Casanova Brown (1944)

Gary Cooper tries quite hard here in this role-reversal comedy, and had he been given a stronger script, he might have managed to carry it off better. As it is, though, the drama sets out an interesting stall but hasn't quite the courage to see it through as he treads a fine line between the law and the ladies. About to remarry, he discovers that his first wife is about to put their - hitherto unknown to him - newborn daughter up for adoption. Not impressed with that idea, he proceeds to kidnap his bairn. What now ensues is quite entertaining as this rather staid college professor has to grapple with nappies and lack of sleep whilst keeping fiancé "Madge" (Anita Louise) and her wealthy, but disapproving father "JJ" (Frank Morgan) at bay at home, and deal with his ex-wife (of a few days) "Isabel" (Teresa Wright) who isn't happy either! It's fairly clear from the outset how this is all going to pan out, but we do get some giggles along the way in this decently paced ninety minute comedy that gives Cooper a chance to practice his fire-tasing skills (accidentally). If it was to have a deeper meaning, it might be suggesting that the role of a father in so many of the legal aspects of a child's upbringing is limited if the parents don't agree but for the most part this is an amiable and lightweight afternoon feature that is very easy to watch and just as easy to forget all about afterwards.