As with all the classic Don Juan tales, the humor in this 1934 version is very tongue-in-cheek. But as you might not expect, since it was released the same year as the Production Code was put into place, lots of jokes slipped past the censors. As Douglas Fairbanks Sr. Watches Merle Oberon dance in her nightclub, he remarks on her beauty. His faithful sidekick mutters that she won't look so good in the daylight; but Doug asks, "Who wants to see her in the daylight?"
There's a very funny twist to this version of the Don Juan story: this one focuses on the famous lover when he reaches middle age. He's told by his doctor to climb no more than one woman's balcony a day. As they discuss the health hazards of climbing balconies, the euphemism is clear. He agrees to slow down, but a young upstart decides to take his place. As he impersonates Don Juan, the ladies are fooled. As long as they think they're getting romanced by Don Juan, they believe anything they want to! When Doug tries to take his reputation back by announcing he's the one and only Don Juan, everyone laughs at him. They insist the famous lover is younger, better looking, thinner, and it's quite a blow to his ego - but it's very funny. The women are loyal to the "real" Don Juan and refuse to let a middle aged "imposter" take his name in vain. While being courted by another, Merle turns her head away when her suitor tries to kiss her. "Don Juan kissed me on a Wednesday. No one else shall ever kiss my lips on Wednesday." O Rejected One asks, "Tomorrow?" and she answers with an adorably coy smile, "Maybe."
Frederick Lonsdale and Lajos Biro's screenplay is very cute and funny. So many lines will make you chuckle, but also make you think - however un-politically correct they are now! "All girls are different. All wives are the same." Try this version out for a fun pre-Code naughty adventure!
There's a very funny twist to this version of the Don Juan story: this one focuses on the famous lover when he reaches middle age. He's told by his doctor to climb no more than one woman's balcony a day. As they discuss the health hazards of climbing balconies, the euphemism is clear. He agrees to slow down, but a young upstart decides to take his place. As he impersonates Don Juan, the ladies are fooled. As long as they think they're getting romanced by Don Juan, they believe anything they want to! When Doug tries to take his reputation back by announcing he's the one and only Don Juan, everyone laughs at him. They insist the famous lover is younger, better looking, thinner, and it's quite a blow to his ego - but it's very funny. The women are loyal to the "real" Don Juan and refuse to let a middle aged "imposter" take his name in vain. While being courted by another, Merle turns her head away when her suitor tries to kiss her. "Don Juan kissed me on a Wednesday. No one else shall ever kiss my lips on Wednesday." O Rejected One asks, "Tomorrow?" and she answers with an adorably coy smile, "Maybe."
Frederick Lonsdale and Lajos Biro's screenplay is very cute and funny. So many lines will make you chuckle, but also make you think - however un-politically correct they are now! "All girls are different. All wives are the same." Try this version out for a fun pre-Code naughty adventure!