For classic movie fans, this version of the now 100 year old play has the dubious distinction of making them think that sneezing comic Billy Gilbert stood in for Charles Laughton, complete with Chico Marx wig. Deception never succeeds, and Laughton's Tony Patucci doesn't really deserve much sympathy even in his desperation for love.
It's the second film for Laughton and Carole Lombard ("White Woman", 1933, was the first), playing a waitress fooled into thinking that she's been corresponding with the much more handsome William Gargan when it turns out to be laughing pursuing her. He's the owner of a California grape vineyard, and Gargan works for him. Obviously Lombard is not going to be smitten.
A dated premise (and rather unbelievable) even in 1940 terms, but Lombard, Laughton, Gargan and Frank Fay (as a priest) give strong performances, along with Harry Carey, Karl Malden and Janet Fox in smaller roles. The later musical version ("The Most Happy Fella") must have played around the script to be still performed, but the original source just is eye rolling in almost every way. I don't often feel cringed by dated elements in old movies, but this one just doesn't stand up to its pulitzer prize winning reputation.
It's the second film for Laughton and Carole Lombard ("White Woman", 1933, was the first), playing a waitress fooled into thinking that she's been corresponding with the much more handsome William Gargan when it turns out to be laughing pursuing her. He's the owner of a California grape vineyard, and Gargan works for him. Obviously Lombard is not going to be smitten.
A dated premise (and rather unbelievable) even in 1940 terms, but Lombard, Laughton, Gargan and Frank Fay (as a priest) give strong performances, along with Harry Carey, Karl Malden and Janet Fox in smaller roles. The later musical version ("The Most Happy Fella") must have played around the script to be still performed, but the original source just is eye rolling in almost every way. I don't often feel cringed by dated elements in old movies, but this one just doesn't stand up to its pulitzer prize winning reputation.