Déjeuner pour deux

Breakfast for Two (1937)

** (out of 4)

A tough as nails Texas woman (Barbara Stanwyck) tries to break a playboy (Herbert Marshall) from some of his bad habits. This screwball comedy didn't really work for me mainly because I didn't feel anything between the two main characters. Eric Blore steals the show as the butler and the highlight happens at the start of the film when he goes into the bathroom to drop off some towels and notices it's not his boss in the shower but Stanwyck. There's also a talking dog on hand, which is somewhat more eerie than funny. There's also a subplot dealing with Marshall marrying a woman but I'm pretty sure you know how this romantic comedy will end.

Watched this 1937 comedy recently on Turner Classic Movies and laughed (out loud) harder than I have in a long while. That's saying something, as I am usually one of those "just smile when something is funny" type of people (those of you like me know what I mean ;)).

Although I am a fan of Stanwyck and Marshall, the incomparable character performances of Eric Blore (the Valet - "Butch") and Donald Meek (the Judge) STOLE the show. I am still laughing as I remember.

You may not remember the names of Blore and Meek, but if you have watched (practically) ANY movie from the 20's, 30's or 40's, you will recognize their faces (usually as butlers, bankers, judges, or valets --combined - the two were in over 200 films in those 30 years!)

As previous reviewers have said, this movie is pure fun, lite comedy, with some of our most loved actors - worth the watch and GUARANTEED for a belly laugh!

Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall starred in Breakfast For Two with her as a Texas oil heiress and he as dissolute playboy living off his dad's trust fund.

Both Stanwyck and her dad Frank Thomas are in town as minority stockholders of the shipping company that was the business that gave Marshall the fortune he enjoys. The company from poor management looks like it's going under. Stanwyck who wakes up in Marshall's apartment after she brought him home in a drunken state can't leave because of his trusty Great Dane. The film begins here and it's obvious a large portion of film was cut away giving more background to the story.

Stanwyck played a few madcap heiresses in her salad days. Marshall does all right. But his part really calls for someone like Cary Grant or William Powell especially with a lot of physical comedy involved. Given the fact that Marshall was missing a leg due to injuries in the First World War I sincerely doubt he was doing any pratfalls. Those were done in long shot and clearly by a double.

Glenda Farrell does well here as the fiancé Marshall is supposed to marry. Highlight of the film is how Stanwyck breaks up the wedding. Farrell gets hysterical as the justice of the peace Donald Meek who is trying to give out with some boring homily about, yes the birds and the bees. Meek is very funny. So is Eric Blore as Marshall's ever helpful valet.

Too bad Cary Grant wasn't available.

The film begins with rich and drunk playboy Herbert Marshall being taken to his home by nice girl Barbara Stanwyck. The butler's reaction (Eric Blore) at seeing her in the shower instead of his master is priceless! It seems that the Stanwyck and Marshall met the night before while he was on a bender and they share some sweet moments over breakfast. However, the nice moment is interrupted when Marshall finds that the fun and games are over, as he is practically broke and his family steamship line is about to be sold. Unknown to all, Barbara is loaded with cash and she buys the business and plans on letting Marshall run it--hoping to make him more responsible and her future husband! When Marshall discovers her plan, he is understandably miffed and immediately proposes to another woman!

This is a film that fans of old time Hollywood can enjoy. More "sophistsicated" viewers might see the premise of the film as very contrived and silly (which it is), but the point of the film is to enjoy the journey and NOT question the implausibility. Let me explain.... The film stars some excellent actors (Herbert Marshall and Barbara Stanwyck) and are very ably supported by some wonderful familiar faces--in particular, Eric Blore and Donald Meek. Unlike more modern films which often rely heavily on the stars, like some of the best 1930s films the supporting players give the film life and provide great laughs--providing a wonderful balance that is often missing in newer films. Heck, considering Blore's performance alone, I'd strongly recommend this movie. His appearances in TOP HAT and many other films of the 1930s did so much to improve the films, so I look forward to him at least at much as I looked forward to Stanwyck and Marshall! Also, while the plot is silly, the writing of the characters and dialog is amazingly witty and clever. In particular, the last 15 minutes of the film are sparkling and you can't help but laugh out loud--it's THAT good! Just turn off your brain and enjoy!

Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall had some fine movie performances to their credit when they starred in "Breakfast for Two." Stanwyck was one of the best actresses at the time, equally at home with mysteries, drama, and comedy. She especially excelled in the latter. While he did some comedies, Marshall was more known and regarded for his dramatic works. Some of his comedies were quite good, but others not so. This isn't one of his good roles. It may not be all his fault though. The idea for the plot is a good one, but the screenplay doesn't pull it off well. For instance, Marshall's Jonathan Blair changes so suddenly from his devil-may-care attitude and disinterest in his business, to one of protecting the family tradition that it just isn't believable. The directing and film editing likely played a hand in this as well. There were other little things that didn't quite ring true with Blair's character. He wakes with a hangover after sleeping on a couch. Yet his clothes are neat as can be and not a tussle of his hair appears out of place. He doesn't act like he has a hangover.

Stanwyck's Valentine Ransome is excellent. No more needs to be said about her. There are a couple of very hilarious scenes in the film, but not much witty dialog. Eric Blore and Donald Meek give good performances to enhance the movie. No one can play a butler so amusingly as Eric Blore. His part as Butch is big enough that it helps Stanwyck carry the film.

"Breakfast for Two" isn't full of laughs, but it's a light comedy that most should enjoy. Stanwyck has a large portfolio of very good films, so this isn't one I would keep in my library.