I Love You Again (NR, 1940)

In this zany comedy, Kay (Myrna Loy) is about to divorce her dull husband Larry (William Powell) -- but then he suffers a bump on his head and transforms into a suave man-about-town. Turns out Larry was once an infamous con man named George who became boring businessman Larry after getting hit on the noggin in a robbery nine years before -- perhaps because on some level he wanted to lead a "respectable life." In the end, he's neither Carey nor Larry, but a synthesis of both, ready to stay in Habersville with Kay and live happily ever after.

William Powell and Myrna Loy appeared in more films together than any screen couple since the silents, and this delightful romantic comedy is one of their best films. Carey's horror as he finds out more and more about his life as "Larry" is balanced by Powell with smooth maneuvering to keep everyone from finding out that he can't remember anything about his life in Habersville. Loy is, as always, "the perfect wife," witty, wise and loyal -- she sees the essence of the truth and is adorably charmed by it.

Even though the plot makes no sense medically, it does make sense dramatically. Kay's motives are justified. She married a bore like Larry because, as she says, she saw something exciting behind his eyes. She was the only one who glimpsed Carey inside of the stiff and proper Larry. And she also sees Carey at his best. When she says he is noble and honest, she turns out to be right.

Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: W.S. Van Dyke
Cast: Frank McHugh, Myrna Loy, William Powell
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release: August 9, 1940
DVD release: August 7, 2007
MPAA Rating: NR