Movie spotlight
A Tailor-Made Man
John Paul Bart is just a pants-presser in a tailor's shop, but he has big ambitions. One night, he borrows the clothes of a wealthy client and bluffs his way into a high society party. After meeting wealthy businessman Abraham Nathan, John Paul quickly rises to the top of Nathan's company. Suffering during The Depression, John Paul helps Nathan save his company with a radical program of cooperative ownership between workers and management. Meanwhile, John Paul makes an enemy of Gustav, who is engaged to Tanya - the daughter of Mr. Huber, owner of the tailor shop. John Paul maintains a friendship with Tanya, provoking jealousy in Gustav. Gustav threatens to reveal John Paul's plain origins to Nathan, and John Paul briefly resigns from Nathan's company. However, John Paul's plan is a success, and Nathan hires him back immediately. Tanya leaves Gustav and ends up with John Paul.
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Plot Summary
John Smith, a struggling tailor, dreams of a better life and uses his skills to infiltrate high society. He fabricates a wealthy background and engages in a series of deceptions to win the heart of a rich heiress and achieve his social ambitions. However, his elaborate lies threaten to unravel as his true identity and motivations are put to the test.
Critical Reception
A Tailor-Made Man was generally well-received upon its release, praised for its witty script and William Powell's charming performance. Critics highlighted the film's clever social satire and its ability to balance comedy with dramatic elements. It was considered a solid entry in the screwball comedy genre of the early 1930s.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its witty dialogue and social commentary.
William Powell's performance as the ambitious tailor was a standout.
A charming and entertaining early screwball comedy.
Google audience: Audience reception data from Google is not readily available for this 1931 film.
Fun Fact
The film is based on a 1917 play of the same name by Harry Leon Wilson, which was also adapted into a silent film in 1920.
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