Synopsis
After a whirlwind romance leads to a quick marriage, Gary Cooper’s introduction to his new in-laws ends in fiery catastrophe. The marriage annulled, he returns to his small town home and an earlier romance despite the best advice of father-in-law-to-be Frank Morgan, who wants to save his friend from the horrors of marriage. But when a critical number of months later, Cooper receives word that he is to be a father, and that his former wife (Theresa Wright) is planning on giving the baby up fo… adoption, he kidnaps the infant and holes up in a hotel, trying to raise the baby himself.
Cooper’s wounded dignity is given a pretty thorough workout here, and the scenes of physical comedy are very funny. Morgan, too, is great misanthropic fun. The plot rather creaks under its improbabilities, however, and numerous characters are dropped into a black hole as the film reaches its upbeat conclusion.
Audio
The usual deal with these older releases from Fox. Original mono and new stereo are the options. The sound is clean enough, and the dialogue is never fuzzy, but said dialogue also emerges from all speakers to an almost perfectly equal degree, creating a rather odd effect. Otherwise, the tracks are perfectly workmanlike.
Video
There is some minor speckling, but otherwise the print is in great shape, with very little grain, no other damage, and very attractive black-and-white tones. The image is sharp, as well. The picture may not be quite as gorgeous as a full restoration might provide, but it more than gets the job done.
Special Features
None.
Closing Thoughts
Good fun, even if not all of its contortions work equally well.
