But this time, she is not sniffing out of judgment or disapproval, but an attitude of "Been There, Done That!" As a polo playing grandmother who hangs out with the younger set, she's got her hands full with her destitute brood. Son-in-Law Grant Mitchell is trying to avoid a court summons, while dizzy daughter Billie Burke spends her time wondering how the Asian butler can spend a quarter for a whole family meal. With one daughter getting married and other assorted relatives popping in and out (doing all sorts of things to keep summons server Edgar Kennedy from getting to pops), there is not a moment of peace.
Then overly chatty and cheerful cousin Marian Nixon arrives and turns things even more upside down. This young lady, who talks more than a Minna bird and borrows clothes from her young cousin without permission, is one of the most annoying characters on and off screen. One wishes they'd give her the medicine that keeps cats from meowing! Other than that, this is a fairly amusing comedy with Edna May Oliver and Billie Burke stealing every scene except the ones that they share with each other. Burke, with her chirpy voice and fluttery mannerisms, managed to be lovably unlike the character of the chatterbox niece. Buster Crabbe, as the strong and silent swimmer, visually steals his scenes not with words but with his physique. This is a great example of pre-code Hollywood at its most extreme. Oliver, in her polo outfit, is quite striking. It compliments her long face that was humorously spoofed as "horsey". Edgar Kennedy gives his typically funny slow burn performance that is helped by good material. Art deco sets and pretty costumes don't hurt, either. Film historians will note that Burke and Mitchell were reunited as husband and wife at Warner Brothers 7 years later for "The Man Who Came to Dinner".
Then overly chatty and cheerful cousin Marian Nixon arrives and turns things even more upside down. This young lady, who talks more than a Minna bird and borrows clothes from her young cousin without permission, is one of the most annoying characters on and off screen. One wishes they'd give her the medicine that keeps cats from meowing! Other than that, this is a fairly amusing comedy with Edna May Oliver and Billie Burke stealing every scene except the ones that they share with each other. Burke, with her chirpy voice and fluttery mannerisms, managed to be lovably unlike the character of the chatterbox niece. Buster Crabbe, as the strong and silent swimmer, visually steals his scenes not with words but with his physique. This is a great example of pre-code Hollywood at its most extreme. Oliver, in her polo outfit, is quite striking. It compliments her long face that was humorously spoofed as "horsey". Edgar Kennedy gives his typically funny slow burn performance that is helped by good material. Art deco sets and pretty costumes don't hurt, either. Film historians will note that Burke and Mitchell were reunited as husband and wife at Warner Brothers 7 years later for "The Man Who Came to Dinner".