MR. & MRS. SMITH

CAPSULE REVIEW –– I can understand why Hitchcock wanted to take a break from all the madness, murder and mayhem that usually populates his films, but MR. & MRS. SMITH feels like he was trying a bit too hard to create a traditional Hollywood piece, causing him to leave behind all his best instincts. This fluffy, screwball comedy starring the exquisite Carole Lombard and the quirky Robert Montgomery tries to amuse us with their antics as a married couple who discovers, through a technicality, they aren't really married. Things get out of hand, when Lombard decides she's glad their marriage was a fraud and begins dating Montgomery's law partner, a true gentlemen who treats her with respect, something she's not exactly used to. Montgomery realizes that he truly loves his "wife" and does everything in his power to stop the new romance and win her back himself. The problem with this film is that the storyline is fairly uninspired. Lombard and Montgomery bring spark to this tried and true material, making it somewhat enjoyable at points, but they deserve better. Just try to take your eyes off of her. This effort lacks everything that makes a Hitchcock film entertaining – style, surprise and a wicked sense of humor. If you're looking for a laugh from the master, give THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY a turn, a true Hitchcock comedy.