Skinner's Dress Suit

Two timeless business adages are the basis for this film: "It's not what you know, it's who you know" and "Clothes make the man." Skinner is an office clerk in need of a raise, because his wife has expensive tastes. However, his boss refuses, and, when the firm loses an important contract, his situation worsens when he is let go. Unfortunately, Skinner cannot tell his wife the truth, and, because he lets her believe that he did receive a substantial raise, she begins spending and spending and spending. "Skinner's Dress Suit" is an amusing silent comedy that shows off the talents and skills of its leading man, Reginald Denny. The six-foot Denny, who had been a boxer in his youth, displays an unexpected agility on the dance floor; whether trying out steps in the office, aping the moves he describes to his wife over the phone, or doing the Savannah Shuffle in a crowded ballroom, Denny was obviously nimble and light on his feet. Also noted for his baritone voice, perhaps he should have pursued musicals when talkies arrived.

Denny is paired with pert Laura La Plante as Honey Skinner, who sees her big, handsome husband as successful and pushes him to complete that image with a new business suit. Properly attired, Skinner projects success and begins to make useful contacts at various affairs he and his wife attend. The supporting cast, which includes Arthur Lake and Hedda Hopper, is solid, and director William A. Seiter, who was married at the time to the leading lady, La Plante, had extensive experience directing comedy. Seiter's skill shows in the pacing and in the sight gags. In one especially funny scene, Denny is dancing in the office, a secretary points to the boss standing behind him, and he imitates her hand movements, thinking she is illustrating dance moves. While the story is slight and predictable, the cast, especially Denny and La Plante, enhance the material and make "Skinner's Dress Suit" a charming, entertaining, and, unfortunately, little-known film.