Stand-In: Humphrey Bogart as a straight man?

Is it worth your time?

If you like old-school studio comedies that don't take themselves too seriously, sure. It’s a breezy watch for a rainy Sunday. But if you’re looking for high-stakes drama or that classic noir intensity, you’re gonna be let down. This isn't exactly Captain Applejack in terms of zany energy, but it has its moments.

Humphrey Bogart plays this stuffy accountant named Atterbury Dodd. It’s actually pretty weird seeing him without a trench coat or a snub-nosed revolver. He’s all business, all the time, and he’s clearly the butt of the joke for the first half of the movie.

The vibe on set

The studio atmosphere feels kind of chaotic, like everyone is just making things up as they go. There’s this one scene where a set piece almost falls on someone, and the reaction is so casual you’d think it happens every Tuesday. It’s got that specific, slightly frantic energy you see in films like Central Park, where the background noise is almost louder than the dialogue.

• Joan Blondell is doing most of the heavy lifting here.
• The accountants are clearly the villains, which is a nice touch.
• The romance feels tacked on, like a studio head demanded it during a lunch meeting.

Watching Dodd try to navigate a bunch of chaotic movie people is honestly the best part. He’s so stiff it hurts. Literally, he walks like he’s got a broom handle taped to his spine. It reminded me a bit of the awkwardness in It Takes a Crook, just with less thievery and more balance sheets.

There is a segment in the middle that drags, though. It’s like the writers forgot the plot for about fifteen minutes and just decided to have everyone walk through backlots. I found myself checking my phone, which is never a good sign. It picks up again once the plan to save the studio actually kicks into gear, but man, that middle stretch is a slog.

Also, is it just me or do the extras look bored? There’s one crowd shot where a guy in the back is clearly just waiting for his shift to end. It’s funny if you look for it. 🎥

Don't expect a masterpiece. It's just a decent way to kill an hour and a half while seeing a legend like Bogart play against his usual type.