Mama Steps Out

Wealthy American businessman Guy Kibbee takes his family on that broadening trip to France. Kibbee is content to take what comes but his wife Alice Brady is downright annoyed by the number of Americans they run into over here. She wants to see some foreigners.

Meanwhile, daughter Betty Furness has spotted old school friend Dennis Morgan, who is now a band singer - talented but not living up to his potential. Morgan is not interested in Betty but she keeps chasing him, seeing something good.

Brady finally meets some artistic types, who hang around the rented villa and make life difficult for the servants. Furness persists in encouraging Morgan to be his best self and eventually he starts to come around. Kibbee, meanwhile, does his best to keep the wife happy but finally reaches his limit.

It's an okay plot but unfortunately this riotous comedy is not so much hilarious as just noisy. Alice Brady is funny but also a little shrill, even for a ditzy rich lady. The three European artists are eccentric - but not that eccentric, and not that funny either.

Betty Furness is fine, and Dennis Morgan (billed as Stanley Morner at this early point in his career) is actually fun to watch - his arrogance turns to uncertainty as he reconsiders his plans and attitude. Guy Kibbee is excellent as usual, although a stronger role for Kibbee might have made this picture stronger as well.