When's Your Birthday

When's Your Birthday is a fun-filled comedic feature from the Golden Age of Hollywood that had everyone laughing in theaters in 1937. Headlined by the exceptional comedy actor Joe E. Brown, the movie successfully melds the worlds of astrology, boxing, and high-class society in a surprisingly creative and engaging storyline.

In the lead role, Joe E. Brown delivers an outstanding performance as Dustin Willoughby, a character comfortably fitting within the zany and warm-hearted persona that he was known for portraying. Dustin is a humble, well-meaning, but somewhat naive astrologer with a firm belief in the influence of stars on individuals' lives - a belief that sends him on a roller coaster ride of hilarious situations.

Marian Marsh provides the perfect counterpoint to Brown's character as the beautiful and ambitious Diane. She complements Brown's comedy with her elegance and grace, offering a nuanced portrayal that adds depth to her character. The turbulence and unpredictability of her relationship with Dustin serve as the central narrative hook that propels the storyline forward.

Fred Keating, playing Larry Burke, does a fantastic job as a boxing promoter with questionable ethics. His character is a necessary catalyst in Dustin's life, pushing the naive astrologer into the ruthless world of boxing and the high society parties that come with it.

The movie revolves around the innocent astrologer Dustin, who unwittingly gets sucked into the world of professional boxing due to his uncanny ability to predict fights' outcomes using astrology. The fast-talking promoter Larry capitalizes on his predictive prowess to foretell fight results, exploit his abilities, and aim at making a fortune. Simultaneously, Dustin gets tangled in the glamorous yet chaotic life of the vibrant young Diane.

He soon becomes the toast of the town, endorsed and spoiled by the high-class society that firmly believes in his astrological expertise. This leads to a series of laugh-out-loud situations as Dustin tries to navigate his newfound fame and wealth, underlining the absurdities of the high society he quite doesn't comprehend.

All the while, his relationship with Diane takes center stage, creating a love story that spans the highs and lows of their lives, with the charm of 1930s Hollywood cinema resonating throughout their subplot. Each character's interactions with Dustin reveal differing aspects of human nature – opportunism, fear, jealousy, and steadfast friendship.

Director James Tinling expertly weaves the narrative together, taking the audience on a whirlwind ride filled with delightful comedy and heartfelt emotions. The movie excellently uses the contrast between the endearing simplicity of Dustin and the complex society he finds himself thrust into.

Art Davis and Fred Guiol's script sparkles with wit and humor, providing the perfect launchpad for the cast to showcase their comic timing and dramatic abilities. The dialogues are sharp and funny, filled with clever wordplay that will certainly amuse audiences even today.

Cinematographer Daniel B. Clark pulls out all the stops to create a visually pleasing spectacle, making the most of the intricacies of the sets, period costumes and the allure of vintage Hollywood. The special attention given to the boxing scenes lends them a particular charm, transforming them into a mesmerizing blend of suspense, drama, and comedy.

On the technical front, the film distinguishes itself with excellent set designs that recreate the grandeur of the 1930s society and the grit of the boxing world. The elaborate costumes, makeup, and overall cinematography contribute to creating an enticing visual ambiance that captures the era's essence perfectly.

Overall, When's Your Birthday is a timeless comedy classic from the 1930s that serves both as an entertaining story and a trip down memory lane into an era of Hollywood long past. With its delightful story, amazing performances, and excellent direction, it ensures an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of classic films and box office newcomers alike.