My mom and I were watching this movie earlier, and neither of us could figure this out. Why does Dudley keep refilling the glasses and bottle while they are in the professors apartment? Was it a special drink? Did he not want the professor to drink alcohol? What is the deal? Thanks in advance :).
I have always seen this as a reward to the Professor for his simple faith and trust in basic goodness. His generosity, too, as this was something he'd been saving. So, yes, this is a "special" drink, in a manner of speaking. Note too, the alcohol inspires, but does not intoxicate. Don't we all, who have partaken of the beast, often wish for such?
Just think, you drink and feel great, but never make a fool of yourself in public, and don't feel like death on rye toast the next morning. Now that would be a wonderful life!
I didn't catch this, but was it possible that Dudley was there to answer the Professor's prayer, too? The Professor was a self-professed non-believer, but do you think that he may have, in some moment of doubt, asked the Almighty for direction and guidance?
I just loved Monty Woolley in this role! He was wonderful! His salvation was especially sweet. The drink was a nice little miracle for the Professor. He brightened up his countenance and he became productive again, discovered new keys to unlock the ancient history he was studying and he had already made great headway with the manuscript of his book.
I tend to think that prior to Dudley's intervention, the Professor probably drank too much, thought too much of his own mortality (he seemed to think he was "apartment hunting" whenever he passed by a cemetary) and that he was more than likely a little depressed and feeling useless.
It's hard to pick favorites, but I really, really, really enjoyed Monty Wolley and James Gleason a lot in this movie!!!
I don't think it was any more than a playful moment. Cary Grant laughed a few times throughout the scene. I think his character enjoyed messing with him.
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