Big Hearted Herbert

Big Hearted Herbert
Big Hearted Herbert
	Film poster
Directed by	William Keighley
Written by	Lillie Hayward; Ben Markson
Based on	playBig Hearted Herbert; bySophie Kerrand Anna Steese Richardson
Starring	Aline MacMahon; Guy Kibbee
Cinematography	Arthur L. Todd
Edited by	Jack Killifer
Music by	Leo F. Forbstein
Production; company	Warner Bros.
Distributed by	Warner Bros.; The Vitaphone Corp.
Release date	October 6, 1934;
Running time	59-60 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Big Hearted Herbertis a 1934 domestic comedy film starringAline MacMahonandGuy Kibbeeas a middle-aged couple. It is based on the Broadway play of the same name bySophie KerrandAnna Steese Richardson,^[1]which was in turn based on the short story "Chin-Chin" by Kerr. It was remade in 1940 asFather Is a Prince.

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

Aline MacMahonas Elizabeth [Kalness]
Guy Kibbeeas Herbert [Kalness]
Patricia Ellisas Alice [Kalness]
Helen Lowellas Martha, a servant
Phillip Reedas Andrew [Goodrich]
Robert Barratas Jim
Henry O'Neillas Goodrich Sr.
Marjorie Gatesonas Amy Goodrich
Nella Walkeras Mrs. Goodrich
Junior Durkinas Junior Kalness (as Trent Durkin)
Jay Ward as Robert Kalness
Hale Hamiltonas Mr. Havens
Claudia Coleman as Mrs. Havens
George Chandleras Murphy

Reception

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

References

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

Big Hearted HerbertPressbook, Warner Bros., 1934.
Big Hearted Herbert(1934) Samuel French, New York.

External links

[NYT-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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