This is a film where the lead tries way too hard to get laughs, while the funniest sidekick doesn't even have to try, and comes off giving a perfect performance. This Edward Small comic farce is the umpteenth version of the early 20th century novel and play, but rather than be subtle in its presentation (like the 1935 and 1985 versions), throws it down the viewer's throat like he did with those ancient bedroom farces he did around the same time, "Getting Gertie's Garter" and "Up in Mabel's Room".
It seems that there's a curse on Brewster (Dennis O'Keefe), given a million dollars he needs to spend in a certain amount of time to claim the entire estate. The help of his valet Eddie "Rochester" Anderson adds the humor thanks to Anderson's natural easy ability to land the laughs, but O'Keefe and others overplay the comedy which makes this seem like a six part two reeler in how they act.
Helen Walker as O'Keefe's fiancee, Nana Bryant as her mother, June Havoc, Gail Patrick, Mischa Auer and Thurston Hall are among the overstuffed ensemble that stretches everyone a bit too thin. Allan Dwan, responsible for those other Small/O'Keefe collaborations (which included others like "HI Diddle Diddle" and "The Bachelor's Daughters"), overdoes the frantic pacing that is far too frustrating to watch in spite of the gloss and lavish production. This million dollar baby would never sell in a five and ten cent store.
It seems that there's a curse on Brewster (Dennis O'Keefe), given a million dollars he needs to spend in a certain amount of time to claim the entire estate. The help of his valet Eddie "Rochester" Anderson adds the humor thanks to Anderson's natural easy ability to land the laughs, but O'Keefe and others overplay the comedy which makes this seem like a six part two reeler in how they act.
Helen Walker as O'Keefe's fiancee, Nana Bryant as her mother, June Havoc, Gail Patrick, Mischa Auer and Thurston Hall are among the overstuffed ensemble that stretches everyone a bit too thin. Allan Dwan, responsible for those other Small/O'Keefe collaborations (which included others like "HI Diddle Diddle" and "The Bachelor's Daughters"), overdoes the frantic pacing that is far too frustrating to watch in spite of the gloss and lavish production. This million dollar baby would never sell in a five and ten cent store.