First, a criticism of the DVD, but not the film. The DVD version of this is quite clear in terms of video, but there is definite audio distortion beginning about 20 minutes into the film and occurring periodically. It's not bad enough to make you want to turn the film off, but it is annoying in a few scenes.
Of course, the star here is Ronald Colman. Colman, perhaps more than any other actor, seems irreplaceable in the films in which he appeared. And he is very much that here -- perfect as the erudite genius who nearly wins money in a quiz show. While this is not Colman's finest role by any means (try "Random Harvest"). This was Colman's followup film to his Academy Award winning role in "A Double Life", and his last truly starring lead role.
Colman's supporting actors include Celeste Holm as the -- well, is she his ally or his downfall? Vincent Price in a nice turn of comedy as the owner of the soap company. Barbara Britton as Colman's sister who falls in love with the radio MC. Art Linkletter as -- what else -- the radio MC (not usually a big screen presence, but does a nice job here with even one love scene). And we should mention Mel Blanc as the voice of the African Grey parrot.
As I read the other reviews, I was a bit surprised to see that so many reviewers were pleasantly taken aback by Vincent Prince doing comedy. A decade later, Price was a frequent guest on "The Red Skelton Hour". And yes, Price does well here in his comedic role as the president of the soap company who sponsors the quiz show in question.
One question, why do they keep calling it a radio show when it was being broadcast on television? This is a very pleasant comedy, though far from Colman's crowning achievement. Recommended, and it found a place on my DVD shelf.
Of course, the star here is Ronald Colman. Colman, perhaps more than any other actor, seems irreplaceable in the films in which he appeared. And he is very much that here -- perfect as the erudite genius who nearly wins money in a quiz show. While this is not Colman's finest role by any means (try "Random Harvest"). This was Colman's followup film to his Academy Award winning role in "A Double Life", and his last truly starring lead role.
Colman's supporting actors include Celeste Holm as the -- well, is she his ally or his downfall? Vincent Price in a nice turn of comedy as the owner of the soap company. Barbara Britton as Colman's sister who falls in love with the radio MC. Art Linkletter as -- what else -- the radio MC (not usually a big screen presence, but does a nice job here with even one love scene). And we should mention Mel Blanc as the voice of the African Grey parrot.
As I read the other reviews, I was a bit surprised to see that so many reviewers were pleasantly taken aback by Vincent Prince doing comedy. A decade later, Price was a frequent guest on "The Red Skelton Hour". And yes, Price does well here in his comedic role as the president of the soap company who sponsors the quiz show in question.
One question, why do they keep calling it a radio show when it was being broadcast on television? This is a very pleasant comedy, though far from Colman's crowning achievement. Recommended, and it found a place on my DVD shelf.