Not Just Another Romantic Comedy

Although I once was a sucker for any romantic comedy, especially from the 30s, I have become jaded over the last few years. with the preponderance and availability of so many, thanks to TCM. I have been disappointed time and again. The plots are more often than not clichéd and predictable. The acting is, although good for the time, usually, very different from the style we are used to today. The chemistry between actors is usually nil. The quality of the production second rate.

What a treat and a surprise this film was! It deserves to be as highly regarded as The Awful Truth, It Happened One Night, and any top-notch Romantic Comedy of the 30s. It had me laughing and tearing up. The quality of the production was top tier. Imagine using a clip of the train wreck in this movie (which was just a minor plot device) in a 1960’s popular TV series. That is just one example of how 1st class this film is. Some of the scenes, particularly the father and son speculating over the construction site over how the workers could possibly be having any fun, and the father’s horror at actually having to get a job along with the funeral procession to the door of the Flying Wombat dealership to take his position as a car salesman, are absolutely hilarious. (and not just hilarious “for its time.”)

I won’t add to the praise of the actors from other reviewers on IMDb. Just that I agree wholeheartedly.

It’s not just another Romantic Comedy. It has drama and heart as well. **9 out of 10 stars**

April 13, 2016