Hold That Kiss (1938) in Color — Starring Maureen O'Sullivan & Dennis O'Keefe

Plot Summary

At an elegant high-society wedding, a young working-class woman and a young man of equally modest means meet and are instantly attracted to each other. The grand surroundings and her borrowed designer outfit lead him to assume she must be a wealthy heiress, while his confident manner and rented formal wear convince her that he must be from one of the city’s most prominent families. Neither corrects the other’s flattering misconception.

Thus begins a romantic courtship conducted entirely under false pretences, with both parties desperately improvising to maintain the illusion of wealth and social position. She must constantly borrow glamorous clothes, invent wealthy relatives, and avoid any situation that might reveal her true circumstances. He must similarly fabricate an elaborate lifestyle of luxury and privilege while actually working at a job that would immediately shatter the image he has created.

The comedy escalates beautifully as each date requires more elaborate deceptions, more creative lies, and more frantic behind-the-scenes scrambling to keep up appearances. Well-meaning friends who know the truth threaten to expose them at every turn, and the increasingly ridiculous lengths to which both will go to maintain their facades provide a seemingly endless supply of comic situations and close calls.

Beneath the laughter, however, both are tormented by the growing realisation that their relationship is built on lies, and that the truth must eventually emerge. Each privately agonises about how the other will react when they discover the deception, fearing that the wonderful person they have fallen in love with will be disgusted by the reality of their modest circumstances. The film builds to a thoroughly charming resolution that affirms the primacy of genuine love over artificial social pretension.

Cast & Crew

Director: Edwin L. Marin

Stars: Maureen O’Sullivan, Dennis O’Keefe, Mickey Rooney, George Barbier, Jessie Ralph, Edward Brophy, Fay Holden

Maureen O’Sullivan brings genuine charm and appealing vulnerability to her role as the pretend heiress, while Dennis O’Keefe matches her as the equally fraudulent society gentleman. A young Mickey Rooney adds energetic comic support. Director Edwin L. Marin keeps the screwball pace brisk and the romantic chemistry sparkling.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of Hold That Kiss transforms the glamorous high-society settings and elegant costumes that the characters use to maintain their deceptions, adding visual sparkle to this charming romantic comedy. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation enhances the contrast between the characters’ real and pretend worlds. Buy Hold That Kiss (1938) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

Hold That Kiss is a fine example of the screwball comedy genre that flourished in 1930s Hollywood, reflecting Depression-era audiences’ fascination with wealth and class while ultimately affirming that genuine character matters more than money. Through colorization, this sparkling romantic comedy has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 79 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What type of comedy is this?
A: This is a classic screwball comedy built around mistaken identity and class pretension, with two likeable leads whose mutual deception creates an escalating series of hilarious situations.

Q: Is Mickey Rooney in this film?
A: Yes, a young and energetic Mickey Rooney appears in a supporting role, adding his characteristic enthusiasm and comic timing to the ensemble.

Q: Is this a romantic comedy?
A: Absolutely, the film combines clever situational comedy with genuine romantic warmth, building to a satisfying conclusion that celebrates love over social pretension.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• My Man Godfrey (1936)
• Easy Living (1937)
• The Awful Truth (1937)
• Where Danger Lives (1950)
• It Happened One Night (1934)