Il maggiordomo

It's my favorite movie. I love it beyond all reason. I have it on VHS (need DVD NOW!) as well as a still reproduction of Charles Laughton in the title role. I named one of my cats Ruggles. In other words, my recommendation is high! That said, I don't want to oversell it. While it contains some admirable themes about throwing off tradition and becoming your own person, it's above all a charming character comedy distinguished by Leo McCarey's signature style of improvisatory naturalism (particularly in comparison to the usual run of mainstream fare). Jean Renoir's famous quote about McCarey being one of the few directors who understood human beings (or words to that effect) is made clear here.

While there's plenty of broad humor, my favorite scenes involve smaller, character-centered moments, such as the sly little courtship scene in which a piano-playing Leila Hyams coaches a smitten Roland Young as he attempts to accompany her on drums.

It's full of colorful characters, priceless dialogue and emotionally involving story arcs. Seek it out -- if you like it one-tenth as much as I do, you'll consider your time well spent.