Tovarich (1937) was Boyer's third film with the delightful Claudette Colbert. The two play Russian nobility exiled to France. They take jobs as servants in a French household that is somewhat reminiscent of the wacky American family in "My Man Godfrey."
Boyer thought it prudent to follow his performance as Napoleon in "Conquest" with a comedy, and it proved to be a wise decision.
"Tovarich" is snappy and fast-paced, and whereas Colbert was already an established comedienne, audiences were pleasantly surprised to find Boyer equally adept.
The supporting cast featured Basil Rathbone in one of his classy clipped-voiced villain roles, and Melville Cooper and Isabel Jeans as the befuddled employers.
"Tovarich" is a combination of frothy comedy with bitter political undertones - it was an unqualified success when released, and remains extremely enjoyable today.
|
click play button for video |
 |
 |
 |