Big Hearted Herbert

Big Hearted Herbert is a 1934 domestic comedy film starring Aline MacMahon and Guy Kibbee as a middle-aged couple. It is based on the Broadway play of the same name by Sophie Kerr and Anna Steese Richardson,[1] which was in turn based on the short story "Chin-Chin" by Kerr. It was remade in 1940 as Father Is a Prince.

Big Hearted Herbert
Film poster
Directed byWilliam Keighley
Written byLillie Hayward
Ben Markson
Based onplay Big Hearted Herbert
by Sophie Kerr and Anna Steese Richardson
StarringAline MacMahon
Guy Kibbee
Music byLeo F. Forbstein
CinematographyArthur L. Todd
Edited byJack Killifer
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros.
The Vitaphone Corp.
Release date
  • October 6, 1934 (1934-10-06)
Running time
59-60 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

Herbert Kalness has worked hard to build up a successful plumbing supplies manufacturing company from nothing. His wife Elizabeth loves him dearly and is willing to put up with much. However, his grownup children, Alice and Junior, are put out by his constant complaining. Junior wants to go to college, but Herbert insists his son go to work for him in his business. Meanwhile, Alice has fallen in love with and wants to marry Andrew Goodrich, a Harvard graduate and lawyer (both qualities Herbert despises).

When Elizabeth arranges a dinner to get acquainted with the future in-laws, Herbert proceeds to antagonize everyone. So she decides to give him a taste of his own medicine. When he brings customers home for dinner, she and the rest of the family act just as obnoxiously to them as Herbert had to the Goodriches. He eventually capitulates, and domestic peace is restored.

Cast

Reception

Andre Sennwald, critic for The New York Times, called the film an "entertaining hearthside comedy" and praised Kibbee and MacMahon for their performances.[1]

References

  1. Andre Sennwald (November 14, 1934). "The Mayfair Presents the Screen Edition of 'Big Hearted Herbert' -- 'Man of Courage.'". The New York Times.
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