Review of The Butler's Dilemma

Determined to keep an eye on his lady love (Judy Kelly), eccentric Richard Hearne disguises himself as their new butler, not realizing that the name he's used and look is exactly that of a con-artist. Since Kelly's father (the imperious Francis L. Sullivan) can't stand him, this is the only way he can be near her, and as a bumbling butler who can't buttle, Hearne also has to be wary of Sullivan's eccentric sister (Hermoine Gingold) who had past dealings with the real deal. What sounds simple as a plot is a convoluted mess that only shines thanks to a small number of its cast, and then it's only really a curiosity rather than anything memorable. I knew of this film mainly because of Gingold's presence in it, and she's pretty bland when compared to some of the later eccentrics she's played. Hearne gets a few funny moments of pantomime and acrobatics and it shows that he could have been much better in this had it had a much better script. Sullivan, an expert in playing pompous villains and authority figures, adds another interesting character to his resume, but somehow I assume that this is the type of role he (as well as Gingold) could play in his sleep.