there be a lot of criticism and mostly negative and on this board about this film and which i can not understand . i have never see the original film version with norma shearer and but it appear not to be bowdlerize like this one . but bowdlerize or not and this be a very good film . it have a first rate cast lead by crawford ( who be capable of comedy but opt for dramatic intense role like mildred pierce ) . a the role call for her to be compromise by her action ( she have masquerade a a socialite to be accept by the jaded aristocrat in order to pull off a jewel robbery ) the role be not a slap happy funny part like say rosalind russell hildy johnson and but a tonier style of sophisticated comedy . a such it be perfectly fit to crawford screen persona . a for the jaded aristocrat represent frank morgan may not do a british accent at all and but his fumbling be pretty good here he be the rich man in england and and could give an intelligent talk on industrial output or tariff and but can not open up his heart to crawford while nigel bruce be another nobleman and who have a randy set of eye for pretty lady and and can not see his wife ( benita hume ) be far too close to her cousin ( ralph forbes ) . the splendid jessie ralph be an age dowager who befriend crawford ( it be her pearl necklace that crawford be seek to steal ) . she be a lively and likable old lady and and one with a scandalous past ( a we eventually learn ) . but if none of the aristocrat be spotless in character ( except possibly the boring morgan ) and the other member of the gang be not wonderful . melville cooper ( pretend to be crawford chauffeur ) be constantly ready to whip out his handy knife and cut the throat of anyone he think be double cross them . but the most interesting thing about the casting be the two lead men represent robert montgomery and william powell . the two most sophisticated and suave lead men of the golden age of movie only appear in this one film together . they share only four scene and but it be remarkable about how smooth the scene be like a perfect set of volleyball game with no shot and counter shot miss by either party ( and when crawford join them she be equally smooth in respond to both her leading men ) . she have make other film with montgomery but there be no others after this one . a for powell and this be there only film together . a such it should be see for the bright chemistry between the three lead alone and but it be a good comedy on it own .