Common Sense Media Review
Delightful Powell and Loy romantic comedy.
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What's the Story?
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.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how George goes about convincing everyone that he is Larry, and how he remembers his life in Habersville. When is he closest to being found out, and how does he handle it? How does he con Duke into letting him out of the swindle? What do you think will happen after Duke leaves with the money?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 9, 1940
- On DVD or streaming : August 7, 2007
- Cast : Frank McHugh , Myrna Loy , William Powell
- Director : W.S. Van Dyke
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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