Maids a la Mode: A brief, chaotic romp through stolen wardrobes

Is it worth the watch?

Honestly, you’ll probably dig Maids a la Mode if you have a soft spot for pre-code slapstick and don’t mind a plot that’s thinner than a sheet of tissue paper. If you need tight pacing or a story that makes any logical sense, steer clear. This isn't high art, it's just a bunch of people being silly in nice clothes. 👗

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Maids a la Mode (1933) through its definitive frames.

The premise is simple enough: why deliver the fancy gowns when you can just wear them to the party yourself? It’s the kind of decision that feels like a bad idea from the very first frame, but that’s the whole point. The girls think they’re getting away with it, and the audience knows they are absolutely not.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Maids a la Mode (1933) through its definitive frames.

Notes from the couch

Watching Zasu Pitts on screen is always a trip. She has this way of looking perpetually confused, like she just realized she left the stove on back in 1928. There’s a moment in the second act where she tries to act posh that made me laugh way more than it probably should have.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Maids a la Mode (1933) through its definitive frames.

Also, Thelma Todd is just effortlessly charming here. She carries the whole thing when the script starts to sag, which happens roughly every three minutes. It’s a shame the film doesn't give her more to do besides just looking fabulous in someone else's expensive silk.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Maids a la Mode (1933) through its definitive frames.

• The party scene feels like it was filmed in someone’s living room.
• The dresses are genuinely nice, which makes the inevitable clumsiness even more stressful.
• I’m pretty sure one of the extras in the background is just reading a newspaper.

It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in Madame Mystery, though this one lacks that specific brand of weirdness. It’s just a standard comedy of errors. Sometimes things get so chaotic you stop following the dialogue and just watch the background furniture to see if it gets knocked over.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Maids a la Mode (1933) through its definitive frames.

It’s not as ambitious as Stout Hearts and Willing Hands, but that’s fine. It knows exactly what it is. It’s a short, messy, and slightly goofy slice of old Hollywood that doesn't overstay its welcome. If you catch it on a slow Sunday, you could do way worse.

I left the screen feeling like I’d just watched a neighbor’s home movie, but with better hats. It’s not going to change your life. Sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of movie you need. 🤷‍♂️