howard and Eric Blore's characters...such a great team! Hilarious screenplay done to perfection by all.
Signatures annoy me.
It's now readily available on DVD from any of the Amazon websites or in any slightly higher end cinema store (like Cinema1 if that exists where you are) for the same price as a new film. Picture and audio quality is excellent for a film that hasn't been restored.
The Warner Archive Collection is a wonderful thing! I have about five DVDs from it now.
"It's that kind of idiocy that I empathize with." ~David Bowie
Yep, I went on another search of it after watching it again on AMC and bought a used copy off Amazon for $12,75 including s/h.
Signatures annoy me.
Did Olivia de Havilland ever look more beautiful than she did in her first backstage meeting with Leslie Howard?
Those close-ups of her confessing her infatuation were stunning. Rare beauty in her 20s.
"Somewhere along the line, the world has lost all of its standards and all of its taste."
Exactly! I just saw this film for the first time, thanks to TCM. I don't know how I've missed it up until now. Funny, witty dialog in almost every scene, and a superb cast who must have had a blast making this. Eric Blore at his exasperated manservent best, and Bonita Granville's high-energy eye-catching peeping are super. And the beauty of Bette Davis and a young, pre-GWTW Olivia DeHavilland just put this on another level.
This could easily be brought back for a Broadway run or a remake. A highly recommended surprise. 9/10