Twin Beds

'Twin Beds' (1942) starring George Brent and Joan Bennett is hardly a classic comedy in the league of 'The Awful Truth' or 'My Man Godfrey', but a pleasant enough marital mix-up comedy involving three newlywed couples living in one apartment building.

I was surprised at George Brent's performance. He's such a cold fish in all those Bette Davis movies (which is why Bette loved him.....he would just stand there while she acted rings around him), so I didn't expect him to make much of a comedy role. But he was quite amusing, even doing several slapstick bits very well.

Joan Bennett, I think, was at her loveliest in the early 40's, and she's very cute and appealing. Not generally thought of as a comedy actress, it's a shame she didn't get the chance more often in better films, because she handles herself well in the madcap situations, giving a fresh, sparkling performance.

Mischa Auer plays an eccentric Russian singer and pianist, a role quite similar to the one her played in the superior 'My Man Godfrey'. He pretty much steals the picture from all involved, although the supporting cast includes such well-seasoned professionals as Una Merkel, Glenda Farrell, Ernest Truex, Margaret Hamilton and Cecil Cunningham (best known as Irene Dunne's aunt in 'The Awful Truth').

I'd recommend it to anyone who's a fan of one of the stars, but it's pleasant enough that most everyone might enjoy it.