Perdonate il mio passato

This is a movie that is incredibly enjoyable but if you think too much, then your head might explode--the plot is THAT crazy! However, if you can turn off your brain and just enjoy, then you'll have a great time.

Fred MacMurray stars in dual roles--Eddie York AND Francis Pemberton. It seems that neither man knows the other exists and they are exact duplicates. The problem is that Eddie and his buddy, Chuck (William Demarest), don't realize that Pemberton's life is a mess and Pemberton had left the country owing a large gambling debt. The gambler thinks that Eddie is Francis and threatens to kill him unless he is paid $12,000 immediately! So in desperation, York locates Pemberton's mansion to try to get the money. However, as he's an exact duplicate, everyone there thinks he's Pemberton as well!

The plot, though very contrived and practically impossible, the way they explain everything is actually pretty clever. Plus the film abounds with great writing and dialog--giving the actors plenty with which to work. Particular standouts in the film were Akim Tamiroff and especially sweet old Henry Davinport--who gives one of his funniest and best supporting performances. A really cute and enjoyable film--and one that should be better known, as it's exceptionally well executed.