A few movies have been made over the years with double characters. They can be exact look-alikes, identical twins, or long lost, separated or unknown siblings. In a couple, the stars have amnesia and play two different lives. Of course, one actor or actress plays both roles. Most have been comedies and all of them that I've seen have been very good. I think that's probably because the various plots have been different and somewhat original. Danny Kaye played two characters in three films – "Wonder Man" in 1945, "On the Riviera" in 1951, and "On the Double," in 1961. William Powell played two separate lives as an amnesiac in "I Love You Again" (1940).
"Pardon My Past" is such a film. Fred MacMurray has the double role of Francis Pemberton and Eddie York. They are identical twins who were separated in adoption. Only Grandpa Pemberton knows about it, but he doesn't figure it out for quite a while. It isn't a laugh-a- minute movie, because there is a serious side to the mistaken identity here. But the several characters and roles in the plot make this a very entertaining movie.
William Demarest plays Eddie's sidekick, Chuck Gibson. Marguerite Chapman is Eddie's object of romance, as Aunt Joan. Pemberton's estranged wife, Mary, is played by Rita Johnson. The several minor roles all are very good. But three more characters, played by accomplished supporting actors, add much flavor to the story. Akim Tamiroff plays the bookie, Mr. Arnold. Harry Davenport plays Grandpa Pemberton, and Douglas Dumbrille plays the villainous Uncle Wills.
The plot is far-fetched as one would expect for such a film. And, it's a hoot throughout. The scenes with Mr. Arnold are hilarious. He's a tough bookie who feigns class and collects first edition books. One just can't imagine a mean guy behind the mask of his character and with his face. The scenes with Grandpa Pemberton also are very funny.
There is one thing about the opening of the film that some may find puzzling. This is a 1945 movie, and Eddie and Chuck have just been discharged from the Army. Yet, the clerk in the clothing store says something about "when the war is over." The war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945, but WW II didn't end until the defeat of Japan in the Pacific and Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945. So, Eddie and Chuck would have been among the European WW II vets just discharged in early summer of 1945.
I was curious about their ranks and service, from their discussion in the opening scenes. Chuck commented that he was middle aged, and older than Eddie. The film isn't real clear, but there is very little insignia on Chuck's uniform. In one short flash there appear to be lieutenant's bars. He has no service ribbons. Eddie's uniform has what appear to be captain's bars, and a lapel insignia of crossed rifles, an infantry symbol. His uniform jacket's left breast has a single row of ribbons on it. If they had been pals the past two years during the war, they would have served together. So, the most likely scenario for these two would be that Eddie ended as a company commander (captain), and Chuck had been an NCO who got a battlefield commission. He likely was a platoon leader at the end. Although he talked as though he was glad to have the Army behind him, Chuck saluted an officer on the street when they left the store. That's something a career or long-time NCO might do out of habit rather than an enlisted man or officer who just served a wartime hitch.
Anyway, this is a funny and entertaining film from start to finish. It makes a fine addition to a collection of actors who play double characters in the movies. Here are some of my favorite humorous lines from the film.
Chuck, "What does a mink do? Does it baaa, growl, mew or coo?" Eddie, "It makes more minks."
Eddie, "Go on, get him a hat? Why don't you try to be nice to the customers?" Store clerk, "I've been nice to customers for 22 years. Now I don't have to 'til the wars over."
Chuck, "Say, what does the Army want to give you pockets for, if you can't put anything in 'em?"
Grandpa, "Yeah, it's you all right. The same worthless, scalawag
wine, women and song. What'd they do, run you out down there?"
Mr. Arnold, "The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." (The saying is from Mark Twain, but Arnold isn't sure who said it and mentions another source.)
Mark Twain said, "The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them."
Grandpa, "Oh, the doctor. That hypocritical old pill peddler. I'll out last him 10 years."
Chuck, "We'll call the cops." Mr. Long, "Don't use that word. Mr. Arnold doesn't like it."
Grandpa, "Well, cut my ears off and roast 'em over a slow fire."
Mr. Arnold, "I simply cannot bear the idea of live people owing me money."
Grandpa, "Are you sure you're the same poisonous, hock-sniffing scud we had around here 'til he lit out for Mexico?"
Mr. Arnold, "Mr. Long, this is one experience I will not forget. All this money and not one sane person in the house."
Eddie, "Mr. Arnold, this is robbery." Chuck, "I'll say it is. You pay 5,000 for Shakespeare and only 900 for Dickens. It's ridiculous."
Mr. Arnold, "Is this his signature?" Grandpa, "Yes, that's his. When you going to beat him up?"
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