Turnabout (1940)
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30% of users liked it
(49 ratings)
One of several "naughty" screwball comedies based on the works of Thorne Smith (of Topper fame), Hal Roach's Turnabout stars Carole Landis and John Hubbard as unhappily married couple Sally and Tim Willows. Bored with her humdrum existence, Sally spends most of her time figuring out… More One of several "naughty" screwball comedies based on the works of Thorne Smith (of Topper fame), Hal Roach's Turnabout stars Carole Landis and John Hubbard as unhappily married couple Sally and Tim Willows. Bored with her humdrum existence, Sally spends most of her time figuring out ways of spending her husband's money, while hard-working Tim plots and plans to "step out" on the Missus in the company of his business associates Manning (Adolphe Menjou) and Clare (William Gargan). All of this changes when an effigy representing an Oriental deity comes to life and exchanges Sally and Tim's personalities. As a result, Sally awakens with a deep voice and dons Tim's business suit, while Tim speaks in a falsetto and favors Sally's frilly frocks. The complications ensuing from this role-reversal are much better seen than described, while the film's hilarious denouement was tipped by United Artists' ad campaign, which heralded that "The man's had a baby instead of the lady." Though not nearly as risque as it seemed to be back in 1940, Turnabout is full of wonderful vignettes, including a priceless bit involving veteran screen "pansy" Franklin Pangborn. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Hal Roach
- Written By
- Berne Giler, Rian James, Mickell Novak
- Genres
- Classics, Comedy
G,
- In Theaters
- May 17, 1940 Limited
Critic Reviews
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Tom Milne, Time Out
This probably seemed daring once, but hasn't worn well.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
This self-conscious fantasy of a husband and wife who reverse their biological status is a tired and tiresome jape, as subtle as a five-cent stogie and just as aromatic.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Though there are a few chuckles, the presentation is predictable slapstick and takes much longer than need be to get to the main point.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A daring for its time but now dated screwball comedy.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Cast
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Adolphe Menjou
as Phil Manning
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Carole Landis
as Sally Willows
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John Hubbard
as Tim Willows
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William Gargan
as Joel Clare
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Veree Teasdale
as Laura Bannister
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Mary Astor
as Marion Manning
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Donald Meek
as Henry
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Joyce Compton
as Irene Clare
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Inez Courtney
as Miss Edwards
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Franklin Pangborn
as Mr. Pingbloom
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Marjorie Main
as Nora
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Berton Churchill
as Julian Marlowe
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Margaret Roach
as Dixie Gale
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Ray Turner
as Mose
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Norman Budd
as Jimmy
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Polly Ann Young
as Miss Twill
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Eleanor Riley
as Lorraine
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Murray Alper
as Masseur
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Miki Morita
as Ito
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Yolande Mollot
as Marie
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Georges Renavent
as Mr. Ram
