Early to Bed: A weirdly charming 1933 relic

Is it worth the watch?

If you like old movies that feel like they were made in a different universe, then yes, give Early to Bed a shot. It is light, it is breezy, and it makes absolutely zero sense if you think about it for more than three seconds. People who hate black-and-white comedies where everyone speaks with a weird, clipped urgency will probably despise this. It’s definitely not for the modern pacing crowd.

The whole premise is just absurd. A guy who works nights and a woman who works days sharing a room. The landlord must have been a saint, or just really, really bad at keeping records. It reminds me of the chaotic domestic energy in Only a Husband, though this one leans way harder into the farce.

The rhythm of the thing

The movie moves fast. Like, it doesn't wait for you to catch up. One minute they are missing each other by mere minutes, and the next they are bickering over a pair of socks. There is a scene where a coat is left on a chair that goes on for way too long. It’s funny, but you can tell the director was just trying to fill space. Classic 1933 efficiency.

I found myself staring at the background furniture more than the leads. The wallpaper is hideous. Honestly, the set design feels like someone just threw random Victorian junk into a room and called it a day.

Some odd notes

• The manicurist’s hair is a marvel of physics. How does it stay like that?
• The dialogue is sharp but feels like it was written by someone who had never actually had a normal conversation in their life.
• There is a moment in the second act where everyone just stops moving. It’s eerie.

Is it better than The False Madonna? Not really, but it is less depressing. Sometimes you just need a movie that doesn't try to be important. It just wants to exist for an hour or so.

You can tell the actors are having a grand time, even if they look slightly confused about why they are running into rooms and hiding behind doors. It is a bit like watching a well-oiled machine that has lost a few screws. It works, but it rattles. 🎞️