He Stayed for Breakfast

Loretta Young, Melvin Douglas, Alan Marshal, and Eugene Palette star in "He Stayed for Breakfast," a comedy from 1940.

This has been described as the reverse of Ninotchka. In this story, luminous, beautiful, exquisitely dressed Loretta Young is married to but separated from the wealthy Maurice (Pallette). We assume she married him for money. She is being courted not only by her husband but by another man, Andre (Marshal).

A rabble-rousing communist, Paul Boliet (Douglas) uses her home as a hideout since the police are outside. With the police searching and suitors visiting, chaos ensues. But she's not anxious for him to leave.

Very cute comedy with Young wearing a dazzling assortment of gowns. She's also quite sexy in this. Douglas is great as a speech-giving commie who can't wait for the revolution.

The film takes place in France. Back then so many of the films were set in locations out of the country although they were filmed in studios. I thought this film was delightful. And it's nice to remember things like formal wear.