Pre-code films can be, in addition to other things, pretty risque. And when it comes to risque dialog, Design for Living just may be the pre-codiest. It begins with Hopkins' Gilda (pronounced Jilda) suggestively placing her legs between those of the sleeping men, and it escalates from there. Many times pre-code films will gratuitously show the lead actress undress down to a fairly unrevealing nightgown or make a sly comment about sex, and it wouldn't even hit my radar. But the dialog in Design for Living was downright scandalous.
Based on a Noel Coward play, it was reportedly rewritten by Ben Hecht, retaining only one line. But the sharp dialog is the highlight here. Several changes were made to get it past the Hays office, but it would be denied a certificate for re-release in subsequent years.
Playing Gilda's boss is distinctive character actor Edward Everett Horton. He has shown up in a variety of 1930's films. Frequently an unlikable if not villainous character, he is always memorable. The bulk of his film roles were prior to 1950 but he continued to work until his death in 1970.
Design for Living is a surprisingly entertaining watch and perhaps my favorite Gary Cooper performance. Miriam Hopkins was deviously adorable and I loved every minute of it. AMRU 4.5.
"For the good of our immortal souls!"
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