A year before Universal Studios released "My Man Godrey," this film was made by Columbia Pictures. Both films are about rich men being mistaken for homeless, out-of-work men and then going to work as butlers in the home of a wealthy person. But, that's where the similarities in the two stories end. Of course, there are the leading ladies who become a big part of each man's life, but again, in quite different ways
"If You Could Only Cook" is a wonderful comedy-romance. It's the only pairing of Jean Arthur and Herbert Marshall. Marshall was mostly known for his roles in dramas and romances. He was the handsome, proper English gentleman. He made a few comedies in which he kept that screen persona. In this film, it works quite well. This isn't a film with witty dialog. It has some humorous lines, but mostly the comedy is in the situations. Marshall plays Jim Buchanan, aka Jim Burns in much of the movie. Arthur is Joan Hawthorne. It's interesting that at this point in her career, Arthur had second billing to Marshall. Both had substantial careers behind them – but Arthur, with more than 70 films to her credit still alternated with her male leads, depending on the male star and the roles.
This film doesn't have a very large cast. The best among the supporting cast are Leo Carrillo as Mike Rossini and Lionel Stander as Flash. This is something of a caper comedy and romance, and while not filled with ecstatic laughter, its humor and romance are warm and enjoyable. This isn't on the level of "My Man Godfrey," but it's a very good comedy- romance. Here are some lines from the film.
Jim, "Any new tips on what the well-mannered butler should do?" Jennings, "Well, sir, it's mostly a matter of exercising good judgment. Except, no matter what you think, you never say it." Jim, "Oh, that's important? You never say what you think, but you do think what you say." Jennings, "Well put, sir."
Mike, "That's the trouble with you. Food is just food. But my stomach lives for good things."
Jim, "Jennings, tell me. Do you think I'm out of my mind?" Jennings, "I'm hoping for the best, sir." Jim, "And pack a few of my things, will you Jennings? Just what I shall need buttling."
Mr. Balderson (played by Pierre Watkin, uncredited), "I've seen some brazen confidence men, but that girl in there is "
"If You Could Only Cook" is a wonderful comedy-romance. It's the only pairing of Jean Arthur and Herbert Marshall. Marshall was mostly known for his roles in dramas and romances. He was the handsome, proper English gentleman. He made a few comedies in which he kept that screen persona. In this film, it works quite well. This isn't a film with witty dialog. It has some humorous lines, but mostly the comedy is in the situations. Marshall plays Jim Buchanan, aka Jim Burns in much of the movie. Arthur is Joan Hawthorne. It's interesting that at this point in her career, Arthur had second billing to Marshall. Both had substantial careers behind them – but Arthur, with more than 70 films to her credit still alternated with her male leads, depending on the male star and the roles.
This film doesn't have a very large cast. The best among the supporting cast are Leo Carrillo as Mike Rossini and Lionel Stander as Flash. This is something of a caper comedy and romance, and while not filled with ecstatic laughter, its humor and romance are warm and enjoyable. This isn't on the level of "My Man Godfrey," but it's a very good comedy- romance. Here are some lines from the film.
Jim, "Any new tips on what the well-mannered butler should do?" Jennings, "Well, sir, it's mostly a matter of exercising good judgment. Except, no matter what you think, you never say it." Jim, "Oh, that's important? You never say what you think, but you do think what you say." Jennings, "Well put, sir."
Mike, "That's the trouble with you. Food is just food. But my stomach lives for good things."
Jim, "Jennings, tell me. Do you think I'm out of my mind?" Jennings, "I'm hoping for the best, sir." Jim, "And pack a few of my things, will you Jennings? Just what I shall need buttling."
Mr. Balderson (played by Pierre Watkin, uncredited), "I've seen some brazen confidence men, but that girl in there is "