evanston_dad The first William Powell/Myrna Loy film I've seen that lives up to the tremendous screen chemistry they established in "The Thin Man," and that even includes the "Thin Man" sequels.The film begins with Powell as a self-righteous do-gooder, who gets bonked on the head and discovers that he's had amnesia for years and is actually a sketchy playboy. This could be good news for his wife, played by Myrna Loy, who's ready to divorce the boring do-gooder. She just has to figure it out, which Powell makes difficult as he pretends to be the do-gooder so that he can get his hands on the do-gooder's money. As you can imagine, all sorts of complicated hijinks ensue.Loy is the adorable straight man (or woman) she always was, but this is Powell's show all the way. He gets to show off his flair for delivering droll one-liners, but he also gets to display his knack for physical comedy, something not all of his roles allowed him to do.This one is a winner.Grade: A

Alex da Silva William Powell (Larry/George) gets a clonk on the head and gets amnesia. He forgets the last 9 years of his life. Actually, he is reverting to the person that he originally was (George) – apparently he had received another clonk on the head 9 years previously that had turned him into the ghastly upstanding citizen (Larry). Anyway, he has to pretend to be Larry in order to live as George, for George was a crook, and he now sees a way to swindle some money out of his life as Larry. However, one thing stands in his way – Myrna Loy (Kay).This film has funny moments and a good cast, and even Frank McHugh (Doc) is funny as Powell's sidekick. I usually find sidekicks take on more of an annoying than amusing role. Not here, though, the sidekick is likable. The film has a section with some boy scouts where it loses momentum, but apart from this, it entertains. Powell and Loy work well together in both the comedy sections and, more uniquely, in that moment when they are required to convey their love for one another. It is totally believable and naturally acted.This film does send out the very important message that good guys are boring. You should dance with yourself, have a drink every 15 minutes and for goodness sake don't waste your time with do-good extra-curricular activities.

MartinHafer I wonder if this might be the great granddaddy of all amnesia films. If it's not, it's sure one of the first and has inspired countless sitcom episodes. William Powell is bonked on the head and suddenly he's a completely different person--one who apparently disappeared nine years earlier. Who he was during the last nine years is uncertain, but what IS certain is that the new personality is a crook. When this shady guy figures out that during the last nine years he's become a pillar of the community and has access to gobs of other peoples' money, he wants to steal everything he can and run. The problem is, he discovers he has a wife (Loy) and can't bring himself to leave--even when he finds out she hates him. Well, much of the movie is spent trying to win her back, though he still wonders whether or not to rob his "friends". What he does and how the entire mess is resolved is brilliant and a lot of fun. This isn't wacky fun like his other film, LOVE CRAZY, but is a little more sophisticated and deliberately paced. A wonderful old film with excellent acting, writing (aside from the dumb plot device) and direction. One of Powell's and Loy's best.

helpless_dancer Hilariously entertaining tale of a man with double amnesia: a dull penny pincher on one hand, a thieving con artist on the other. After being conked on the noggin he revives to find he has spent the last nine years as someone he isn't and reverts to his former tricky self. His apple cart is upset when he discovers he is falling for the wife he picked up during the nine year blackout. A plan to bilk some of the locals over a phony oil deal doesn't appear so rosy once his thorny heart is pricked by love, which puts him in danger from a mean tempered associate intent on becoming rich. Fast paced and very funny film, well worth watching, especially Powell's zany character.