One of the last pre-code Warner Brothers comedies of sexual intrigue, "Smarty" (a misleading title, BTW) is based on the premise that a woman may complain about being struck by her husband, but if it brings on passion, that's OK. In this case, the woman is Joan Blondell, whom I adore, but here, she plays a rather unlikable socialite wife whose husband (Warren William) suddenly strikes her for no apparent reason during a dinner party. She divorces them and marries their mutual friend (and her divorce attorney), played with little of his oh-dear mentality by Edward Everett Horton. In the same year he was k-nocking k-nees with Betty Grable in "The Gay Divorce", he was being "mothered" by Blondell here. There is obviously no passion in the marriage between Blondell and Horton, which leads to a showdown between Blondell and her ex-husband. It all ends up predictable.
Blondell really does try to install her character with some charming qualities, but the twinkle in her eye and her adorable smile belongs to her, not the lady she is playing. She was made for pre-code Hollywood films with her gold digger with the heart of gold appearance, but if this is meant to be a follow-up for her "Gold Diggers of 1933" persona who ended up with wealthy Warren William there, it is sadly missing the spark they had in that film. She is condescending to Horton once they are married, getting what she wants by referring to herself as "mother" when they are together. It's obvious that this is a marriage based upon spite towards her ex-husband than any love for poor EEH, and is virtually sexless. Blondell does look ravishing in the black gown she buys to tantalize her ex-husband at a dinner party, but the battle between Blondell and Horton over the gown is childish and pointless. Frank McHugh is present as a pal of the trio, but really isn't important at all here other than playing his typical silly goose type character. It's all art decco style but no substance. The ending made me twinge.
Blondell really does try to install her character with some charming qualities, but the twinkle in her eye and her adorable smile belongs to her, not the lady she is playing. She was made for pre-code Hollywood films with her gold digger with the heart of gold appearance, but if this is meant to be a follow-up for her "Gold Diggers of 1933" persona who ended up with wealthy Warren William there, it is sadly missing the spark they had in that film. She is condescending to Horton once they are married, getting what she wants by referring to herself as "mother" when they are together. It's obvious that this is a marriage based upon spite towards her ex-husband than any love for poor EEH, and is virtually sexless. Blondell does look ravishing in the black gown she buys to tantalize her ex-husband at a dinner party, but the battle between Blondell and Horton over the gown is childish and pointless. Frank McHugh is present as a pal of the trio, but really isn't important at all here other than playing his typical silly goose type character. It's all art decco style but no substance. The ending made me twinge.