They certainly were some unlikely leading actors in the 1930' and 40's, and Monty Woolley is certainly one of the most memorable. After the success of "The Man Who Came to Dinner" on Broadway and on film, his career as a leading character actor was assured. 20th Century Fox quickly signed him to a contract, and he made two films with British star Gracie Fields, the first of which is this excellent comedy where he plays Priam Farll, a British artist who has been living in seclusion in Africa with valet Eric Blore. Upon learning that he is to be honored, Woolley returns to England with Blore who is quickly diagnosed with a case of pneumonia and sadly dies. The doctor mistakenly believes that Blore is Farll, and Woolley assumes Blore's identity while Blore is buried in Westminster Abbey. Wooly make the acquaintance of Fields, a pen pal of Blore's, and entranced by her quickly proposes. this leads to a set of complications when Fields begins to sell wooly's paintings, giving suspicions to the belief that Farll is still alive.
Having been a British film in the 1930's, this light-hearted comedy is beautifully remade, and Woolley is perfectly capped. Don't expect to see Sheridan Whiteside, the columnist of "The Man Who Came to Dinner", in his characterization. They look and sound alike, but that is where the likeness ends. Woolley only has a few aggressive moments here, playing a basically gentle character who is only ascerbic when he needs to be. One of those moments comes when Una O'Connor shows up claiming to be his wife, accusing him of bigamy. But thanks to the quick thinking of field, she quickly scurries away. When Fields begins to sell Woolley's paintings, artist representative Laird Cregar realize this the truth, threatening to expose Woolley's identity.
In the 1960's, Broadway composer Jule Styne wrote "Darling of the Day" for Vincent Price and British musical star Patricia Routledge, scoring her a Tony award. Unfortunately, it was short-lived but in the past 50 years, has gained a reputation as an underrated musical. The cast album is a collector's treasure, and for those who enjoy this film, the cast album is equally as delightful. Woolley and Fields are a perfect match, and her gentle performance shows a woman of wit and grace and intelligence who would make any man proud. There's also Norma Varden, Ethel Griffies, Franklin Pangborn, Melville Cooper and other familiar character actors, and a script that is genuinely perfect.
Having been a British film in the 1930's, this light-hearted comedy is beautifully remade, and Woolley is perfectly capped. Don't expect to see Sheridan Whiteside, the columnist of "The Man Who Came to Dinner", in his characterization. They look and sound alike, but that is where the likeness ends. Woolley only has a few aggressive moments here, playing a basically gentle character who is only ascerbic when he needs to be. One of those moments comes when Una O'Connor shows up claiming to be his wife, accusing him of bigamy. But thanks to the quick thinking of field, she quickly scurries away. When Fields begins to sell Woolley's paintings, artist representative Laird Cregar realize this the truth, threatening to expose Woolley's identity.
In the 1960's, Broadway composer Jule Styne wrote "Darling of the Day" for Vincent Price and British musical star Patricia Routledge, scoring her a Tony award. Unfortunately, it was short-lived but in the past 50 years, has gained a reputation as an underrated musical. The cast album is a collector's treasure, and for those who enjoy this film, the cast album is equally as delightful. Woolley and Fields are a perfect match, and her gentle performance shows a woman of wit and grace and intelligence who would make any man proud. There's also Norma Varden, Ethel Griffies, Franklin Pangborn, Melville Cooper and other familiar character actors, and a script that is genuinely perfect.