Hold That Kiss

The major studios which M.G.M. was the biggest, had a stable of contract players that had to be kept occupied. From the heavy-weight Stars like GABLE, LOY, POWELL, SHEARER and TRACY to character actors, all had to be kept busy. Fifty-Two (52) features a year was the standard of the 'majors' plus shorts. From 'A' efforts too 'Bs' like this one, HOLD THAT KISS (1938).

The plot of these were simple. This comedy is a typical 'Boy meets Girl', both pretending to be of the '400'. Not wishing the other to know of their rather common back-rounds. Neither wanting to admit the truth until the last reel when true love wins out over perceived social prejudices.

MAUREEN O'SULLIVAN, never a major star was a good filler for this type of film. Something to plug into between TARZANs' and pregnancies. DENNIS O'KEEFE was being groomed for a stardom he would never fulfill, but MICKEY ROONEY would go on to greater things. The rest of the cast, all professional character actors. Who knew their lines, hit their marks and got the picture done on time and under budget. This made them very popular with Louis B. Mayer and the money men back in New York City.

The worst thing about this charming, well acted comedy is its generic title. Hold what kiss?

The leads are at their romantic best. The supporting players are delightful.

I personally would have preferred it sans the Mickey Rooney character but he doubtless helped its box office (if it had any.)

A few stereotypes are engaged in, too; but otherwise, it is a charming concoction. It's funny: O'Sullivan's boss Monsieur Maurice is written very broadly but the penultimate scene in which a tricked O'Keefe tricks her by making her pose in one gown after another after another -- they now know each other to be in retail and not in society -- is very funny.

Maureen O'Sullivan works for a caterer at a wedding. Dennis O'Keefe is a clerk from a travel agency delivering steamship tickets. They mistake each other for wealthy guests. They begin a courtship, masquerading as the cream of society.

MGM's efforts at screwball rarely sparkled, but this one shows the usual studio gloss with a cast that includes Mickey Rooney, Jessie Relph, and Eddie Brophy. Miss O'Sullivan remains too ladylike at all times. However, there are enough well-crafted lines and situations to make this one enjoyable; I suspect that Ogden Nash's uncredited contribution are among the best.

This charming comedy revolves around as case of mistaken identity, which is not a novel idea, but it feels fresh in the hands of Director Edwin L. Marin, who keeps things moving. And the script is cleverly written.

A strong cast pulls laughs from the story at every turn. I especially enjoyed Maureen O'Sullivan and Mickey Rooney. I wish they had a few more scenes together, highlighting their sibling quarrels.

Dennis O'Keefe plays the boyfriend to O'Sullivan, and they are a good romantic match, especially when played for laughs, as in this film.

Average 1930's romantic situation comedy that had a low budget but nevertheless delivered the expected average goods for the genre.Nothing too badly done here and nothing spectacular either.This movie is sure to delight the big fans of the lead stars though as they indeed look good here in all their prime good looks.This movie will also satisfy big fans of romantic situation comedies set in 1938 city life......