Easy to Love (1934) User Reviews

John & Carol & Eric & Charlotte

[movingpicturegal · 8/10 · 3 May 2006]

Quite amusing bedroom farce. As one character puts it: the evolution of marriage - first a double bed, then twin beds, then separate rooms. And so it is for wealthy society couple, John and Carol Townsend (played by Adolphe Menjou and Genevieve Tobin) who are involved in a sort of "love quadrangle". John is having an affair with Carol's best friend Charlotte (Mary Astor), John's best friend Eric (Edward Everett Horton), wealthy "Sardine King", is in love with Carol. When Carol can't get her hubby into bed anymore, she concludes he has no energy from "playing too much polo" (his excuse for his daily afternoon tryst) - but finding out he has NOT been playing polo, she hires a detective who quickly gets the dope on the secret love affair. Now Carol uses Eric to "get even" with her hubby, by pretending to have her own affair!

This lively romp is loads of fun with lots of snappy pre-code dialogue, husband hiding in closets, wife trying to win her man back via negligees and the old "dropping the soap on the floor" bathtub trick, plus all-knowing valet and butler, and women in slinky dresses and fur collars. I liked Edward Everett Horton in this, playing pretty much the exact same guy he always plays, plus Guy Kibbee is very amusing in a small, but memorable part, as the Justice of the Peace. Fast-paced and enjoyable film.

And to Like and, Probably, to Forget

[Handlinghandel · 7/10 · 9 May 2006]

A racy pre-Code comedy with a superb cast. Adolph Menjou and top-billed Genevieve Tobin are bored with their marriage. Menjou is stepping out with Mary Astor. (And who wouldn't? Tobin is a charming actress. But Astor is divine here. Her comic timing presages her performance in "The Palm beach Story." Less plausibly, Tobin is having a romance with -- ready? -- Edward Everett Horton. He was a delightful comic character actor. But the type to make a husband jealous? It's hard to imagine.

Charming Patricia Ellis is Tobin and Menjou's daughter. Her boyfriend is played by attractive Paul Kaye -- a name I'd never heard before watching this.

Hugh Herbert turns up as a private detective with a Scottish burr. His name is McTavish, and like everyone in this charming but not awfully original movie, he's very good.

Hilarious sex comedy

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 7 March 2019]

Oh, the glories of a pre-Hays Code sex comedy. In this hilarious take on infidelity, Genevieve Tobin and Adolphe Menjou have an unusual marriage. Adolphe is having an affair with Genevieve's best friend, Mary Astor, and Genevieve is relentlessly pursued by Adolphe's best friend, Edward Everett Horton. Their teenaged daughter, Patricia Ellis, is under the impression her parents have the perfect marriage, and when the lid gets lifted off, she's shocked.

With fantastic comic timing from the actors, and beautiful costumes worn by the leading ladies, it's a wonder why Easy to Love isn't one of the most famous comedies to come out of the early '30s. Genevieve reminded me of a combination between Joan Blondell and Ruth Chatterton, and since she spent equal time dressed as undressed, it's a wonder why she didn't rocket to stardom-especially after her nude bathtub scene that flustered both her on-screen husband and I'm sure off-screen audiences.

Check this comic romp out if you like similar movies, like Design for Living and The Palm Beach Story. It's very entertaining, and Mary Astor is absolutely adorable, prancing around in halter tops and cold-shoulder dresses decades before they were popular.

Semi-funny

[GManfred · 18 March 2011]

"Easy To Love" is essentially a filmed stage play which is saved by its cast. I was hoping it would get funnier or turn out better as it went on but what was needed here was a more subtle, sophisticated hand, someone with something resembling a 'Lubitsch touch'. The result was a ham-handed comedy which was too obvious as far as innuendo and plot development are concerned.

The cast did their considerable best, with Edward Everett Horton in one of his patented dithering simpleton roles carrying most of the comedic load, and aided and abetted by Adolph Menjou and Mary Astor. But by and large, the picture belonged to Genevieve Tobin, director Keighley's wife. Primarily a stage actress, she was in her element as Menjou's triangulated wife.

"Easy To Love" could have been better but is worth a watch as is. I think I am in the minority on this one. I was disappointed but perhaps I was expecting too much.

A Pre-Code comedy about the wacky world of adultery.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 11 April 2011]

The French film, "The Rules of the Game" (1939) was a racy French film about the wacky indiscretions of the upper-class. While rather adult, such films were common in American films during the so-called 'Pre-Code Era'. This is the period leading up until about the middle of 1934 (especially during 1931-34) when topics such as adultery, premarital sex and even a bit of nudity were tolerated and even, occasionally, celebrated in movies. This might surprise many viewers today, but the 30s were not nearly as sexless and restrained as we now imagine.

"Easy to Love" is clearly an example of a Pre-Code film, as its theme is the joys of adultery. Practically everyone in the film is sleeping with someone else or at least wants to. Even the normally effeminate Edward Everett Horton gets in on the action in this one! It begins with Genevieve Tobin and Adolph Menjou apparently happily married. However, Menjou is carrying on an affair with Mary Astor. And, while they haven't yet done the deed, Horton is actively wooing Tobin. And so, when Tobin discovers her husband's affair, she cleverly (and very broadmindedly) decides to encourage Horton and pretend to be having an affair of her own. As a result, Menjou suddenly is VERY interested in his wife! While adult, the film is a nice look at the double-. In other words, while it's supposedly okay for Menjou to step out, he becomes incensed when his wife proposes to do the same. And, as a result, despite its strong Pre-Code feel, it's actually a film that upholds some positive values. That's because while it talks about adultery and even makes light of it, it has something profound to say at the same time--well, at least in part. That's because while the film seems to say that adultery is bad, it also seems to say women should be forgiving and this is not a reason for divorce, as that is what the couple's daughter seems to think. She apparently knew about her dad's affairs for years and think they should just 'get past all that'. An odd mixed message but a relatively funny movie at the same time that IS worth watching.

Unlike This Movie

[boblipton · 7/10 · 28 June 2022]

Genevieve Tobin is happily married to Adolph Menjou, but is happily carrying on an affair with Edward Everett Horton, who is married to Mary Astor, who enjoys Menjou as her other man. When the menage's daughter, Patricia Ellis, falls in love, everyone is very suspicious.

This was released in January of 1934, so it's still pre-code, but it's all so arch and precious that there's no reason to take any of the underpinnings of the situation seriously. This hurts the arch comedy, and were it not for the topnotch cast, it would be very dull indeed. Fortunately, the cast is that good.

Delightful Pre-Code Bedroom Farce

[trw3332000 · 9/10 · 20 March 2002]

Thanks to Turner Classic Movie Channel, this rare 1934 Warners Comedy survives and turns up occasionally.

Sexual and boudoir situations and dialogue hold up well viewed in 21st century America! Dapper Adolphe Menjou cavorts with gorgeous Mary Astor behind his wife's back. (lovely Genevive Tobin) Supporting role played so well by Everett Edward Horton as a wealthy friend of the family in love with Tobin. The opening scene of a double date swap in the limo must be seen to be believed for this era! What a shame Will Hays prevailed with his "code" and so relatively few movies like this really showed us that they had a lot of fun back in the 30s. Don't miss it when it comes on....it's a joy of an early 30s picture!

Like a Fred and Ginger movie without Fred and Ginger

[1930s_Time_Machine · 5/10 · 8 February 2023]

Maybe it's the presence of befuddled Edward Everett Horton, maybe it's the art deco sets, maybe it's rich people being silly but this sweet little motion picture feels very much like one of those lovely daft movies Fred and Ginger would make in a few years' time....but without the singing and dancing.

As an hour of lightweight vintage fun this is perfect! There's absolutely nothing special or memorable about it, there's no deep meaning, in fact you'll probably forget that you've seen it in a couple of days - however if you like that TOP HAT style of sophisticated but ultimately silly humour, you will find this genuinely funny.

Although it looks like an RKO film, it's a Warner Brothers film and if you are familiar with early 30s WB movies you will recognize everyone who pops up here. Genevieve Tobin doesn't often get to play the lead but here she does and she's actually fantastic. I might be a little biased because in this film she looks remarkably like Joan Blondell (who of course was the sexiest woman who ever walked upon the face of the Earth) but posher. There's even that same bath scene from BLONDE CRAZY with Genevieve Tobin being equally as funny and equally as hot!

Warner's films from this era were infamous for being penny-pinching. They were short and not one single millimetre of film could be wasted. There was no time for building up a scene, no time for background, every frame had to be accounted for. This one takes that philosophy to the absolute limit and yet it somehow manages to look really classy. What makes this unlike other WB comedy romances from about the same time such as GOODBYE AGAIN or SMARTY (apart from them starring Joan Blondell, the living goddess herself) is that this doesn't waste a fraction of a second on anything that's not progressing the story. Unlike those other movies, there's no sub-plots, no hint of The Depression, there's no mildly thought-provoking issues; in fact, there's no time to actually think. It's all done in an hour and it works. Guy Kibbee for example looks like he ran over from another set to read his lines and then ran back again but somehow it doesn't feel rushed, just fun.

Just switch your mind off, sit in from of the screen and smile to yourself for an hour.

Wonderful--and stuff like that!

[forwardintothepast · 10/10 · 14 February 2008]

This is a gem of a comedy--very much like a Lubitsch bedroom farce, only with a brisker running time, a lower budget, and some of that early '30s Warners snappiness added in.

Menjou is a great farceur, playing the husband who cheats but is aghast that his wife would consider doing the same. Horton is--well, Horton: the unique dithery fussbudget he always played. Mary Astor shows her gift for comedy here (almost a decade before "The Palm Beach Story") and Genevieve Tobin is a delight. So, too, is young Patricia Ellis--only 18 at the time of the filming but showing great poise. Robert Grieg, also a favorite of Preston Sturges' and known to Marx Brothers fans for his prominent role in "Animal Crackers," steals many a scene as the all-knowing butler. But the film is *really* stolen by Guy Kibbee as the justice of the peace, who only shows up in the last ten minutes but essentially walks off with the whole movie.

Thank goodness for Turner Classic Movies, and for its programmers who run obscure films like this which are so delightful. This film may be from 1934, but it hasn't dated a bit; its wry look at the craziness of love is still relevant.

Easy to Love...And A Little Hard to Take **1/2

[edwagreen · 5/10 · 21 March 2011]

Amusing 59 minute film with Adolphe Menjou and Mary Astor as friends carrying on an affair only to be found out by his loving wife- Genevieve Tobin. She stars as Carol and acts at this discovery in a churlish like behavior with Billie Burke like-laughter. Upon finding this out, she claims that she has been carrying on with fellow friend Edward Everett Horton. It's a little hard to take Horton as a young man and that of one not playing the usual butler part.

Upon hearing this, their daughter and prospective son-in-law disavow marriage and plan on living together. This is shocking for the times and mayhem results. The ending is all so predictable, a teenager could have written it.

Tobin steals the show as the moody wife and the hiding scenes with the cigar are an absolute hoot.

Delightful Pre-Code Bedroom Farce

[trw3332000 · 9/10 · 20 March 2002]

Thanks to Turner Classic Movie Channel, this rare 1934 Warners Comedy survives and turns up occasionally.

Sexual and boudoir situations and dialogue hold up well in 21st century America as dapper Adolphe Menjou cavorts with gorgeous Mary Astor behind his wife's back. (lovely Genevive Tobin) Supporting role played so well by Everett Edward Horton as a wealthy friend of the family in love with Tobin. The opening scene of a double date swap in the limo must be seen to be believed for this era! What a shame Will Hays prevailed with his "code" and so relatively few movies like this really showed us that they had a lot of fun back in the 30s. Don't miss it when it comes on....it's a joy of an early 30s picture!

Not so easy to buy Edward Everett Horton as a paramour

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 21 September 2012]

During the Depression a lot of plays on Broadway folded because folks could not afford tickets, some good plays, some bad plays and some in between. I would categorize the work that Easy To Love is based on as one of those in betweens. Hollywood bought a lot of flop plays dirt cheap in those days.

It took five years from Broadway to Hollywood for Easy To Love to be made. Warner Brothers B picture unit made this one with a B picture cast consisting of Adolph Menjou and Genevieve Tobin as a married couple who are getting a bit stale. He's stepping out with Mary Astor so she decides to retaliate by doing a little stepping with Edward Everett Horton. That's the biggest problem with Easy To Love, buying Horton as a paramour.

The talented cast takes this very thin material and breathes some life into it. I'm sure Easy To Love played on the second bill with many a Warner Brothers picture with their major stars. It's all right, but nothing to rush out and see on your own.

fun caper on a serious subject

[ksf-2 · 8/10 · 30 June 2022]

This is a must see....if just for the huge stars at their glamorous best. Edward horton must have made a deal with the devil... he doesn't look anywhere near 48. Cutie mary astor at 28, years before maltese falcon. Dashing adolphe menjou, looking younger than 44. Gen Tobin, looking younger than 34. Hugh herbert is in here for comedy. And the steamy plot. Some great filthy double entendres about 14 minutes in, when wifey is on the phone. If this was released in january 1934, they must have been filming in 1933, just as the film production code was being phased in. But they seem to have snuck this past the censors, or the rules weren't being enforced yet. We watch three couples deal with marriage in various levels of happiness. It's mostly light and fluffy, even with the serious subject of cheating on one's spouse. Moves rapidamente. A warner brothers shortie, at 61 minutes. No wasted lines. Directed by bill keighley. Based on the play by thompson buchanan. Had a bunch of plays made into film. Fun. The picture and sound are exceptionally high quality... it must have been a good restoration!

old comedy

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 28 June 2022]

Carol feels her husband John growing distant. She starts investigating if he has another woman. Indeed, he's having an affair with her friend Charlotte. The couple's daughter Janet is dismayed.

I don't really like any of these characters. By extension, I'm not feeling any of the situation comedy. This would be fine if I like Carol more. It's adapted from a play. Situation comedies are always tricky when they are this old. I can see how this would be funny for the audience of its day but I don't find it funny.

"Easy to Love" is Easy to Embrace and Appreciate!

[glennstenb · 8/10 · 12 March 2022]

"Easy to Love" is easy to embrace, love, appreciate. And notwithstanding some reviewers saw the plot as predictable, I for one, although maybe not shocked, was indeed a little surprised by the ending. And it is interesting to see a Warner Brothers treatment of a story peopled with respectable, higher-echelon folks.

But the story is bright and it is really fun to see the four main characters relate to one another as the interpersonal world they inhabit changes at warp speed. The cast are simply magnificent...everyone who appears makes the film better. The film is arguably a comedy, respectfully wry and subtly sophisticated. No one overstays their welcome. Edward Everette Horton works just fine in his role for me, adding an important dash of overt humor among the four principals. Genevieve Tobin is beautiful and displays a lot of acting skill, including with her expressive eyes and in relational timing. And yes, the bathtub scene is hot!

There are just too many appearances in the film to single out. Surprisingly, and lamentably, some of the supporting cast, well-known names, are with us just too sparingly.

As for the ending, it just doesn't seem to me that the neatly packaged resolution will last into the future. Given the characters' proclivities I am sure the ribbons around the package will sooner than later begin to unravel Nonetheless, this is one more film I wish to see again.