I caught this on TCM as part of the Bette Davis Star of the Month tribute, and I have to admit, I didn't expect much. The thought of Davis, Howard, and de Havilland in a purely comedic film just seemed a little implausible to me. Thankfully, I was wrong; after five minutes, wild horses couldn't have pulled me away!
Howard plays Basil Underwood, the heartthrob of the theatre world. While touring the nation in Shakespearean plays, he builds quite a reputation as a lady's man, breaking hearts from sea to shining sea. On the eve of his elopement to his long-suffering co-star / fiancé Joyce (Davis), Basil is faced with a dilemma: in order to redeem himself in the eyes of an old friend, and in a vain attempt to make resolution for his many indiscretions with the fairer sex (the big blonde in New Orleans, the redhead in Denver, etc.), he has to make himself out to be a complete cad and cause a young fan (de Havilland) to hate him. The rest of the plot revolves around Basil's attempts to become a changed man, rather than the "bad odor" he is affectionately called at the beginning of the film.
Howard shines in this film; you can tell that he is really having some fun in this one. He plays the cad well, and is enjoyable at it. Davis has a basically supporting role, but handles what she is given with ease and sarcasm. De Havilland is a bundle of girlish charm and energy, and her blind adoration of Basil makes for some really cute situations.
The star, however, is Eric Blore, who plays Digges (Basil's valet and, essentially, his conscience). Forever packing (and unpacking) the bags and keeping track of Basil's dirty deeds, this man puts up with it all and handles it with unnerving calm and a sharp wit. Oh, and he does a mean bird call!
Although not the best of any of the primary players' careers, this is certainly a must-see for any fan of Howard, Davis, and de Havilland, or anyone just looking for a cute movie to make them smile. The last time I laughed this hard at primarily dramatic actors in a movie together was when I saw VALLEY OF THE DOLLS recently...the major difference is that Howard, Davis, and de Havilland intended to make a comedy. Enjoy!
