The Perfect Specimen
| The Perfect Specimen | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Michael Curtiz |
| Written by |
Norman Reilly Raine Lawrence Riley Brewster Morse Fritz Falkenstein Story: Samuel Hopkins Adams |
| Starring |
Errol Flynn Joan Blondell |
| Cinematography | Charles Rosher |
| Edited by | Terry O. Morse |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Perfect Specimen is a 1937 film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Errol Flynn and Joan Blondell. The picture is based on a novel by Samuel Hopkins Adams.
Plot
Gerald Wicks, the heir to a large fortune, has never been outside the gates of his childhood estate. He goes on an adventure with newspaper reporter Mona Carter and they fall in love.
Cast
- Errol Flynn as Gerald Beresford Wicks
- Joan Blondell as Mona Carter
- Hugh Herbert as Killigrew Shaw
- Edward Everett Horton as Mr. Gratten
- Dick Foran as Jink Carter
- Beverly Roberts as Alicia
- May Robson as Mrs. Leona Wicks
- Allen Jenkins as Pinky
- Dennie Moore as Clarabelle
- Hugh O'Connell as Hotel clerk
- James Burke as Snodgrass
- Granville Bates as Hooker
Original Novel
| Author | Samuel Hopkins |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | comedy |
| Publisher | New York Liveright Publishing Corporation |
Publication date | 1936 |
| Pages | 224 |
The book was based on a novel. The New York Times called it "a trifling little number. It reads like one of those old fashioned farce comedies... hammock reading for a hot afternoon."[1]
Production
The film was Flynn's first comedy starring role and the movie always seems to have been considered a vehicle for him.[2] He made it after holidaying in Europe.[3]
Warners originally sought Carole Lombard or Miriam Hopkins to play against Errol Flynn[4] and for a while it seemed Hopkins was set to co-star. However she turned down the role and Warners decided to look at players assigned to their contract roster. The two leading contenders were Olivia de Havilland and Joan Blondell;[5] it was thought the former was ideal if the role was played in a "romantic" way but the latter should be preferred it they wanted someone "pepful and sparkling".[6] Blondell was cast and filming started in May 1937.
Marie Wilson was meant to play a small role but was assigned to The Great Garrick instead.[7] Dennie Moore replaced Jane Wyman.[8]
Joan Blondell fell ill during filming but recovered.[9]
Reception
The New York Times called it a "light and unaffecting romantic comedy."[10]
May Robon's performance was highly praised in particular.[11]
References
- ↑ PERFECT SPECIMEN By Samuel Hopkins 224 pp. New York Liveright Publishing Corporation. $2. F.T.M.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 17 May 1936: BR20.
- ↑ Tony Thomas, Rudy Behlmer * Clifford McCarty, The Films of Errol Flynn, Citadel Press, 1969 p 58-59
- ↑ NEWS OF THE SCREEN: ' Seventh Heaven' and 'Silent Barriers' Open Today-Dolly Haas to Bow in 'Absent Without Leave' News from Hollywood New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 25 Mar 1937: 29.
- ↑ HUSTQN IS SLATED FOR NEW FILM ROLE: May Appear With Miss Rogers for R.-K.-O.--FirstScreenTest Passed by Mrs. Moody ZUKOR DINNER TONIGHT 1,000 to Help Mark Producer's 25th Year in PicturesFrohman to Attend Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 29 Mar 1937: 14.
- ↑ NEW "TORCHY BLANE" AWAITING GLENDA FARRELL UPON RETURN: Gene Raymond to Act Again With Ann Sothern Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 12 May 1937: A10.
- ↑ WILD TRIO JOIN "MAKE A WISH" AS BOBBY BREEN OPUS POSTPONED: Girls Debated for "Perfect Specimen" Role Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 07 May 1937: 19.
- ↑ WARNERS TO STAGE PLAYS IN LONDON: Complete Plans to Produce in the Fall--Shows Later to Be Converted Into Films A PURCHASE BY GOLDWYN He Gets Screen Rights to 'The Duchess of Broadway'--Other Picture News News From Hollywood New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 12 June 1937: 8.
- ↑ NEWS OF THE SCREEN: ' Slave Ship' Tonight at the Rivoli--Warner Standard May Fly Over Broadway in Autumn News From Hollywood New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 16 June 1937: 27.
- ↑ DOUG FAIRBANKS, JR., WILL STAY IN HOLLYWOOD FOR HEPBURN COMEDY: Marla Shelton to Play "Star" in "Stand-In" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 29 June 1937: 13.
- ↑ THE SCREEN: With Errol Flynn as Exhibit A, the Warners Present 'The Perfect Specimen' at the Strand Theatre By FRANK S. NUGENT. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 28 Oct 1937: 29.
- ↑ BEST PERFORMANCES IN CURRENT PICTURES Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 07 Nov 1937: C1.
External links
- The Perfect Specimen at the TCM Movie Database
- The Perfect Specimen at the Internet Movie Database
- The Perfect Specimen on Lux Radio Theater: January 2, 1939.