The Lady Is Willing, from 1942, is a romantic comedy starring Marlene Dietrich and Fred MacMurray. While the film is primarily a light romantic comedy, it does have a few dramatic moments, and I even found myself getting slightly misty-eyed at one point.
Marlene Dietrich plays Elizabeth Madden, an unmarried stage actress with financial problems. As the film begins, Elizabeth arrives home at her posh apartment, a baby in her arms. The baby had been abandoned, so Elizabeth took her, fully intending to adopt her. When she calls in Dr. Corey McBain (Fred MacMurray) to examine the child, she discovers that the dressed-in-pink child isn't a girl after all. No matter, though...Elizabeth still wants the child and sets out to adopt him.
Adopting the little one isn't as easy as Elizabeth had hoped or expected, though. It seems that all her debt is working against her. According to the court, Elizabeth must either be solvent or married in order to make the baby hers. Since becoming solvent isn't easily accomplished, she must locate a husband...and Dr. McBain fits the bill nicely.
Elizabeth and Dr. McBain's marriage is supposed to be a marriage of convenience. Will it stay that way? What happens when Elizabeth's leading man kisses her? What happens when a couple shows up, claiming to be the baby's real parents? And what about the sudden presence of Dr. McBain's ex-wife? These are the questions that will play out in this delightful film.
The Lady Is Willing is totally predictable, but it's also completely sweet and adorable. I found myself smiling through the entire film and commenting over and over how much I was enjoying it. As a side note, I will mention that I'm not a huge Marlene Dietrich fan; while I don't hate her, I just don't consider myself a fan of hers. Despite that, though, I enjoyed this film immensely and really found Dietrich to be delightful in her role. This is a film I will watch over and over. Definitely, highly recommended!
While I don't believe the film is out on DVD, I know it is available through You Tube. Try to catch it there or on TCM. Happy viewing!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Adam and Evalyne (3 stars)
Adam and Evalyne is a 1949 romance, which stars real-life couple Stewart Granger and Jean Simmons. Made the year before the two married, Adam and Evalyne is the first of three pairings between Granger and Simmons. I discovered this film over the weekend on Net Flix instant viewing. I had never heard of it before.
About 16, Evalyne Wallace (Jean Simmons) lives and works at Willby Hall Orphanage. How she got there, and why she bears her mother's name is never explained. (My guess is that she was an illegitimate child.) Letters from her father are what keep Evalyne going. She lives for the day when her handsome, well-to-do father fulfills his promise to call for her at the orphanage and takes her home to live with him.
Unbeknownst to Evalyne, however, is the fact that her father's letters are completely bogus. Instead of using his real name, Chris Kirby, he writes to her using the name of his best friend...Adam Black. The photo of himself which he sends to Evalyne is really a photo of Adam (Stewart Granger). So, upon Chris's death, when Adam, fulfilling his promise to the dying Chris, shows up at the orphanage, Evalyne fully believes he is her father, who has finally come to take her to live with him. Not wanting to hurt Evalyne, Adam cannot bear to tell her the truth, so home with him she goes.
Shortly after learning the truth, that Adam is really not her father, Evalyne is sent to a Swiss finishing school. When she returns, two years later, she is hardly the plain, awkward young lady she had once been, and although she begins to see other men, it is Adam to whom her heart belongs. But can Adam see her as anything except his ward?
Adam and Evalyne is very cute and quite predictable. Really, it's an entertaining and enjoyable film. The chemistry between Granger and Simmons is fantastic, and I'm not just talking the romantic scenes. They were fabulous with one another in every scene. I think it's their chemistry that really made this film enjoyable for me. Hope you get a chance to see it.
Happy viewing!!!
About 16, Evalyne Wallace (Jean Simmons) lives and works at Willby Hall Orphanage. How she got there, and why she bears her mother's name is never explained. (My guess is that she was an illegitimate child.) Letters from her father are what keep Evalyne going. She lives for the day when her handsome, well-to-do father fulfills his promise to call for her at the orphanage and takes her home to live with him.
Unbeknownst to Evalyne, however, is the fact that her father's letters are completely bogus. Instead of using his real name, Chris Kirby, he writes to her using the name of his best friend...Adam Black. The photo of himself which he sends to Evalyne is really a photo of Adam (Stewart Granger). So, upon Chris's death, when Adam, fulfilling his promise to the dying Chris, shows up at the orphanage, Evalyne fully believes he is her father, who has finally come to take her to live with him. Not wanting to hurt Evalyne, Adam cannot bear to tell her the truth, so home with him she goes.
Shortly after learning the truth, that Adam is really not her father, Evalyne is sent to a Swiss finishing school. When she returns, two years later, she is hardly the plain, awkward young lady she had once been, and although she begins to see other men, it is Adam to whom her heart belongs. But can Adam see her as anything except his ward?
Adam and Evalyne is very cute and quite predictable. Really, it's an entertaining and enjoyable film. The chemistry between Granger and Simmons is fantastic, and I'm not just talking the romantic scenes. They were fabulous with one another in every scene. I think it's their chemistry that really made this film enjoyable for me. Hope you get a chance to see it.
Happy viewing!!!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Forsaking All Others (3 stars)
Forsaking All Others, from 1934, is a romantic comedy/drama starring Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Robert Montgomery. It was one of the films TCM recently aired on Joan Crawford's day during Summer Under the Stars, and since I had been wanting to see it, I made sure to set my DVR that day.
The film begins on the eve of Mary Clay's (Joan Crawford) wedding day. Having been in love with Dillon "Dill" Todd (Robert Montgomery) since childhood, Mary is thrilled to finally be marrying him. Her joy is complete when another dear childhood friend, Jeff Williams (Clark Gable), returns from a trip to Spain just in time for the wedding. What Mary doesn't realize is that while she has been in love with Dill all those years, Jeff has been in love with her. His arrival at her house was to ask her to marry him, not to congratulate her on her upcoming marriage to Dill. In fact, Jeff wasn't even aware of her upcoming marriage. Jeff never has an opportunity to declare his love for Mary, as before he has the chance to do so, he learns of Mary's next-day wedding to Dill. Though disappointed, Jeff puts on a brave face and tries to be happy for her.
On the eve of the wedding, Dill's old flame, Connie, shows up at his door. After having a few drinks together, they decide to run off and get married, and Dill informs Mary of this in a telegram just hours before their planned wedding. Jeff is there to help Mary pick up the pieces, though he never reveals his love for her. Not long after marrying Connie, Dill regrets that action and seeks to reconcile with Mary, putting Mary in the position of having to determine which man will make her happy.
All three stars give a good performance here in Forsaking All Others, making for a very solid 3-star film. The movie is out on DVD, plus it's available on You Tube. Additionally, TCM has it on their November schedule. So there are plenty of ways you can enjoy this cute film.
Happy viewing!!
The film begins on the eve of Mary Clay's (Joan Crawford) wedding day. Having been in love with Dillon "Dill" Todd (Robert Montgomery) since childhood, Mary is thrilled to finally be marrying him. Her joy is complete when another dear childhood friend, Jeff Williams (Clark Gable), returns from a trip to Spain just in time for the wedding. What Mary doesn't realize is that while she has been in love with Dill all those years, Jeff has been in love with her. His arrival at her house was to ask her to marry him, not to congratulate her on her upcoming marriage to Dill. In fact, Jeff wasn't even aware of her upcoming marriage. Jeff never has an opportunity to declare his love for Mary, as before he has the chance to do so, he learns of Mary's next-day wedding to Dill. Though disappointed, Jeff puts on a brave face and tries to be happy for her.
On the eve of the wedding, Dill's old flame, Connie, shows up at his door. After having a few drinks together, they decide to run off and get married, and Dill informs Mary of this in a telegram just hours before their planned wedding. Jeff is there to help Mary pick up the pieces, though he never reveals his love for her. Not long after marrying Connie, Dill regrets that action and seeks to reconcile with Mary, putting Mary in the position of having to determine which man will make her happy.
All three stars give a good performance here in Forsaking All Others, making for a very solid 3-star film. The movie is out on DVD, plus it's available on You Tube. Additionally, TCM has it on their November schedule. So there are plenty of ways you can enjoy this cute film.
Happy viewing!!
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Caught (3 stars)
Caught, from 1949, is an interesting soap-opera-ish drama starring Robert Ryan, James Mason, and Barbara Bel Geddes. What drew me to this film was the fabulous Robert Ryan. Though #1 and #2 guys, William Holden and Gary Cooper, aren't in danger of being toppled from their positions, Robert Ryan isn't far behind. Some days I think he's my #5 guy, other days, he's #6. Since he's so high on my list, I'm always on the lookout for a film of his that I haven't seen, and I discovered this one on Net Flix instant viewing.
The film begins with working girl Leonora Ames (Barbara Bel Geddes) enrolling in a charm school. Leonora's hope is to graduate from the school, land a modeling job, and meet (and marry) a millionaire; in short order, it appears that her dream is coming true, because, while modeling a mink coat, she gets invited to the yacht party of wealthy businessman Smith Ohlrig (Robert Ryan). Feeling cheap and out of her element, Leonora's first thought is to skip the party; however, her roommate manages to convince her that the party would provide a wonderful opportunity to meet great men, so she dons an evening gown and heads to the pier.
Before arriving at the party, Leonora is approached by a man she doesn't know, and upon discovering he is none other than Smith Ohlrig, she agrees to go for a drive with him. It's an uncomfortable drive, with Smith gruff and demanding the entire time; when he pulls up in front of his house, Leonora insists that she is not that kind of girl and just wants to go home, a request to which Smith angrily complies.
Shortly afterwards, Smith visits his analyst, who tells him that his heart attacks and angry outbursts are the direct result of having his will thwarted. He tells Smith that he is a man who wants to control all things and all people, so when anything obstructs his plans, he will be vehemently angry and, perhaps, even have heart attack-like episodes. And, says the doctor, since Leonora was unable to be controlled, Smith has descended into a fit of rage. Furious with the doctor's opinion, Smith is determined to prove him wrong and vows to marry the girl, which is exactly what he does.
Nearly a year later, Leonora, lonely and living on pills, wishes things were different. Telling her friend that she really loves Smith, that she didn't marry him just for his money, she laments that he's never home and doesn't spend any time with her. When he does come home, bringing several business associates with him, Smith expects Leonora to play hostess for him. She does, even willingly, but after Smith is rude to her in front of his guests, she walks out on him...a situation that triggers one of his spells.
Moving from her fancy Long Island mansion to a shabby Eastside apartment, Leonora begins life apart from Smith. Using her maiden name and not wearing a wedding ring, she takes a job as a receptionist for Dr. Larry Quinada (James Mason), a kindly pediatrician. Before long, Dr. Quinada has fallen in love with her, but suddenly, Smith comes back into Leonora's life, pleading for another chance, assuring her that he missed her, promising that things will be different. But will they? Has Smith really changed? Does he really love Leonora? Those questions (and more) will play out through the balance of the film.
Robert Ryan was totally fantastic in his role (as I think he almost always was). His character was supposedly based on the life of Howard Hughes; however, I don't know enough about Hughes to know if that's true or not. Suffice to say, his character was wealthy...and powerful...and totally sadistic. Boy, could Robert Ryan play those kinds of characters to perfection! I found him magnificent here. James Mason, who I am just beginning to discover, was very good in his role. Oh, that voice of his!! Like velvet! As for Barbara Bel Geddes---besides Miss Ellie on Dallas, I have never seen any other of her works. In fact, I didn't know she had ever made movies. She was okay in her role...a bit stiff and not quite believable sometimes, I thought, but for the most part, I liked her.
Caught grabbed me instantly, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Quite honestly, I thought I would give it 4 stars; however, the ending was lame and somewhat ridiculous, so I decided to give 3 stars. It's a very solid 3 stars, though, so I definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!
The film begins with working girl Leonora Ames (Barbara Bel Geddes) enrolling in a charm school. Leonora's hope is to graduate from the school, land a modeling job, and meet (and marry) a millionaire; in short order, it appears that her dream is coming true, because, while modeling a mink coat, she gets invited to the yacht party of wealthy businessman Smith Ohlrig (Robert Ryan). Feeling cheap and out of her element, Leonora's first thought is to skip the party; however, her roommate manages to convince her that the party would provide a wonderful opportunity to meet great men, so she dons an evening gown and heads to the pier.
Before arriving at the party, Leonora is approached by a man she doesn't know, and upon discovering he is none other than Smith Ohlrig, she agrees to go for a drive with him. It's an uncomfortable drive, with Smith gruff and demanding the entire time; when he pulls up in front of his house, Leonora insists that she is not that kind of girl and just wants to go home, a request to which Smith angrily complies.
Shortly afterwards, Smith visits his analyst, who tells him that his heart attacks and angry outbursts are the direct result of having his will thwarted. He tells Smith that he is a man who wants to control all things and all people, so when anything obstructs his plans, he will be vehemently angry and, perhaps, even have heart attack-like episodes. And, says the doctor, since Leonora was unable to be controlled, Smith has descended into a fit of rage. Furious with the doctor's opinion, Smith is determined to prove him wrong and vows to marry the girl, which is exactly what he does.
Nearly a year later, Leonora, lonely and living on pills, wishes things were different. Telling her friend that she really loves Smith, that she didn't marry him just for his money, she laments that he's never home and doesn't spend any time with her. When he does come home, bringing several business associates with him, Smith expects Leonora to play hostess for him. She does, even willingly, but after Smith is rude to her in front of his guests, she walks out on him...a situation that triggers one of his spells.
Moving from her fancy Long Island mansion to a shabby Eastside apartment, Leonora begins life apart from Smith. Using her maiden name and not wearing a wedding ring, she takes a job as a receptionist for Dr. Larry Quinada (James Mason), a kindly pediatrician. Before long, Dr. Quinada has fallen in love with her, but suddenly, Smith comes back into Leonora's life, pleading for another chance, assuring her that he missed her, promising that things will be different. But will they? Has Smith really changed? Does he really love Leonora? Those questions (and more) will play out through the balance of the film.
Robert Ryan was totally fantastic in his role (as I think he almost always was). His character was supposedly based on the life of Howard Hughes; however, I don't know enough about Hughes to know if that's true or not. Suffice to say, his character was wealthy...and powerful...and totally sadistic. Boy, could Robert Ryan play those kinds of characters to perfection! I found him magnificent here. James Mason, who I am just beginning to discover, was very good in his role. Oh, that voice of his!! Like velvet! As for Barbara Bel Geddes---besides Miss Ellie on Dallas, I have never seen any other of her works. In fact, I didn't know she had ever made movies. She was okay in her role...a bit stiff and not quite believable sometimes, I thought, but for the most part, I liked her.
Caught grabbed me instantly, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Quite honestly, I thought I would give it 4 stars; however, the ending was lame and somewhat ridiculous, so I decided to give 3 stars. It's a very solid 3 stars, though, so I definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!
Friday, September 02, 2011
A Child Is Waiting (3 stars)
A Child Is Waiting, starring Burt Lancaster and Judy Garland, is a touching 1963 drama which focuses on the education of mentally retarded children. It's a great "message movie" about the dignity and worth of all humans.
Dr. Clark (Burt Lancaster) is the director at a school for mentally handicapped children; as the film begins, Jean Hanson (Judy Garland) is hired on as a music teacher. Despite not having experience in either teaching or working with mentally retarded children, Jean's heart is in the right place, so Dr. Clark offers her a position at the school. Almost immediately upon arrival, Jean develops a connection with Ruben, a young boy with whom the school hasn't had much success.
While Dr. Clark is quite an advocate for helping the children, he and Jean butt heads over his methods, especially with regard to Ruben. Jean gives the lion's share of her attention to Ruben and seems to baby him, not really expecting him to obey rules or join in with the other children. Jean's attachment to the little boy eventually causes her to go directly against Dr. Clark's instruction to not contact his mother, an action which brings great heartbreak to Ruben.
The balance of the film chronicles Dr. Clark's and Jean's endeavors to reach Ruben and make him a functioning part of the school. It's a touching and interesting movie, with Burt Lancaster playing a rather paternal role...definitely a departure from other films of his that I've seen. I liked having the opportunity to see him in such a capacity. I found this a solid 3-star movie and definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!
Dr. Clark (Burt Lancaster) is the director at a school for mentally handicapped children; as the film begins, Jean Hanson (Judy Garland) is hired on as a music teacher. Despite not having experience in either teaching or working with mentally retarded children, Jean's heart is in the right place, so Dr. Clark offers her a position at the school. Almost immediately upon arrival, Jean develops a connection with Ruben, a young boy with whom the school hasn't had much success.
While Dr. Clark is quite an advocate for helping the children, he and Jean butt heads over his methods, especially with regard to Ruben. Jean gives the lion's share of her attention to Ruben and seems to baby him, not really expecting him to obey rules or join in with the other children. Jean's attachment to the little boy eventually causes her to go directly against Dr. Clark's instruction to not contact his mother, an action which brings great heartbreak to Ruben.
The balance of the film chronicles Dr. Clark's and Jean's endeavors to reach Ruben and make him a functioning part of the school. It's a touching and interesting movie, with Burt Lancaster playing a rather paternal role...definitely a departure from other films of his that I've seen. I liked having the opportunity to see him in such a capacity. I found this a solid 3-star movie and definitely recommend it.
Happy viewing!!
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