Parlor, Bedroom and Bath

"Parlor, Bedroom and Bath" is a witty and charming romantic comedy that follows the journey of Jeffrey Haywood (played by Cary Grant) and his friend Reggie Irving (played by Melvyn Douglas) as they navigate the complexities of courtship and deception. The film begins with Reggie Irving, a timid and unassuming bachelor, who finds himself caught in the middle of a rather peculiar situation. Jeffrey Haywood, the man Reggie is fond of, is in love with Virginia Embrey. However, Virginia is not interested in marrying unless her older sister, the strong-willed and independent Angelica, is wed first. Angelica, who has a knack for turning down suitors left and right, has developed a distaste for men who she finds dull and predictable. With Angelica's marriage being the only thing standing between him and Virginia, Jeffrey sets his sights on finding a suitable suitor for Angelica. He confides in his friend Reggie, who reluctantly agrees to take on the challenge. However, things take a turn for the worse when Jeffrey implores Polly (played by Jean Dixon), a wise and witty friend, to teach Reggie how to treat a woman right. Unbeknownst to Reggie, Polly turns out to be an expert on manipulating men into becoming the perfect gentlemen. As Polly begins instructing Reggie on the art of seduction, things quickly spiral out of control. Reggie becomes more and more confident, but unfortunately, all his newfound knowledge is misplaced. Instead of treating Angelica with the care and respect she deserves, Reggie turns into a caricature of a playboy, trying to impress her with outlandish antics and shallow displays of charm. The situation becomes more absurd still as Reggie's performances only serve to repel Angelica further. With Reggie's attempts at wooing her falling flat, Angelica begins to view him as even more dull and uninteresting than the rest of the men she had previously met. Meanwhile, Jeffrey grows more and more frustrated with the situation, realizing that his plan to marry Virginia is now in jeopardy. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Reggie's ineptitude in the art of seduction has become a running joke throughout the film. However, beneath the comedic surface lies a poignant exploration of identity and self-discovery. Reggie, a timid and anxious man, finds himself lost in the role of a playboy, but it ultimately leads him to confront his own insecurities and vulnerabilities. "Parlor, Bedroom and Bath" is a delightful exploration of love, social class, and the intricacies of human relationships. The film's witty dialogue, paired with its lighthearted humor, makes it a charming watch that is both amusing and engaging. The film's themes of self-discovery, particularly in the case of Reggie, serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself. Ultimately, the film comes to a satisfying conclusion as Reggie, after a series of mishaps and misadventures, comes to realize his true nature and ultimately finds true love with a more down-to-earth woman. Jeffrey's efforts to marry Virginia are also resolved as his genuine and sincere love for her shines through. "Parlor, Bedroom and Bath" is a romantic comedy that will capture the hearts of audiences, while also providing a thoughtful commentary on the complexities of love and human relationships.