Just Across the Street

"Just Across the Street" is worth seeking out--an pleasing example of the kind of modest comedy (often placed on lower-half of a double bill) that Hollywood stopped making almost a half-century ago. It's brisk, powered by a clever mistaken-identity romantic plot, and filled with entertaining comic performances by old-time pros like Cecil Kellaway, Natalie Schaefer and Billie Bird. Nobody handles this kind of light farce better than Ann Sheridan. Although this came rather late in her career, she shines as the no-nonsense female lead, caught up in a situation that spins out of her control. She is well-matched by John Lund, one of the best light-comedy performers. They make a strong romantic and comedic team. The film is directed with a surprisingly light touch by U-I studio standby Joseph Pevney. Though certainly small-scale and lightweight, it has an appealing, non-condescending small-town America feeling--plus, it's just funny.