Some fans of movie stars of the past think their favorites or certain actors were not cut out for one type of role or film. This is noted in some comments about Walter Pidgeon in this film. Specifically, that Pidgeon was ill suited for comedy because of his cultured and debonair stature. Having seen him in a few comedies, I think he's precisely fit for such roles. But, as with any actor, it depends on the material and the role. Pidgeon would show his mettle for comedy in a number of other films as well as this one, most notably, "Weekend at the Walldorf" of 1945 and "Julia Misbehaves" of 1948. Here, Pidgeon plays the consummate shyster.
In "Design for Scandal," Pidgeon plays wonderful comedy with a crisp, witty script. And, his debonair character and attitude fit perfectly into the picture. Rosalind Russell plays perfect comedy off of Pidgeon. Her Judge Porter is a hoot as she rolls her eyes or gives that knowing look of subdued humor at the silliness of some of the things the mature Jeff Sherman does and says. The rest of the cast, especially the principals, give very good performances. Edward Arnold shows why he was so highly regarded an actor in key supporting roles, here as J. M. Blair. Lee Bowman is the befuddled attorney friend of the judge, Walter Caldwell. Jean Rogers is very good as Jeff's former girlfriend, Dotty, whom he ropes into taking part in a scam. And Guy Kibbee is very good and very funny as Judge Graham.
This film has two very funny court scenes -- one in the beginning and one at the end. The latter is one of the funniest of all time. And the final scene is hilarious.
Here are some favorite lines from the film.
Judson M. Blair, "Well, you don't think I'm gonna let her get away with it, do ya?" Jeff Sherman, "Well, whadda ya gonna do, commit suicide?" Blair, "No, I'm not gonna commit suicide."
Dotty, "Why wouldn't she come?" Jeff Sherman, "Dotty, the first thing a smart man learns is never to worry why a woman changes her mind." Dotty, "An old Chinese proverb, huh?" Sherman, "Yeah." Dotty, "I don't think you're slipping." Sherman, "No?" Dotty, "No. I think you're numb from the shock of falling."
Walter Caldwell, "Forcible entry without permission is a crime. Between the hours of sunset and sunset it's a felony. You don't want to commit a new crime just to right an old one, do you?" Judge Cornelia Porter, "Yes, I do. I feel like breaking law as rule."
Judge Cornelia Porter, "I'll put him where he belongs - behind bars."
Judson M. Blair, "That's just exactly what this young lady is going to claim in our suit - alienation of your moth-eaten affections. Judge Porter stole them." Dotty, "Petty larceny."
Walter Caldwell, "I object. I object on the grounds that it's..." Judge Graham, "Immaterial, incompetent and irrelevant." Caldwell, "Right." Judge Graham, "I'm gonna have the record show, counsel, that you object to every question from here on. It can be considered as if you did make the objections." He nods to Jeff, "Go ahead." And looks at Caldwell, "We'll have no more interruptions. Sit down!"
Jeff Sherman, "Then why, on the night of July the eleventh this year, at the hour of 12:30, did you say to me in the establishment known as Frankie's Cape Cod Cellar Deluxe, that you love me?"
In "Design for Scandal," Pidgeon plays wonderful comedy with a crisp, witty script. And, his debonair character and attitude fit perfectly into the picture. Rosalind Russell plays perfect comedy off of Pidgeon. Her Judge Porter is a hoot as she rolls her eyes or gives that knowing look of subdued humor at the silliness of some of the things the mature Jeff Sherman does and says. The rest of the cast, especially the principals, give very good performances. Edward Arnold shows why he was so highly regarded an actor in key supporting roles, here as J. M. Blair. Lee Bowman is the befuddled attorney friend of the judge, Walter Caldwell. Jean Rogers is very good as Jeff's former girlfriend, Dotty, whom he ropes into taking part in a scam. And Guy Kibbee is very good and very funny as Judge Graham.
This film has two very funny court scenes -- one in the beginning and one at the end. The latter is one of the funniest of all time. And the final scene is hilarious.
Here are some favorite lines from the film.
Judson M. Blair, "Well, you don't think I'm gonna let her get away with it, do ya?" Jeff Sherman, "Well, whadda ya gonna do, commit suicide?" Blair, "No, I'm not gonna commit suicide."
Dotty, "Why wouldn't she come?" Jeff Sherman, "Dotty, the first thing a smart man learns is never to worry why a woman changes her mind." Dotty, "An old Chinese proverb, huh?" Sherman, "Yeah." Dotty, "I don't think you're slipping." Sherman, "No?" Dotty, "No. I think you're numb from the shock of falling."
Walter Caldwell, "Forcible entry without permission is a crime. Between the hours of sunset and sunset it's a felony. You don't want to commit a new crime just to right an old one, do you?" Judge Cornelia Porter, "Yes, I do. I feel like breaking law as rule."
Judge Cornelia Porter, "I'll put him where he belongs - behind bars."
Judson M. Blair, "That's just exactly what this young lady is going to claim in our suit - alienation of your moth-eaten affections. Judge Porter stole them." Dotty, "Petty larceny."
Walter Caldwell, "I object. I object on the grounds that it's..." Judge Graham, "Immaterial, incompetent and irrelevant." Caldwell, "Right." Judge Graham, "I'm gonna have the record show, counsel, that you object to every question from here on. It can be considered as if you did make the objections." He nods to Jeff, "Go ahead." And looks at Caldwell, "We'll have no more interruptions. Sit down!"
Jeff Sherman, "Then why, on the night of July the eleventh this year, at the hour of 12:30, did you say to me in the establishment known as Frankie's Cape Cod Cellar Deluxe, that you love me?"