1936 British film by Maurice Elvey
The Man in the Mirror is a 1936 British comedy film, directed by Maurice Elvey and starring Edward Everett Horton, Genevieve Tobin and Ursula Jeans.[1]
Plot
Jeremy Dilke, a withdrawn, mild-mannered man, works in the city. He is preparing an important report on nitrates, but his partner considers him too weak-willed to proceed with the deal. On the Underground train home Veronica, his partner's flirtatious wife, contrives to alight at his stop and persuade him to walk her home. Her plot is foiled by Dilke's wife, Helen, who takes him home in a taxi. Jeremy argues with Helen and her mother, and both women leave the Dilke home.
Alone in the house, he is surprised when his reflection in the mirror steps out and tells him that he is his alter ego, the kind of man he wishes he was. The man-in-the-mirror then begins to live the more confident, aggressive life that the man had always dreamed of.
He kisses his wife with new passion and flatters his mother-in-law. He also takes command at the office, startling his partner into submission.
The real Dilke no longer sees his reflection in any mirror. While the new Dilke stays at home romancing his wife, the real Dilke can't go home, and is forced to stay in town. The real Dilke checks into a hotel under the name of Thompson, to avoid meeting his alter ego. Veronica spots him and presumes he is open to having an affair under his assumed name.
His partner is eager to close his nitrates deal with two visiting potentates. Vengeful against Jeremy, the partner schemes to squeeze him out of his share of the business. Jeremy sees through the trickery and beats him at his own game. Now successful and happy, and back home, Jeremy and his reflection agree to unite and co-operate.
Production
The film was produced in England by Julius Hagen. The film's sets were designed by the art director Andrew Mazzei. Grand National Pictures released the film in America.
Critical reception
Kine Weekly said "Psychological in theme, but broadly farcical in interpretation, this comedy of a nit-wit who involuntarily plunges into a Jekvll and Hyde existence and ultimately finds, in the battle between his two personalities, his real self, is as novel as it is laughable. The grand possibilities presented by the ingenious and piquant plot are firmly grasped by the star, producer and cameraman. Edward Everett Horton is marvellous in the lead. Maurice Elvey's direction combines imagination with a superb sense of humour. and the double-exposure photography is brilliant."[2]
Monthly Film Bulletin wrote "The idea is original and well worked out, and clever direction, backed up by thoroughly good acting, makes the most of it. Edward Everett Horton has something of a triumph in the dual role. ... There is plenty of action, and the pace is swift. The settings of office, cabaret, train and hotel are appropriately lavish. The dialogue is crisp and amusing, and the whole is funny without ever being vulgar."[3]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "Lugubrious Edward Everett Horton, American master of the double-take, stars in this low-rent British fantasy as a dithering businessman whose looking-glass alter ego takes over his battles in life. Interesting more for the social assumptions of its time than for any cinematic adroitness, it was directed by Maurice Elvey, who made more than 300 unmemorable films in his career."[4]
Leslie Halliwell said: "Modest comedy with a pleasing star."[5]
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