No Time for Comedy (1940)

No Time for Comedy brings together James Stewart and Rosalind Russell and then has no idea what to do with them. This seems to be a classic example of casting a "name" player, in this case Stewart, simply because he is a name and not because he is right for the part in question. Stewart, as a matter of fact, was so far off that the character was substantially rewritten. A new beginning was added that gave a backstory to the character -- simple, innocent guy from the midwest conquers Broadway with sophisticated comedy -- that is appropriate to Stewart but louses up the feel of the material. It makes the audience feel at ease with Stewart, the down-home, reg'lar fella -- and thus makes the audience feel uncomfortable and at sea when Stewart begins behaving like an ass (and one that drinks too much, to boot). Comedy creates a war between what the audience expects and what it gets; if that had been the intention, it could have made for an interesting, exciting and incisive picture, rather than one that just feels confused. Russell doesn't have the same problem with her part that Stewart does with his, but she doesn't bring the fire and flair to the part that she could have. She's a little stiff, and while this doesn't damage the film terribly, it is a bit disappointing. Charlie Ruggles and Allyn Joslyn are quite good. Louise Beavers does very well in an embarrassing role, while Genevieve Tobin is far too mannered and artificial in a role that requires much more skillful playing. Much of the wit from the original play remains, and there are quite a few scenes that are very effective. These prove that No Time for Comedy could have been a superior film, rather than a muddled one which manages to be only moderately entertaining. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide