This is not a particularly bold or intriguing film, although the story itself could have allowed opportunities for satire that were missed. But it's a nice cute little story, about a man who uses his knowledge to beat the Quiz Show circuit of the 1950s to get revenge on a potential employer who insulted him. What lifts the film above potential mediocrity, more so even than the quality writing, is the fine central cast. Ronald Colman plays the genius, Vincent Price plays the corporate mastermind who incurs his wrath, and the effervescent Celeste Holm plays the "femme fatale" that Price sends to ruin Colman. All 3 of these leads are truly excellent in the film, adding class and humor to the proceedings.
It's unusual to see Price in an outright comedy, but it's not completely alien territory for him. See for example John Farrow's "His Kind of Woman." Horror fans will get a kick out of seeing him in such a broad manner, even more so than his later comedic horror films. Colman was always suave and dignified, but I've never seen him quite as funny in any other films either. And Holm was just one of those treasures of Broadway that got passed on to Hollywood, which never really 100% knew what to do with her talents. This is about as close as it gets, although it would have been nice maybe to see her musical talent on display.
This is the kind of film that was growing rare for its era too -- a smart comedy that doesn't need to stretch and strain against its own limitations in order to be relevant and entertaining. It will remind one a bit of the comedies of Capra and Sturges, although perhaps its social microscope is a bit more focused. The film does tangentially touch on the subject of the general ignorance of American society, and features an intellectual hero which is unusual in American comedy.
It's unusual to see Price in an outright comedy, but it's not completely alien territory for him. See for example John Farrow's "His Kind of Woman." Horror fans will get a kick out of seeing him in such a broad manner, even more so than his later comedic horror films. Colman was always suave and dignified, but I've never seen him quite as funny in any other films either. And Holm was just one of those treasures of Broadway that got passed on to Hollywood, which never really 100% knew what to do with her talents. This is about as close as it gets, although it would have been nice maybe to see her musical talent on display.
This is the kind of film that was growing rare for its era too -- a smart comedy that doesn't need to stretch and strain against its own limitations in order to be relevant and entertaining. It will remind one a bit of the comedies of Capra and Sturges, although perhaps its social microscope is a bit more focused. The film does tangentially touch on the subject of the general ignorance of American society, and features an intellectual hero which is unusual in American comedy.