I just saw this gem of a movie as I was channel-surfing and came across it tonight on Turner Classic Movies. I knew nothing about the film, even less about the luminaries who made it except that one of the stars was Tallulah Bankhead. An enigma wrapped in a legend, I had heard about her since forever, but never had the opportunity to see her in her prime. What a surprise! I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard during a movie. I am SO tired of stupidity and over-the-top absurdity masquerading as comedy! I don't understand what's so funny about either. Give me wit, subtlety, irony, and understated comedic acting any day.
Perhaps this movie came out at the wrong time. The published date of 1946 must have been a time when tensions were building between the US and the Soviet Union, so I wonder how open the American audience would have been to the antics of pre-revolution Russia. And it doesn't sound as if Bankhead and the Hollywood press were the best of friends. But from this vantage point, this is one TIMELESS classic that will be enjoyed for what it's worth long after the silliness of today's comedies are seen as witless goofballs.
What a shame Bankhead made so few movies, and William Eythe was taken from us so young! They both gave masterful performances and one totally underrated gem of a movie!
Perhaps this movie came out at the wrong time. The published date of 1946 must have been a time when tensions were building between the US and the Soviet Union, so I wonder how open the American audience would have been to the antics of pre-revolution Russia. And it doesn't sound as if Bankhead and the Hollywood press were the best of friends. But from this vantage point, this is one TIMELESS classic that will be enjoyed for what it's worth long after the silliness of today's comedies are seen as witless goofballs.
What a shame Bankhead made so few movies, and William Eythe was taken from us so young! They both gave masterful performances and one totally underrated gem of a movie!