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The Perfect Specimen

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.

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==
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==
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==
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==
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==
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