The Perfect Gentleman

1935 "HE OFFERED THE LADIES HIS HEART and A FORTUNE IN PAWN TICKETS"
The Perfect Gentleman
6.4| 1h12m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 22 November 1935 Released
Producted By: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
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Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

A strait-laced country vicar is very embarrassed by his father's naughty exploits with a lively actress.

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MartinHafer Frank Morgan plays a pretty typical sort of role--a bombastic ne'er-do-well. Most people love him (especially the ladies) but not everyone---creditors are always at his heels. But he's so full of bluster, promises and charm that people naturally like when they meet. But he's also a burden to his sister and son--who are often left to clean up the messes that he's made. They are exasperated and ready to call it quits.Oddly, after a long string of failures, when he meets a stage actress (Cicely Courtneidge), the somehow manage to make a success. And, for the first time, Morgan's life is starting to go right and he's starting to make good for all his lies and half-truths. But, in a misunderstanding, he and Courtneidge split up. What's to become of Morgan? While I will quickly admit that the plot in this film is VERY slight, it is nevertheless quite enjoyable. It's a turn off your brain and enjoy sort of movie--with some nice comedy, mostly enjoyable music and lots of upper-class folks going into a dither (which is always fun to watch). For old movie buffs, this is a nice and predictable sort of treat. Others might be a bit less forgiving.
marcslope Frank Morgan didn't get to play many lead roles during his long tenure at MGM, so this gentle, sub-Wodehousian English trifle ought to be a cause for celebration. Alas. He plays a "charming," penniless old rogue who sponges off his relatives, spends what little he has on drink, makes tactless talk with stiff authority figures, and romances a fetching musical hall lady (Cicely Courtneidge, who was the real thing, and is delightful). The trouble, aside from Tim Whelan's utterly anonymous direction, is that "the Major," as written, is nearly as tiresome and confounding as all the "bad," "small-minded" townspeople claim him to be. So you can't really blame an overacting Una O'Connor as his huffy sister for scolding him, or handsome Robert Waring as his conventional son for turning him out. You can't even understand why Heather Angel, as his prospective daughter-in-law, would keep defending him. You can't imagine why his bumbling rendition of "Pack Up Your Troubles" in a music hall would save Courtneidge's hitherto-reviled act. And when a humbled Morgan finally wins her hand, you're mostly sorry for her rather than overjoyed for them both. The sentiment here feels calculated, the pacing's off, and virtually nothing is credible. Frank Morgan is perfection, but even he can't turn this dithering blowhard into a likable guy.
Enrique Sanchez Bubbling Frank Morgan and a wonderful cast of British talent make this screwball comedy & comedy of errors shine with charming giggles and amusing bemusement.The father of the Vicar, Morgan, portrays a self-stuffed shirt that finds his luck from a night out in the music halls.Dame Cicely Courtneidge, Herbert Mundin, Heather Angel (You Can't Take It With You) and Una O'Connor play the perfect foil for Morgan's delightful buffoonery.This is the type of comedy that couldn't be made today even if they tried. The underlying comedy of manners reflect a bygone era that may never come again - filled with its social mores and contradictions.Here was a time when decent men did not consort with "brazen women" from the entertainment field. I wonder how much things have changed today? Nevertheless, this is a time when family honor and unsullied reputations were prized - and - mountains were moved to maintain them above all else - even love.The final musical extravaganza performed by Courtneidge and a battalion of soldiers and drummers is stirring, even though short by Busby Berkeley standards.I recommend this highly.
Bob F. This little comedy was made at the MGM English studio. It featured a British cast, with the exception of the American character actor, Frank Morgan. Remember him? He played the wizard, in the "Wizard Of Oz." What makes this film fun to watch is Morgan's comic skill, and energy. Also, a plus, is the quality of his fellow British actors. This quality, is what raises a rather sub-par script, into a very watchable film.