Breakfast for Two

The film begins with rich and drunk playboy Herbert Marshall being taken to his home by nice girl Barbara Stanwyck. The butler's reaction (Eric Blore) at seeing her in the shower instead of his master is priceless! It seems that the Stanwyck and Marshall met the night before while he was on a bender and they share some sweet moments over breakfast. However, the nice moment is interrupted when Marshall finds that the fun and games are over, as he is practically broke and his family steamship line is about to be sold. Unknown to all, Barbara is loaded with cash and she buys the business and plans on letting Marshall run it--hoping to make him more responsible and her future husband! When Marshall discovers her plan, he is understandably miffed and immediately proposes to another woman!

This is a film that fans of old time Hollywood can enjoy. More "sophistsicated" viewers might see the premise of the film as very contrived and silly (which it is), but the point of the film is to enjoy the journey and NOT question the implausibility. Let me explain.... The film stars some excellent actors (Herbert Marshall and Barbara Stanwyck) and are very ably supported by some wonderful familiar faces--in particular, Eric Blore and Donald Meek. Unlike more modern films which often rely heavily on the stars, like some of the best 1930s films the supporting players give the film life and provide great laughs--providing a wonderful balance that is often missing in newer films. Heck, considering Blore's performance alone, I'd strongly recommend this movie. His appearances in TOP HAT and many other films of the 1930s did so much to improve the films, so I look forward to him at least at much as I looked forward to Stanwyck and Marshall! Also, while the plot is silly, the writing of the characters and dialog is amazingly witty and clever. In particular, the last 15 minutes of the film are sparkling and you can't help but laugh out loud--it's THAT good! Just turn off your brain and enjoy!

Well-dressed Texas heiress Barbara Stanwyck (as Valentine Ransome) wakes up in a wealthy New York stranger's bed. Womanizing resident Herbert Marshall (as Jonathan Blair) passed out on the couch, after Ms. Stanwyck saw him home safely. A well-trained Great Dane named "Pee Wee" doesn't allow Mr. Marshall's female guests leave until after breakfast. So, Stanwyck and Marshall have "Breakfast for Two" and are mutually attracted...

Too bad Marshall is already engaged to flashy actress Glenda Farrell (as Carol Wallace). Marshall could be a ventriloquist, but not a bigamist. Everyone works it out, in fairly amusing fashion. Marshall's stunt double helps his a boxing match, but the film's chief asset is devoted butler Eric Blore (as Butch).

****** Breakfast for Two (10/27/37) Alfred Santell ~ Barbara Stanwyck, Herbert Marshall, Eric Blore, Glenda Farrell

Rich drunken playboy Jonathan Blair (Herbert Marshall) wakes up in the morning to find Valentine Ransome (Barbara Stanwyck) ready to leave. He had passed out and she brought him home after a night of partying. Actress Carol Wallace, one of his girlfriends, shows up to find them having breakfast. Valentine vows to reform the irresponsible, spoiled, womanizing playboy despite only met him once and then marry him.

Stanwyck has plenty of fun with her smile and her sass. She has a great bit with boxing. She's all kinds of fun. He's a fine foil. It's not the hottest of romances but it's good light fun.

A New York playboy & a Texas rich girl enjoy BREAKFAST FOR TWO after a wild night on the town.

Here is a screwball comedy which derives its humor more from the fine acting of its cast than from zany situations. When these situations do appear late in the film the characters are well established in the viewer's mind, adding extra zest to some very funny sequences.

Barbara Stanwyck stars as the highly determined young woman who uses her considerable resources to save the man she loves from his improvident lifestyle. This was an actress equally adept at the grittiest drama or the lightest comedy. Her timing was impeccable and her delivery uniquely all her own. As the object of her affections, Herbert Marshall makes excellent use of his suave demeanor and marvelous speaking voice to add a soupçon of sophistication to his character's wastrel ways.

An excellent supporting cast gets fully involved in the zany proceedings. Brassy Glenda Farrell plays the dumb blonde actress who adores Marshall; good-hearted & jolly, the plot really does treat her unkindly. Eric Blore is wonderful as Marshall's faithful, scheming valet. Tiny chittering Etienne Girardot plays Marshall's elderly office manager. Donald Meek, as a flustered little Justice of the Peace, gets to preside over three of the funniest wedding ceremonies ever committed to film.

RKO has given the film very fine production values, as epitomized by the mansion sets shown in the opening sequence. And what about those crazy window washers?!

Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall enjoy "Breakfast for Two" in this 1937 comedy which also stars Eric Blore, Brenda Farrell, and Donald Meek.

Stanwyck is Valentine Ransome from Texas, who meets playboy Jonathan Blair one night and ends up spending the night at his apartment. No, it's not precode, it's just that Blair's dog frightened her when she went for the door. Valentine is attracted to Jonathan, but he appears to have a lack of direction. He runs his family shipping company and has just about plowed it into the ground.

Valentine buys the company in the hopes that Jonathan will get in there and make good. Meanwhile, she has to worry about his marriage to an actress (Glenda Farrell) and how she's going to stop it.

Some hilarious scenes, including a chorus of window washers and a funny performance by Donald Meek as the poor justice of the peace. As the dizzy actress Carol, Glenda Farrell is a riot.

There's some slapstick that involves Marshall which I assume was done with a stand-in since he had an artificial leg - but it was done seamlessly.

Beautiful sets and nice production values, a cute comedy, with the young Stanwyck looking beautiful.