This gem of a screwball comedy has it all: wonderful performances (especially from Margaret Sullavan), witty dialogue, good comedic timing, etc. The premise is a little outlandish, but hey, what do you expect from a screwball? Besides, that's partly what made "A Palm Beach Story" (also written by Sturges) so charming.
Margaret Sullavan plays Louisa, an orphan hired as a movie theater usher (which, in the scheme of things, is not important). Through funny circumstances she ends up befriending Detlaff, a prickly but lovable waiter. He invites her to a fancy party where millionaire Konrad falls for her and tries to seduce her (and fails miserably). Frightened, Louisa lies and says she's married and picks her husband's name out of the phone book. Konrad decides to give this lawyer (Max Sporum/Herbert Marshall) an important position with his company so that _he_ can go on to lavish Lousia with expensive gifts.
You can figure out the rest. Herbert Marshall and Sullavan have a great chemistry, though, and though I never took to Marshall in "Trouble in Paradise", I found him utterly charming here with his accent, enthusiasm, and dry humor. As for Sullavan...wow! She produced such touching scenes that I would have labeled this movie a tearjerker if it weren't so darned funny! A must-see.
Margaret Sullavan plays Louisa, an orphan hired as a movie theater usher (which, in the scheme of things, is not important). Through funny circumstances she ends up befriending Detlaff, a prickly but lovable waiter. He invites her to a fancy party where millionaire Konrad falls for her and tries to seduce her (and fails miserably). Frightened, Louisa lies and says she's married and picks her husband's name out of the phone book. Konrad decides to give this lawyer (Max Sporum/Herbert Marshall) an important position with his company so that _he_ can go on to lavish Lousia with expensive gifts.
You can figure out the rest. Herbert Marshall and Sullavan have a great chemistry, though, and though I never took to Marshall in "Trouble in Paradise", I found him utterly charming here with his accent, enthusiasm, and dry humor. As for Sullavan...wow! She produced such touching scenes that I would have labeled this movie a tearjerker if it weren't so darned funny! A must-see.