The Perfect Specimen

Gerald Wicks, the heir to a large fortune, has never been outside the gates of his childhood estate. He goes on an adventure with newspaper reporter Mona Carter and they fall in love.

• Errol Flynn as Gerald Beresford Wicks
• Joan Blondell as Mona Carter
• Hugh Herbert as Killigrew Shaw
• Edward Everett Horton as Mr. Gratten
• Dick Foran as Jink Carter
• Beverly Roberts as Alicia
• May Robson as Mrs. Leona Wicks
• Allen Jenkins as Pinky
• Dennie Moore as Clarabelle
• Hugh O'Connell as Hotel clerk
• James Burke as Snodgrass
• Granville Bates as Hooker

The book was based on a novel. The New York Times called it "a trifling little number. It reads like one of those old fashioned farce comedies... hammock reading for a hot afternoon."

The film was Flynn's first comedy starring role and the movie always seems to have been considered a vehicle for him. He made it after holidaying in Europe.

Warners originally sought Carole Lombard or Miriam Hopkins to play against Errol Flynn and for a while it seemed Hopkins was set to co-star. However she turned down the role and Warners decided to look at players assigned to their contract roster. The two leading contenders were Olivia de Havilland and Joan Blondell; it was thought the former was ideal if the role was played in a "romantic" way but the latter should be preferred it they wanted someone "pepful and sparkling". Blondell was cast and filming started in May 1937.

Marie Wilson was meant to play a small role but was assigned to The Great Garrick instead. Dennie Moore replaced Jane Wyman.

Joan Blondell fell ill during filming but recovered.

The New York Times called the film a "light and unaffecting romantic comedy."

May Robson's performance was highly praised in particular.

Box Office

According to Warner Bros records the film earned $786,000 domestically and $495,000 foreign.