The title is more provocative than the movie itself. The story, about a college professor who gets drawn into swing music and nightclub escapades, seems like a precode leftover. Except, because the Hays Office is hovering over the production, it doesn't get too shocking; in fact, everything stays relatively tame. Dick Powell has the main role, but since it was his last film at Warners, he was "demoted" and given second billing under Ann Sheridan who doesn't turn up until the 23-minute mark, then disappears for stretches at a time. Sheridan is cast as a sultry singer, and she is truly a knockout; it's a shame she and Powell didn't get a chance to do more pictures together.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE has some amusing moments, and these are generally furnished by the character players. Helen Broderick is on hand as Powell's bohemian aunt; ZaSu Pitts plays another aunt, of the more straight-laced variety; and Jerry Colonna appears in a fun musical segment. The plot, if we can call it one, hinges on Powell coming out of his shell. But it doesn't seem to take much to turn his world upside down. This is evidenced in a scene where for the first time in his life he's had too much to drink and ends up hanging from a chandelier. The wild display is caught on film by a newspaper photographer, which quickly leads to a meeting with the aunts who disagree about how he should conduct himself.
A short time later, he's back on the prowl hanging out with Sheridan, who takes advantage of his sweetness. She invites him up to her apartment and proceeds to help him get drunk again. We know this will lead to other things that could disgrace the family and probably jeopardize his job at the college.
It's not as pedestrian as it sounds. And despite a script that doesn't really challenge the cast, they all manage to make a decent effort and provide a solid, swinging piece of entertainment.
NAUGHTY BUT NICE has some amusing moments, and these are generally furnished by the character players. Helen Broderick is on hand as Powell's bohemian aunt; ZaSu Pitts plays another aunt, of the more straight-laced variety; and Jerry Colonna appears in a fun musical segment. The plot, if we can call it one, hinges on Powell coming out of his shell. But it doesn't seem to take much to turn his world upside down. This is evidenced in a scene where for the first time in his life he's had too much to drink and ends up hanging from a chandelier. The wild display is caught on film by a newspaper photographer, which quickly leads to a meeting with the aunts who disagree about how he should conduct himself.
A short time later, he's back on the prowl hanging out with Sheridan, who takes advantage of his sweetness. She invites him up to her apartment and proceeds to help him get drunk again. We know this will lead to other things that could disgrace the family and probably jeopardize his job at the college.
It's not as pedestrian as it sounds. And despite a script that doesn't really challenge the cast, they all manage to make a decent effort and provide a solid, swinging piece of entertainment.