La famille sans-souci

Although I once was a sucker for any romantic comedy, especially from the 30's, I have become jaded over the last few years. with the preponderance and availability of so many, thanks to TCM, I have been disappointed time and again. The plots are more often than not cliché'd and predictable. The acting is, although good for the time, usually, very different from the style we are used to today. The chemistry between actors is usually nil. The quality of the production second rate.

What a treat and a surprise this film was! It deserves to be as highly regarded as The Awful Truth, it Happened One Night, and any top notch Romantic Comedy of the 30's. It had me laughing and tearing up. The quality of the production was top tier. Imagine using a clip from the train wreck (which was just a minor plot device) in a 1960's popular TV series. That is just one example of how 1st class this film is. Some of the scenes, particularly the father and son speculating over the construction site over how the workers could possibly be having any fun, and the father's horror at actually having to get a job along with the funeral procession to the door of the Flying Wombat dealership to take his position as a car salesman, are absolutely hilarious. (and not just hilarious "for its time.")

I won't add to the the praise of the actors from other reviewers. Just that I agree wholeheartedly.

It's not just another Romantic Comedy. It has drama and heart as well.

I.A.R. Wylie's serialized story "The Gay Banditti" becomes a heart-warming sentimental-comedy from producer David O. Selznick. A family of con-artists on the Riviera, about to bilk a former Senator out of some three million dollars, are asked to leave the country by the authorities; they're penniless, but luckily they meet a kindly old lady on the train to London and are asked to stay as guests at her mansion. The screenplay curdles with cuteness now and then (and certainly that unmemorable title hasn't enhanced the film's reputation), yet an enjoyable time is had by all. The first-rate cast (headed by Janet Gaynor as the "rotter" daughter) works the material fabulously, and there's a sweetheart of an automobile (the Flying Wombat). Also, a butler who adores Dominoes, a suspicious lawyer, a sharp working girl (Paulette Goddard, naturally stunning), and some satiric laughs while gently poking fun at the working class. *** from ****

This is a movie which makes you want to sigh 'Aaaah' at the end when you first see it and look for it's faults later.

True, it's often over sentimental and contains a performance from Minnie Dupree as the old lady, which may invoke the occasional murderous thought, but it's a nice film, which leaves you completely satisfied and at peace with the world.

The splendid cast includes Janet Gaynor and Douglas Fairbanks Jnr, neither of whom were renowned for playing comedy but they are both excellent. Best of all is Roland Young as the father in possibly the finest performance of his distinguished career. A word also for Billie Burke, as the scatty mother, although I tend to find her performance a little irritating. Perhaps that's how it should be?

The support cast includes Richard Carlson in his first screen part and the lovely Paulette Goddard who do well in the limited roles they are playing. And of course Minnie Dupree.

All in all, a great little film that only the hard of heart could possibly dislike.

Aaaah!!

Janet Gaynor, won the first Oscar for 3 silent films but had a considerable talkie career in the 1930s. At 32, she retired from films, and The Young in Heart was her final film. She mad once more film appearance in the 1950s. This is a subtle little film, and Gaynor plays against type as a con artist. Actually her brother and parents are con artists also. They happen upon a little old lady and move in with her in high hopes of getting her money. Sweet little comedy also boasts Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Billie Burke, and Roland Young as the family members. They are all terrific. Minnie Dupree is quite wonderful as Miss Fortune, and Richard Carlson, Paulette Goddard, Henry Stephenson, Billy Bevan, Eily Malyon, and Lucile Watson co-star. Not a screwball comedy, but more a comedy of manners, this is nonetheless a delightful if rarely seen little gem. Gaynor was so awful in her early talkies (like Sunnyside and Delicious) but somehow she learned the new medium and became a solid actress. She is wonderful in A Star Is Born, Three Loves Has Nancy, Small Town Girl, and The Farmer Takes a Wife. Too bad she quit films at such an early age. Fairbanks was always underrated. Goddard makes a nice impression here as well. And what about those Flying Wombats!

Never heard of this film and I was very surprised that Janet Gaynor, (George-Anne) performed in this film which seemed to have been forgotten in the vaults over the years. The story deals with a family called the "Carletons" who are professional con-artists who look for wealthy widows in need of friends and comfort or even card games and gambling. As time moves on, these crooks discover a little old lady they met on a train who is very lonely and very rich and the crooks hope they can con this lady to change her will which will allow them to retire from the rackets. However, this little sweet old lady changes the direction of this entire film. There are great performances by Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks,Jr., and the introduction of Richard Carlson to his first role in a picture. Enjoy