Breakfast for Two

Breakfast for Two is an edgy farcical pre-World War II romantic comedy released in the year 1937, directed by Alfred Santell and produced by the RKO Radio Pictures company. The headlining cast includes critically acclaimed personalities of the classic Hollywood era like glamorous Barbara Stanwyck, suave Herbert Marshall, and brilliant comedic actress Glenda Farrell.

Preaching the trope of the classic screwball comedy genre, Breakfast for Two is laced with wit, mirthful misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements. The movie revolves around the lives of two pivotal characters as primary plot drivers – Houston socialite Valentine Ransome, played by the alluring Barbara Stanwyck, and the charming pleasure-seeking scion - Jonathan Blair, brought to life by Herbert Marshall.

Stanwyck's Houston socialite Valentine Ransome is a wealthy, independent, modern woman of the 30s, oozing grace, charm, and intelligence. She is portrayed as an empowered woman, a role that is skillfully played by Stanwyck. She shows no inhibitions in chasing her desires and isn't afraid to initiate a venture to make Blair better himself.

Jonathan Blair is the city playboy and the heir to a shipping line. Marshall portrays the part of this charming rogue with finesse who seemingly appears to enjoy a careless life of drinking and partying. Being the rightful heir to his father's business, he's least interested in engaging in any professional commitment and doesn't believe in cultivating a regular job. His character sketch comes wrapped with mystery, and one can unearth it as the plot unravels.

The chemistry between Stanwyck and Marshall is appealing, with both alternately playing the roles of the pursuer and pursued leading to wholesome entertainment. Magic happens when their paths cross on a New Year's Eve during an inebriated wandering of Blair. He wakes up in Valentine's apartment, not with a hangover but a unique business proposal.

What follows is a series of comical confusions, a dash of romance, and a sprinkle of pre-war feminism. Valentine, taking matters into her hands, devises a plan to sweep Blair off his feet, not just for romantic purposes but also to save his sinking family business. She embarks on a mission of her own, encouraging him to participate in the world of business and to also pursue a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Even though Blair initially remains dismissive of Valentine’s plans, his life takes an unforeseen turn when she buys his bankrupt shipping line out from under him to save it from disaster. Under-the-table deals, business negotiations, and simple life pleasures form a great backdrop against which this Love vs. Money saga takes place.

There is a secondary plot that involves Blair's ex-girlfriend, Carol Wallace, played by Glenda Farrell, which further muddles the story line into a series of comical misunderstandings and fun entanglements. Farrell’s role adds an additional dynamism to the narrative and brings more depth to the primary roles.

The film incorporates splendid humor which is beautifully fused in its dialogues. The beautifully captured scenes, coupled with the spunky character portrayals bring life to the sharp stylish script written by Joseph Santley and Allan Scott.

Apart from humor and romance, the film is also a tale of personal transformation, individual growth, and self-reliance. It echoes the changing societal norms of the late 30s and the evolving place for women. The film subtly exhibits feminity of the time, without over-powering or degrading masculinity.

Breakfast for Two reaches its climax in a final confrontation which is shrouded in mystery, but needless to say, viewers can expect a lot of laughs along the way.

In conclusion, Breakfast for Two is a brilliantly scripted comedy, energetically directed, and played with sincere vivacity by its headlining cast members. For lovers of vintage cinema, this comedy of manners and errors is sure to be an engaging watch.