I am a big classic film buff but I have to agree with many of the reviews that are not kind to this film. The main problem is that the Robert Montgomery character is arrogant and shows contempt for women, yet you are supposed to root for him. Another issue is that Robert Montgomery's character (Max Clement) falls for someone who isn't as likable or attractive as a competing female character. While most of the 1930s classic films hold up well even for today's audiences, this one doesn't.
However, the reason I do it give it 4 stars is solely for the performances--especially C. Aubrey Smith who plays Robert Montgomery's character's father and Heather Thatcher as Lady Joan Culver. Unfortunately C. Aubrey Smith isn't in the film enough and Heather Thatcher gets a role that is like a female version of the roles Ralph Bellamy famously got in his early career where he played a likable character who always came up short in the romance dept. Instead of being happy at the end of the film, I ended up feeling sorry for the female characters which doesn't make for a pleasant film and not the result I believe the filmmakers intended.
However, the reason I do it give it 4 stars is solely for the performances--especially C. Aubrey Smith who plays Robert Montgomery's character's father and Heather Thatcher as Lady Joan Culver. Unfortunately C. Aubrey Smith isn't in the film enough and Heather Thatcher gets a role that is like a female version of the roles Ralph Bellamy famously got in his early career where he played a likable character who always came up short in the romance dept. Instead of being happy at the end of the film, I ended up feeling sorry for the female characters which doesn't make for a pleasant film and not the result I believe the filmmakers intended.