Snowed Under

Snowed Under is a charmingly light-hearted comedy that was released in 1936. It features a brilliantly talented ensemble of actors including George Brent, Genevieve Tobin, and Glenda Farrell. Set amidst the backdrop of a snowstorm, Snowed Under provides an intriguing setting that involves farcical humor with a lovely touch of romance.

Snowed Under commences on a thoughtful exploration of the literary world of playwright Alan Tanner, played by George Brent. Tanner, once a highly successful playwright, experiences a serious case of writer's block as he grapples with his next assignment. The popular playwright is supposed to be creating a new hit play, but the inspiration isn't coming and he’s under immense pressure from his producer. In an attempt to find peace to write, he retreats to a remote country house in relaxation, in hopes of escaping from the bustling city life. His typically peaceful refuge, however, is rattled as an unexpected turn of events occur.

Genevieve Tobin plays the character of Alice Merritt, Tanner’s ex-wife who also happens to be an actress. She is a confident, suspenseful woman who has her charm, has her motive, and knows how to use it. As she unexpectedly arrives at the house under the pretense of signing their divorce papers, the entire scene becomes intriguingly more complicated. This sparks off a series of hilarious encounters that comfortably mesh romance and comedy, providing the audience lots of laughs on the way.

Adding to this colorful cast of characters is the vivacious, fast-talking actress Daisy Lowell, played by Glenda Farrell. She arrives at the house, allegedly for a part in Tanner's new play, bringing along energy, sass, and a degree of complexity to the plot. Her performance complements that of Brent and Tobin, creating a delightful balance throughout the movie.

The plot becomes more intricate when a snowstorm hits, trapping all these colorful characters, each with their personal agendas, within the house. This serves as the springboard for the ensuing comic chaos. As the movie progresses, the trapped individuals become involved in a hilarious game of cat and mouse, filled with funny predicaments, mistaken identities, and ripened misunderstandings. Each scenario is smartly designed to bring out the best of the comedic timings and personal characteristics of the actors.

George Brent, known for his roles in serious dramas, surprises the audiences with his adeptness at comedy. He plays Alan Tanner with a certain tongue-in-cheek humor, portraying a witty and slightly befuddled individual trying to cope with the madness unfolding around him. Genevieve Tobin shines as Alice, adding a dash of spice and intrigue, while Glenda Farrell steals many scenes with her sass and quick wit.

The film's entertainment value lies not only in the humorous situations but also in the witty dialogue and the on-screen charisma between Brent, Tobin, and Farrell. The comic timing of all the actors is spot-on, with snappy one-liners, quick retorts, and well-timed physical comedy. Their performances are complemented by a supporting cast of highly talented actors who all play their parts to perfection.

Directed by Ray Enright, Snowed Under is a clever piece of farcical comedy that makes the most out of the limited space provided by the snowbound house. The direction keeps the pace brisk while maintaining a pleasant rhythm to keep the audience engaged. Notably, the art direction and cinematography construct an ambience that effortlessly captures the essence of the mid-1930s.

The screenplay by F. Hugh Herbert and Brown Holmes is well-crafted, combining elements of romance and humor perfectly. It serves as a showcase for the actors to display their comedic talents. The narrative remains engaging, light-hearted, and breezy right from the start, drawing the viewers flawlessly into the ensuing comic chaos.

Snowed Under is a quintessential 1930s comedy. It is a delightful romp that takes viewers on a journey filled with laughter, romance, and unexpected twists and turns. This classic illustrates that sometimes being snowed in might be the best thing that could happen. The film is a testament to good old-fashioned humor when situations and serendipities craft a coherent comic spectacle. Anyone looking for a classic comedic treat will find Snowed Under to be a joyous ride of fun and entertainment.