Déjeuner pour deux

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!

Rich drunken playboy Jonathan Blair (Herbert Marshall) wakes up in the morning to find Valentine Ransome (Barbara Stanwyck) ready to leave. He had passed out and she brought him home after a night of partying. Actress Carol Wallace, one of his girlfriends, shows up to find them having breakfast. Valentine vows to reform the irresponsible, spoiled, womanizing playboy despite only met him once and then marry him.

Stanwyck has plenty of fun with her smile and her sass. She has a great bit with boxing. She's all kinds of fun. He's a fine foil. It's not the hottest of romances but it's good light fun.

A New York playboy & a Texas rich girl enjoy BREAKFAST FOR TWO after a wild night on the town.

Here is a screwball comedy which derives its humor more from the fine acting of its cast than from zany situations. When these situations do appear late in the film the characters are well established in the viewer's mind, adding extra zest to some very funny sequences.

Barbara Stanwyck stars as the highly determined young woman who uses her considerable resources to save the man she loves from his improvident lifestyle. This was an actress equally adept at the grittiest drama or the lightest comedy. Her timing was impeccable and her delivery uniquely all her own. As the object of her affections, Herbert Marshall makes excellent use of his suave demeanor and marvelous speaking voice to add a soupçon of sophistication to his character's wastrel ways.

An excellent supporting cast gets fully involved in the zany proceedings. Brassy Glenda Farrell plays the dumb blonde actress who adores Marshall; good-hearted & jolly, the plot really does treat her unkindly. Eric Blore is wonderful as Marshall's faithful, scheming valet. Tiny chittering Etienne Girardot plays Marshall's elderly office manager. Donald Meek, as a flustered little Justice of the Peace, gets to preside over three of the funniest wedding ceremonies ever committed to film.

RKO has given the film very fine production values, as epitomized by the mansion sets shown in the opening sequence. And what about those crazy window washers?!

Well-dressed Texas heiress Barbara Stanwyck (as Valentine Ransome) wakes up in a wealthy New York stranger's bed. Womanizing resident Herbert Marshall (as Jonathan Blair) passed out on the couch, after Ms. Stanwyck saw him home safely. A well-trained Great Dane named "Pee Wee" doesn't allow Mr. Marshall's female guests leave until after breakfast. So, Stanwyck and Marshall have "Breakfast for Two" and are mutually attracted...

Too bad Marshall is already engaged to flashy actress Glenda Farrell (as Carol Wallace). Marshall could be a ventriloquist, but not a bigamist. Everyone works it out, in fairly amusing fashion. Marshall's stunt double helps his a boxing match, but the film's chief asset is devoted butler Eric Blore (as Butch).

****** Breakfast for Two (10/27/37) Alfred Santell ~ Barbara Stanwyck, Herbert Marshall, Eric Blore, Glenda Farrell

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.