Really Surprised!

A Masterpiece!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

"Hard to Get" is what you might call a low-key comedy. There are some pratfalls, but the action is mostly at a relaxed pace, not frantic or riotous. Olivia de Havilland (as Margaret) and Dick Powell (as Bill) are delightful as the couple who find romance in a most unexpected (to them) way. She tears out of the house in a pique of rebelliousness but finds that the car's fuel tank is low. When she stops to get gas at a combination garage/motor court, she tries to charge the expense, but the attendant--who does not know her--refuses to extend her credit.She's actually from a wealthy family, but Bill doesn't know that and he forces her to work for the cost of the gasoline by making beds and dusting in the motor court's bungalows. She concocts a scheme for getting even, which involves her father, Charles Winninger (Ben Richards).If you believe the film, CEOs--like Mr. Winninger--spend their days wasting time or indulging in whimsical activities, like wrestling with their butlers, but it makes for a funny story.The cast is excellent. Together they create a light-hearted comedy that revolves around a growing romance.

In their own wacky way, screwball comedies like "My Man Godfrey," "It Happened One Night" and "The Awful Truth" somehow made sense. The problem with "Hard to Get" is that as much fun as it frequently is, you never believe that the shenanigans could actually happen. Would the head of a major oil company spend most of his time arm-wrestling and playing pingpong with his butler? Or take a forty story ride on a steel girder to meet a young inventor? And would his otherwise intelligent daughter pretend to be her clumsy maid to bewilder that same inventor? Then again, Dick Powell, Olivia de Haviland, Charles Winninger, Melville Cooper and even Penny Singleton (in a terrific sequence as de Haviland's real maid) behave as though the script had a nodding acquaintance with reality. Which makes it surprisingly entertaining.

I don't think I've ever watched more than one film starring Dick Powell, and I don't even remember which one that was, but finding him in this film was a delight. And throw in Olivia deHavilland, and you have a darned entertaining pairing in a pleasant romantic comedy. This is a solid "7".Powell has 2 musical numbers that are quite good. He plays it straight with "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby" -- one of the better renditions of the song I've heard. But hams it up a la Al Jolson with "Sonny Boy", and yes, in blackface; I know we're not supposed to like blackface, but this is a hoot.The story is not that unique -- rich society girl (deHavilland) is put in her place was one of the common folk (Powell). But, she soon discovers that he has the potential to get involved in big business, begins to fall in love with him, and influences her father to help him. But there are some distinguishing elements here -- petrol stations, motor courts, building skyscrapers, and a crazy business bet between rivals. SO while the basic story line is not that different, there are some unique aspects of the story that help elevate it beyond many period pieces.As already mentioned, Dick Powell and Olivia de Havilland at the top of the cast are top notch here, although in re screen time, this is very much Powell's picture. Charles Winninger, as the high society father, is interesting here; in his exercise scenes he does his own stunts, and at the age of 54, that was not too shabby. Allen Jenkins was always pleasant to see on screen, usually (as here) in a "buddy" role; Melville Cooper similarly makes the most of his butler role here. Bonita Granville wasn't very impressive as the high society younger sister, nor was Isabel Jeans as the high society mother (although I have the idea she played the role as directed). Grady Sutton was one of those character actors who just seemed made for certain types of roles, as here. Thurston Hall player the other big businessman well.If you're at all attracted to romantic comedies, give this one a watch. I think you'll enjoy it.

Dick Powell works at an old-fashioned auto court (motel with gas station) when Olivia de Havilland stops for gas. When she says she can get the check (for $3.48) to him tomorrow, he doesn't believe her and makes her work it out, in making the beds and cleaning the rooms. She vows to get even. That is the basic premise in this lightweight fun-filled movie. Her father is Charles Winninger (who incidentally made a career of being Judy Garland's father in movies,) is indeed wealthy, but who passes the time wrestling and dueling with his manservant, Melville Cooper (who is excellent as always with his straight-faced delivery.) This subplot of their rivalry is very fun to watch and is reminiscent of Peter Sellers and his manservant fighting it out.Olivia goes to her father to get Dick fired, but, when he refuses and tells her to grow up and handle it herself, she says she'll find a way. Just how you'll have to see for yourself, but I can say Dick's rump must have stung pretty bad.For all those who've seen Olivia in her melodramas, you have to see this one. It's probably her best comedy, and this movie is the one that introduced the song "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" to the world. The ending is a bit awkward somehow, a little forced or manipulated; it didn't come off completely smooth. But, by then you've laughed yourself silly and it shouldn't hinder your enjoyment and true satisfaction of a great film. Can't anyone today make a truly funny (and clean) movie like this one anymore? That's the only thing "hard to get."