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The First Hundred Years seems as if it was made many centuries ago, and its dated view of the proper role for a woman will alienate many viewers. Even those who agree with its belief that women belong in the home may still be thrown off by the uneven nature of the film. The pacing accelerates in fits and starts, and while there are stretches when all is well, there are also others where everything is rather herky-jerky. This is due less to Richard Thorpe's direction than to Melville Baker's screenplay, which often can't decide whether it's a comedy or a drama. Much of the comedy is entertaining, but the drama between the two leads is less successful; neither comes off as likeable as they need to, and the antagonism between them often feels forced. This isn't the fault of stars Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce, each of whom turns in a very fine performance; indeed, without these two in the roles, the leading characters would wear out their welcome very quickly. They're given excellent support by the amusing Binnie Barnes and Alan Dinehart, as well as a strange but funny Lee Bowman. The First Hundred Years is ultimately only a so-so movie, but viewers looking for a relatively unknown comedy from the period should give it a try.