Der Herzensbrecher

This is a late and modest entry into the screwball comedy genre. As such, all the performers are frenetic, histrionic, and act in broad, bold strokes. Performers falling into water is a running joke. There is no dry humor in this film. Unfortunately, no good lines either; it has a script of shtick patched together from older and better comedies.

But the other woman here acts as an intelligent person and has a natural manner. Since it is Rita Hayworth herself, she is naturally beautiful. It suggests a script writers dilemma: other woman has to be less desirable than the female lead, but they have to be desirable enough for the male lead to be attracted by them. In this movie, Rita Hayworth is so much more appealing in every way than Merle Oberon that it renders the plot silly.

The racial stereotypes are prominent here, with Hattie MacDanial and Butter McQueen doing routines they could have done in their sleep. Had they had sharp,incisive funny lines, we might have had a guilty laugh or two from these offensive stereotypes. As they were simply stereotypes to laugh at, it is now only offensive.

For me the brightest spots of this movie are Rita Hayworth and Dennis Morgan. The love triangle, which also includes Merle Oberon, is complicated by interference from Ralph Bellamy and others (at times it's difficult to be sure whose side Rita is on.) Standing by are Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen, who are rooting for Morgan all the way. The backdrop of the newspaper business - as well as the presence of Ralph Bellamy - reminds one slightly of "His Girl Friday." Not a terrifically funny comedy, but worthwhile, especially for fans of any of the cast members.

There's a silly plot about a philanderer (DENNIS MORGAN) who wants to play the field while in Lisbon on a journalistic assignment and making a play for lovely RITA HAYWORTH. But as soon as he finds out his wife is divorcing him, he's back in the USA plotting a way to win back her affection to make her jealous.

Under Lloyd Bacon's direction, this is a formula screwball comedy that hasn't got enough wit to make it shine and relies heavily on the cast to give it some life. Morgan is only mildly amusing in his attempt to play a comic role with GEORGE TOBIAS getting some of the best lines. But Rita does well as a flirtatious lady who'd like to take him away from Merle and RALPH BELLAMY is good in another one of his thankless roles as the man who loses the girl.

Despite the cast, it's too trite to be really enjoyable and the gags just don't work. Even HATTIE McDANIEL and BUTTERFLY McQUEEN are ill used for whatever laughs the script can spare. The slapstick ending with Morgan pretending to be an accident case, just strains credibility until the finish.

Not worth your time.

It's Rita Hayworth day on TCM! the cast list is just a roll call of great stars at Warner Brothers. Here, she's Irene, dancing in a nightclub in Lisbon, with Rick Mayberry (Dennis Morgan). trouble is, he's married. but at least Rick is honest, and tells Irene he's already married. released in May 1941, so a couple months BEFORE WW II breaks out. we were still happy and upbeat. even two guys dancing together, in the club. progressive, for 1941 ! Irene is ALSO on the plane home, so that will probably complicate things. Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen work for Susan (Merle Oberon, aka MRS. Mayberry !) McDaniel and McQueen had BOTH just had huge roles in Gone with the Wind. Ralph Bellamy is Owen Wright (Mister Right, of course) Susan's new boyfriend. they got chummy while Rick was traveling the world, getting chummy with Irene! George Tobias was a master of accents, and here, he's Rick's photographer. we all know him better as Abner, the next door neighbor on Bewitched. James Gleason is his boss back home, and doesn't help matters any. the bottom line here is that Susan can't seem to really decide if she's still in love with Rick, and strings both guys along to see if Rick still loves her. gets annoying after a while. and everyone is in on the act. so many shenanigans. does she still love him or not?? Directed by Lloyd Bacon. no oscars, but made some great films. this one was a bit too silly and overdone for me. i enjoyed the scene where Hattie McDaniel ends up with the bouquet and starts walking down the aisle. funny, considering it was filmed in 1941. different times.

Another reviewer used the word "trite" to characterize the plot of this film. Amen to that! As for the film as a whole? How about lame? Really lame!

Since this was a 1940s Warner Brothers production featuring several of that studio's stalwart players, I had high hopes when I saw it for the first, and almost certainly ONLY, time. But, really, this is a silly story that is hardly ever funny and simply makes everyone involved look foolish. (Butterfly McQueen absolutely sobs her way through this movie. Makes you wish someone had taken her apron and gagged her with it!)

I love the WB product of the 1940s, but this is really a let down. Don't expect anything like "Christmas in Connecticut"!