The Private Secretary: A Messy, Old-School Farce

Is it worth your time?

If you get a kick out of old-school British stage farces, you’ll probably have a decent time with The Private Secretary. It’s the kind of movie where doors are constantly slamming and people are hiding in closets for no good reason. If you’re the type of person who needs a tight, logical script, you are going to be pulling your hair out within twenty minutes.

Edward Everett Horton is in his element here. He’s got that specific, fluttery energy that makes you want to both help him and tell him to just get a grip. Watching him try to navigate the chaos is easily the best part of the whole production.

The Chaos Factor

The whole thing hinges on a ridiculous deception that would fall apart in five seconds if anyone involved actually listened to each other. It’s frantic. It moves at this weird, staccato pace that feels like a stage play struggling to remember it’s now a film. Some of the reaction shots linger just long enough to make you feel uncomfortable, which I honestly kind of loved.

There’s a scene involving a creditors’ chase that feels like it’s about thirty seconds too long. You can literally see the actors waiting for their marks. It’s charming in a 'they didn't have the budget to do another take' kind of way.

A Few Thoughts

• Alastair Sim is doing some heavy lifting in the background, as usual.
• The dialogue is sharp, even if the situations are completely brain-dead.
• I’m still not sure if the clergyman is actually that dim or if he’s just exhausted.

If you’ve seen Don't Tell the Wife, you’ll recognize the vibe immediately. It’s that same frantic energy where the stakes are low but the shouting is high. It doesn't have the grit of Smashing Barriers, but then again, it’s not trying to. It just wants you to laugh at a guy in a suit getting pushed around by people who owe money to everyone in London.

Honestly? It’s a bit thin. You watch it, you giggle at Horton being flustered, and then you move on. It’s not trying to change the world. It’s just a funny little relic that manages to hold your attention because everyone on screen looks like they’re having the time of their lives being ridiculous. 🎩