In London, party boy American caricaturist Jim Crocker Jr. (Robert Montgomery) is known by his pen name 'Piccadilly Jim'. His poor, unemployed, bad theatrical actor father James Crocker Sr. is almost the child in their relationship. Senior wants to marry Eugenia Willis but her haughty sister Nesta Pett objects and she controls the family money. Senior needs Junior to use his fame and charms to impress the sister. Junior falls for Ann Chester (Madge Evans) who is engaged to Lord Frederick 'Freddie' Priory. Ann turns out to be Nesta's niece and Nesta is not impressed with Junior either. After getting fired, Junior comes up with a new successful cartoon strip based on the Petts and Nesta is further insulted. Then he discovers Ann's family relations although she doesn't know Jim's real name or alter-ego.
Written comedies from another era can be tough. Physical comedies transcends time but the written joke has a time stamp. This is a fun sit-com situation. It's a fun setup although the initial meet-cute could be cuter. They are some good combative banter in their original meeting but it may be helpful to not have Freddie there with her. If he's to be there, he needs to show bigger jealousy. There is a hilarious bumpy ride and somebody needs to recreate it in a modern comedy. I feel like somebody did. Their chemistry is good especially when they fall. I like some of the twists and turns along the way. There are secrets that need to be kept secret unlike the silly misunderstandings of a TV sitcom. Junior could have come off as arrogant but Montgomery manages to keep him playful. All in all, this is one of the more fun comedies from the early talkies.
Written comedies from another era can be tough. Physical comedies transcends time but the written joke has a time stamp. This is a fun sit-com situation. It's a fun setup although the initial meet-cute could be cuter. They are some good combative banter in their original meeting but it may be helpful to not have Freddie there with her. If he's to be there, he needs to show bigger jealousy. There is a hilarious bumpy ride and somebody needs to recreate it in a modern comedy. I feel like somebody did. Their chemistry is good especially when they fall. I like some of the twists and turns along the way. There are secrets that need to be kept secret unlike the silly misunderstandings of a TV sitcom. Junior could have come off as arrogant but Montgomery manages to keep him playful. All in all, this is one of the more fun comedies from the early talkies.