AllMovie

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney is uneven and suffers from miscasting in the lead role, but on the whole it's an enjoyable caper comedy. Somewhat bowdlerized from its original Frederick Lonsdale source (and in comparison with Norma Shearer's pre-Code version), Mrs. Cheyney's variability may partially have resulted from the death of original director Richard Boleslawsky midway through filming. A film such as this, which depends upon a light but consistent touch, can't help but be harmed when it is guided by three separate hands. Joan Crawford is also not ideal casting, never quite convincing as a thief who easily passes for high society and is too stiff in a part that demands a high degree of flexibility. However, Crawford does handle certain scenes quite well, and she's more at ease with much of the comedy than might have been expected. Of course, expert farceur William Powell is more than at ease; he's in command, and his work is customarily top-notch, as is that of the deliciously befuddled Frank Morgan. Robert Montgomery is also good, though the unsympathetic nature of his character does not allow the actor to use his special charm. Despite its flaws, Mrs. Cheyney is satisfying, undemanding entertainment.