VACATION FROM LOVE

US, 1938, 66 minutes, Black and white.
Dennis O’ Keefe, Florence Rice, Reginald Gardiner, Edward Brophy.
Directed by George Fizmaurice.

Vacation from love is a 66 minute frothy screwball comedy from MGM. The production values are stronger than for the usual screwball comedy from other studios? Dennis O’ Keefe was at the beginning of his career. The plot is improbable, but having accepted that bill would speak up at the wedding and there would be consequences means that the audience goes along with this. There are the usual suspicions, clashes, parting, divorce proceedings, reconciliation. The direction is by George Fitzmaurice, director of a number of films including raffles, one heavenly night, Suzy.

1. A small-budget supporting feature? The touch of the screwball comedy? Froth?

2. MGM production values? Photography, locations, US, suggestions of Paris? Musical score? Songs?

3. Bill, his work in the club, with his pal? His attraction towards Patricia? The plausibility or not in going to the wedding, but his speaking up, people’s reactions, his declaration of love, the groom’s non-suitability? The bride listening to him? The discussions afterwards, her father’s reaction, the groom?

4. The whirlwind romance, having fun, the marriage? Patricia’s father taking Bill on in the company?

5. Hard work, deals, Bill telling the truth and the client not believing and signing the contract? The comment on business?

6. The anniversary dinner, Patricia and the guests, the sarcastic woman at the table? Bills absence, his father having a celebration? Turning up, her father, Bill's friend, Flo? The reaction?

7. At home, the clash, the part apology, going to work? Reconciliation? The club, Flo and her talk, about being with Bill in Chicago? Patricia and her being
upset? Locking Bill out? The separation?

8. Bill in Paris, six months? The discussion about the divorce, the father and his controlling things? With the lawyer in Paris? Going to the judge? The list of offences, bill taking notes? Not wanting to contest the divorce, going out on the town?

9. The court, the parallel with the wedding, Patricia speaking up, not wanting a divorce, the reconciliation?