mark.waltz
Certain actors of the golden age of Hollywood don't get the quodos they deserve, simply because they seemed so dependable, just showing up to potentially be eaten up by one of the big, dramatic ladies who dominated that time. Certainly, the 1930's had its share of great leading men who are timeless: Cagney, EGR, Bogart, Flynn, Gable, Tracy, etc., but there are a ton of them who worked pretty much every leading lady available that today only us movie aficionados know if. George Brent, Warren William, Robert Montgomery, Ricardo Cortez, Ian Hunter, and in this screwball comedy's case, Herbert Marshall. Of course, he'll always be famous for allowing Bette Davis to chew him up and spit him out in "The Little Foxes", but he was so much more than that. Here, Marshall is opposite Barbara Stanwyck, and gives as much as he gets, and then some! The story has him as a formerly wealthy playboy, now a drunk on the risk of losing his fortune. One night out on the town has him being helped home by Stanwyck who sleeps in his bed while he's passed out on the couch, covered in her fur. When valet Eric Blore (playing "Butch" which he is anything but) brings him his morning hangover remedy, he finds Stanwyck in his shower searching for a towel and Marshall covered in rabbit hair. After being locked in by Marshall's giant pooch, Stanwyck agrees to stay for breakfast. Barbs are tossed, and it appears that they are making romantic headway when Glenda Farrell (playing an allegedly untalented actress) arrives, claiming her rights to Marshall as his fiancée, leaving Stanwyck no other choice but to skedaddle. Stanwyck, a wealthy heiress from Texas, plots revenge by gaining the stock his company is losing, and this leads to a hysterical boxing match where Stanwyck gets the upper knob, oops, I mean upper hand, by giving both Marshall and "Butch" black eyes.Hysterical comedy ensues when Farrell arranges an impromptu wedding as Stanwyck's wealthy Texas dad keeps interrupting the festivities posing as a window washer determined to make everything squeak so the bride and groom won't hear the vows. Stanwyck is one determined broad, and proves to Marshall that he needs her more than she needs him, even though it is obvious that she certainly wants him. They have a wonderful chemistry here, proving that Marshall wasn't just the seemingly bland, staid man of culture he played in many other films. George Brent had played this part in a few screwball comedies already, so its a nice change of pace to see him lighten up.Oh, that supporting cast, between Blore as the very effeminate valet who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, Etienne Giradot as one of Marshall's business associates, suffering from laryngitis who after taking one of Blore's concoctions loses his voice entirely, and Donald Meek as a very flustered minister. Farrell makes the most of her bad actress part, and even though her character is certainly annoying and whiny, Farrell makes her more than tolerable. Frank M. Thomas also has many amusing moments as Stanwyck's rambunctious father. This isn't up in the ranks with "My Man Godfrey", "Nothing Sacred", "Bringing Up Baby" or "Merrilly We Live", but its better than many other attempts at screwball comedy which when compared to these classics seem more like dumbbells than screwballs.
SimonJack
Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall had some fine movie performances to their credit when they starred in "Breakfast for Two." Stanwyck was one of the best actresses at the time, equally at home with mysteries, drama, and comedy. She especially excelled in the latter. While he did some comedies, Marshall was more known and regarded for his dramatic works. Some of his comedies were quite good, but others not so. This isn't one of his good roles. It may not be all his fault though. The idea for the plot is a good one, but the screenplay doesn't pull it off well. For instance, Marshall's Jonathan Blair changes so suddenly from his devil-may-care attitude and disinterest in his business, to one of protecting the family tradition that it just isn't believable. The directing and film editing likely played a hand in this as well. There were other little things that didn't quite ring true with Blair's character. He wakes with a hangover after sleeping on a couch. Yet his clothes are neat as can be and not a tussle of his hair appears out of place. He doesn't act like he has a hangover. Stanwyck's Valentine Ransome is excellent. No more needs to be said about her. There are a couple of very hilarious scenes in the film, but not much witty dialog. Eric Blore and Donald Meek give good performances to enhance the movie. No one can play a butler so amusingly as Eric Blore. His part as Butch is big enough that it helps Stanwyck carry the film. "Breakfast for Two" isn't full of laughs, but it's a light comedy that most should enjoy. Stanwyck has a large portfolio of very good films, so this isn't one I would keep in my library.
Ron Oliver
A New York playboy & a Texas rich girl enjoy BREAKFAST FOR TWO after a wild night on the town.Here is a screwball comedy which derives its humor more from the fine acting of its cast than from zany situations. When these situations do appear late in the film the characters are well established in the viewer's mind, adding extra zest to some very funny sequences.Barbara Stanwyck stars as the highly determined young woman who uses her considerable resources to save the man she loves from his improvident lifestyle. This was an actress equally adept at the grittiest drama or the lightest comedy. Her timing was impeccable and her delivery uniquely all her own. As the object of her affections, Herbert Marshall makes excellent use of his suave demeanor and marvelous speaking voice to add a soupçon of sophistication to his character's wastrel ways.An excellent supporting cast gets fully involved in the zany proceedings. Brassy Glenda Farrell plays the dumb blonde actress who adores Marshall; good-hearted & jolly, the plot really does treat her unkindly. Eric Blore is wonderful as Marshall's faithful, scheming valet. Tiny chittering Etienne Girardot plays Marshall's elderly office manager. Donald Meek, as a flustered little Justice of the Peace, gets to preside over three of the funniest wedding ceremonies ever committed to film.RKO has given the film very fine production values, as epitomized by the mansion sets shown in the opening sequence. And what about those crazy window washers?!
