This film has a fine cast, including the first of half a dozen pairings of Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford. It is only Ford's seventh film, but Hayward had made more than 30 films since 1934. This is a good look at the young Ford before he became the more mature character most movie fans will remember him as. Other members of the supporting cast do very well too. Curt Bois is very good as Henri Lurette, and Irene Rich is especially good in the role of Michele Morestan.
But "The Lady in Question" is a Brian Aherne showcase all the way. His Andre Morestan is a character, in a true sense of the word - comical at times, caring at other times, and conflicted often enough. Who couldn't help liking him or wanting him for a friend? Aherne's particular persona in putting flair into scenes is shown at its best here. It's the stuff that provided much laughter in one of the funniest comedies of all time, "Merrily We Live" of 1938. And, that he used for much laughter in "The Great Garrick" of 1937, and in "Hired Wife" of 1940 and other films. This is one actor one would have liked to see in more comedies.
When this film was made, Aherne was one of the top box office draws, especially in comedy. He was an all around actor and good in drama and mysteries. But I think he excelled in comedy. Yet he only made 14 comedies of his 70 credits, which included mostly TV series roles in his last decade. By the mid-1960s he was through with acting and retired permanently at age 65
This story is set in Paris. Morestan and his wife own a bicycle and music shop and live above it. He is thrilled to be called for jury duty selection, after waiting nearly 30 years. The humor is apparent when he is contrasted to most people who try to avoid jury duty. Well, he holds out and eventually persuades his fellow jurors to enter a not guilty verdict in a murder or suicide case. But then, when he feels sorry for and invites the acquitted poor girl, Natalie Roguin, to stay in their home and work in their store, the humor ramps up. Suspicion, jealousy, envy, distrust, false impressions, romance and more with Andre's wife, son and daughter, her suitor, and Mr. Lurette, a fellow juror.
The film has a slight blanket of intrigue over whether or not Natalie was guilty of a crime after all. And it has a very nice twist for an ending. Here are a few favorite lines from the film.
Andre Morestan, "What makes everyone think that a trial is a picnic?"
Michele Morestan, "I don't want you to go to trials. If your father wants to associate with criminals, let him; but not you." Andre Morestan, "Tell your mother that a juror associates with the police, not with criminals."
Andre Morestan, "I've told my wife so many lies, I don't think I could ever tell her the truth now."
