The Perfect Specimen
Introduction '''''The Perfect Specimen'''''  is a 1937 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Errol Flynn and Joan Blondell. The picture is based on a novel by Samuel Hopkins Adams.It was Flynn's first comedy.
Plot Gerald Wicks, the heir to a large fortune, has never been outside the gates of his childhood estate. He goes on an adventure with newspaper reporter Mona Carter and they fall in love.
Cast *Errol Flynn as Gerald Beresford Wicks*Joan Blondell as Mona Carter*Hugh Herbert as Killigrew Shaw*Edward Everett Horton as Mr. Gratten*Dick Foran as Jink Carter*Beverly Roberts as Alicia*May Robson as Mrs. Leona Wicks*Allen Jenkins as Pinky*Dennie Moore as Clarabelle*Hugh O'Connell as Hotel clerk*James Burke as Snodgrass*Granville Bates as Hooker
Original novel The book was based on a novel. ''The New York Times'' called it "a trifling little number. It reads like one of those old fashioned farce comedies... hammock reading for a hot afternoon."
Production The film was Flynn's first comedy starring role and the movie always seems to have been considered a vehicle for him. He made it after holidaying in Europe.Warners originally sought Carole Lombard or Miriam Hopkins to play against Errol Flynn and for a while it seemed Hopkins was set to co-star. However she turned down the role and Warners decided to look at players assigned to their contract roster. The two leading contenders were Olivia de Havilland and Joan Blondell; it was thought the former was ideal if the role was played in a "romantic" way but the latter should be preferred it they wanted someone "pepful and sparkling". Blondell was cast and filming started in May 1937.Marie Wilson was meant to play a small role but was assigned to ''The Great Garrick'' instead. Dennie Moore replaced Jane Wyman.Joan Blondell fell ill during filming but recovered.
Reception ''The New York Times'' called the film a "light and unaffecting romantic comedy. "May Robson's performance was highly praised in particular.===Box Office===According to Warner Bros records the film earned $786,000 domestically and $495,000 foreign.
References
External links *** ''The Perfect Specimen'' on Lux Radio Theater: January 2, 1939.