There is no word to describe the charm of Ivor Novello in this film, playing a handsome young man found in a maze garden by two sisters (Ursula Jeans and Ida Lupino) who turns out to be a surviving member of the Romanov family. A cousin of the late czar, having in his possession some valuable jewels, Novello's presence in their household (and spoiled by their obviously social climbing mother, Minnie Severn) turns their world upside down. As members of the local society drop in to view Novello like a zoo animals, it becomes very apparent that they are exploiting his presence, causing a rift to grow between the two sisters and creating a ton of gossip among the screeching society biddies who may have money but lack in any amount of class and breeding.
A funny society party hosted by the more than obvious Severn has the true nature of these women being revealed as the consumption of vodka takes over and brings out their common traits. This is Novello's film all the way, a combination of easy going charm and imperious duty that is slowly revealed as the great difference in Russian and British culture's are revealed. Also deserving merit is the portly Severn who may play common believably but underlines it with a wink at the audience indicating that she knows what the character she's playing is a fool. Fans of Lupino will barely recognize her here, having not yet been Americanized and given a cynical and tough persona. Jeans is perhaps closest in nature to Novello's direct nature, and their spark shines through. Truly a way above average social comedy about the difference between social class and upbringing, wonderful in detail and ironic in many ways. Rare in many ways, this shines in mid 30's British cinema and deserves to be rediscovered.
A funny society party hosted by the more than obvious Severn has the true nature of these women being revealed as the consumption of vodka takes over and brings out their common traits. This is Novello's film all the way, a combination of easy going charm and imperious duty that is slowly revealed as the great difference in Russian and British culture's are revealed. Also deserving merit is the portly Severn who may play common believably but underlines it with a wink at the audience indicating that she knows what the character she's playing is a fool. Fans of Lupino will barely recognize her here, having not yet been Americanized and given a cynical and tough persona. Jeans is perhaps closest in nature to Novello's direct nature, and their spark shines through. Truly a way above average social comedy about the difference between social class and upbringing, wonderful in detail and ironic in many ways. Rare in many ways, this shines in mid 30's British cinema and deserves to be rediscovered.