The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947) Movie Review

[@oldhatcinema]

When you said, "Actors I crushed on were generally older . . . or dead," I reflexively said, "Yup!" 😁

[@glennsmusic]

What a great little movie! The more I see of Cary Grant, the more I appreciate his talent. Myrna Loy is always great. Shirley Temple was this close to breaking out into a song and dance number. "Now there's a guy who never goes out of a girl's mind. He just stays there like a heavy meal." 🤣

[@barbarabrown7974]

The bobby-soxer phenomenon was the teen movement of the time. Teen girls at the time wore bobby socks, hence the name. My late mom, who graduated high school in 1944, remembered it quite well. Mom said she wasn't really a bobby-soxer herself, but that one of her older sisters, my aunt Winnie, was. It was a distinct teen subculture, an emerging early instance of a style and behavior different from children and adults.

[@GoGreen1977]

I first saw this movie when I wasn't much older than Shirley Temple's character. That was decades ago. I loved it then and your review made me realize I haven't seen it for years. I need to go dig it up and laugh at it, again, for probably the sixth or seventh time. I have never thought of it as an inappropriate subject matter since, as you say, Grant's character always treats Susan without a hint of attraction towards her, given her mad crush on him and the compromising situation she puts him in. It's just a very entertaining film, well worth the time, or times, to watch it.

[@stevendunn264]

It is nice to think that at least for a while we were living in a more innocent time. That is why I enjoy old movies more than new movies.

[@josephmayo3253]

Another good review, Jerome. I completely relate. Some of my biggest Hollywood crushes are Clara Bow, Colleen Moore, Jean Harlow, Joan Blondell, Gene Tierney, Linda Darnell, Veronica Lake, Marilyn Monroe, and Jane Russell. Most of them were either dead, or their careers were practically over before I was born.

[@irawolf]

I thought I was the only one who loved this film! Your review is intelligent and spectacular! My cheeks are hurting from having a non-stop smile while watching your review and vividly recalling every scene. I will have to dig out my DVD of this film and watch it tonight. Thank you!!

[@michaelm6948]

This was a good vehicle for Shirley Temple as she made a comeback and moved into older roles. However, she made the decision, not too long after this in 1950, that she would give up her film career. At this time Shirley was married to John Agar. But Agar's alcoholism and dissolute lifestyle thwarted Shirley's goal of having a stable family life with him.

[@postercereal3654]

Thanks for the review. Yeah, Mr. Blandings is a fun one, too.

[@tonydeluna8095]

Hello Jerome, I have not seen Christopher Lees Dracula till last weekend, it was a beautiful movie. His performance in, Horror of Dracula, was astounding, it was just incredible; an exhilarating experience!

[@Weiselberry]

Glad you enjoyed it. My favorite moment in that movie is when Peter Cushing's Van Helsing gives the Count and the window a calculating glance, then runs down the length of the table and leaps at the curtain. Love that part.

[@Blutszauger]

My world... I don't know what's real anymore... I did not know about the Labyrinth connection with this movie. I am a proud Gen Xer who has heard "Magic Dance" a million times. I also thought I knew a thing or three about old movies. JW, you have educated me.

[@sumo0172]

Thank you for sharing this video. I've always enjoyed this movie. To me everything always felt right in it and your insight really helped me understand why. But the comparison to Labyrinth, I didn't see it before but yeah there are some surprising connections. And Cary Grant, you know I love me some Cary Grant and your background into his feelings about worrying about his onscreen romantic partners just makes me love him more. Just a top class guy!

[@MacinMindSoftware]

I haven't seen it yet. But I've been immersed in this period for two decades and what I have found is that I can always trust that watching anything from this period I won't come way feeling icky.

[@barrywerdell2614]

I saw this film years ago by accident. I was lying on the couch. recovering from a horrid hangover that hurt even when I moved. This movie came on and I couldn't find the remote to change the channel so I watched it and enjoyed it. I was much surprised by Ray Collins (Lt Tragg from Perry Mason) had a gift for comedy. Try the 1955 version of "We're No Angels"

[@AngelZaragosa]

There's another song that incorporates the back and forth exchange used in the Batchelor and the Bobbysoxer! American Pie and Scooby Doo (in both a movie and TV series episode) "Man With the Hex" Song by The Atomic Fireballs (recorded in 1998)

[@joeomalley2835]

I have seen this film showing so many times on TCM but have actually yet to sit down and watch. It's always awesome to hear your perspective on classic films.

[@ricksamericana749]

It's also on HBO Max.

[@michaelwalsh2498]

Interesting commentary on the delicate subject matter of this film, and how contemporary creators wouldn't make such a film . Even back in the 1930s there was some controversy surrounding the much younger Shirley Temple and her screen persona. The now iconic English writer Graham Greene wrote a film review of a Temple film in a limited circulation quarterly, Time and Tide. It made the accusation that her film persona had prurient aspects that appealed to a certain group of older male viewers of abhorrent tastes. Graham Greene was sued for libel by Temple's representatives and lost. The settlement drove the publication out of business. This view is much more widely shared today. A quick perusal of YT cuts from some of her early films show many commentators taking a very dim view of what was once seen as wholesome innocence.

[@Weiselberry]

Yes, unfortunately there are always going to be those people who take something wholesome and try to sully it. I've never thought of that being an issue with Temple, but I'm also not surprised. I think I'd side with Temple on this one. As someone who aims to have a wholesome, family-friendly channel on KZbin and sometimes has to do deal with the more disgusting side of human nature, I guess I relate a bit. In my opinion, Temple herself is not to blame for creepy (old) men doing what creepy (old) men do. And even if that perverted response was provoked by her onscreen persona, I would think the studio, her agents, et al. should be the ones accountable for that, based on her youth and the control studios had over all their contracted stars at the time. At least, that's my quick assessment of the case.

[@michaelwalsh2498]

@@Weiselberry I'm with you. I was surprised at the outraged responses to some of Shirley's most beloved scenes. Many folks look at them through today's unfortunate experiences of child abuse and grooming of minors. Not that it wasn't going on then, Shirley experienced it herself with some disgusting studio executives. However, Shirley over her long life never saw her childhood film performances as exploitation.

[@duleybraza4558]

Myrna Loy was such a talented actor. She later appeared in tv shows and tv movies. I remember Summer Solstice with Henry Fonda, mainly for her performance. Your review, as usual, is insightful and considerate of the time they were made. Bobby soxer is a funny movie with a great cast. I wonder if anyone who watches the movie today asks, what's a bobby soxer?

[@Weiselberry]

Oh, I'm sure they do!

[@sedumplant]

I saw it as a teen! Loved it! Thank you for reviewing it!

[@rsacchi100]

Thanks for sharing. For many years there were big age differences between the leading man and lady. There were A list men who were box office draws. Women their own age often wouldn't have the appeal for a romantic love interest. At the time, in most states, the Bobby-Soxer was of legal age. One of the interesting age issues was with "The Manchurian Candidate" where Angela Lansbury played Laurence Harvey's mother. They were the same age.

[@peterkarargiris4110]

I'd heard of this film for many years but the title and the fact that it's got Shirley Temple in it put me off giving it a look. Now, after your review, I'm far more interested in checking it out. Cary Grant is always great of course. Great review JW.

[@rosezingleman5007]

He also made that funny “odd duck” face at the end of “Charade.” Stanley Donen, a well-known choreographer who directed the film, knew a thing or two a boy May/December romances. He was the longtime partner of Elaine May (Director of “A New Leaf” with Walter Matthau-my favorite of Matthau’s) and he was at least 45 yrs her senior(maybe).

[@charliedavidarnott1537]

Brilliant review! I have enjoyed Carey Grant in everything I have seen him in, so I might have to check this one out. Thanks for the informative and fun video as always. 😊

[@gregorycarnes3521]

Haven't seen this in awhile but always liked it. Myrna Loy has always been a favorite. Loved her in Penthouse an early pre-code film directed by Woody Van Dyke. All the Thin Man movies. Test Pilot, The Best Years Of Our Lives. All the way up to Airport 1975 where she downs that boilermaker and Summer Solatice with Henry Fonda. She had class and graced anything she was in even if it was just a cameo like in The Senator Was Indescreet.

[@betinaceciliafeld9854]

PS: Collins has another likable character in Summer Stock, the last movie Judy Garland and Gene Kelly made together. But.. yeah, he will always be Gettys for me too!

[@winterburden]

Thank you so much, what an excellent review! 🙆‍♀️

[@betinaceciliafeld9854]

Oh, you made me realize I was like Susan too 🙈. I was reluctant to watch this movie but when I finally saw it, I loved it. It's very funny and the subject is treated in a smart, tactful way. I also loved Mr Blandings builds his dream house and quite enjoyed Wings in the Dark. I'm doing a little Cary Grant Project of my own, watching all his movies in chronological order, and Wings in the Dark is next on the line, so I'll be rewatching it soon.

[@ricksamericana749]

"If you ain't eatin' Wham, you ain't eatin' ham".

[@legiontheatregroup]

Holy cow was this educational! “You remind me of a man. What man? Man with the power. What power? Power of Voodoo!”. I never saw Labrynth (sp?) but those are the opening lines to the late 1990s/early 2000’s song The Man With The Hex by revival swing band Atomic Fireballs. Their style of music is very in keeping with the time period of this Carey Grant movie, even though they came along 50 years after. I love movies from this period and also the very brief swing revival music period of the late 1990s (which most famously produced Brian Setzer’s cover of Jump, Jive and Wail). Thank you for this review and the education!

[@kellyjkennedy]

I've always loved this movie and your review was the best! Thanks JW! This one will get repeated viewings during the week! And so perfectly coming on the heels of 'It Takes a Thief' it makes such an interesting comparison from a farcical comedy to a witty caper as Grant and his image mature. Funny too how this has the age difference theme and bringing up Grant's discomfort in playing these roles later. Grant was also one of the rare actors who bc of his popularity was able to leave the studio contract player system back then and was free to choose only the roles he wanted. And having that control probably made him more self protective about what kind of roles best upheld the image he wanted to be known for. And you're totally right about a story like this not being able to be made today without veering into the creepy and suggestive. This movie keeps it wholesome and even goes off into classic screwball comedy with the picnic contest scenes or the nightclub table party! (And speaking of the changing reactions of modern audiences, I find The Graduate much higher on the creepy scale now than I ever did as a young person! But that's another conversation!) I suppose the premise and title of this movie is a little dated now, but I still put it up there with one of my other favorites, Arsenic and Old Lace! It's so fun and like a comedy swiss watch - all the pieces fit just right! Super fun review - thanks again!!

[@guilfordcigarman]

I do believe that I enjoyed your review more than the actual picture.

[@ramsien]

I'll be interested in seeing this, since my only other experience of Myrna Loy is Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.

[@sageantone7291]

Used to love this one. Saw it before the Labyrinth, so when I heard David Bowie singing about the "power of voodoo," I was like, "HEY! That's Cary Grant's!"

[@ricksamericana749]

"The Power of Hoo Doo"

[@sageantone7291]

@@ricksamericana749 Bowie said "The Power of Voodoo." Check it.

[@Weiselberry]

@@sageantone7291 Grant said "hoodoo," and Bowie changed it to "voodoo."

[@sageantone7291]

@@Weiselberry Correct. Bowie was quoted.

[@glennsmusic]

I guess when you rattle it off quickly "The power of hoodoo" can sound like "the power of voodoo"

[@andreamiller3578]

My sisters and I saw this when we were kids, and we still randomly break out into the whole "you remind me of a man" part. Fun movie

[@williamblakehall5566]

I must confess that I was always prejudiced against this movie because of the title. I would ask myself "Do I really want to watch a movie called The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer?" Evidently I should. Grant as a likeable smart-aleck, eh? Maybe I should watch and take notes. Some of us of course saw Citizen Kane but may recall Ray Collins best as Lt. Tragg from what must have been over a hundred old Perry Mason episodes. You inspired me to check Johnny Sands -- he was born Elbert Harp (!) but chose the name Johnny Sands because, hey, he enjoyed sand and surf. (No, I would not think of Labyrinth -- good catch, though.) I guess the moral here is to not judge books by covers or movies by titles. (After all, I did catch I Married a Monster From Outer Space.) Another excellent review, Rome, thanks, and owl be seeing you.

[@Weiselberry]

As many Perry Mason books as I read, I only saw a few episodes of the show here and there. I can think of a few reasons why this film's title could be off-putting, but it's definitely worth a look.

[@only257]

@@Weiselberry recommend the classic movie here comes mr jordan it's a great film it's what inspired the hit scifi series quantum leap

[@wadeaiken1948]

While this film has always been a favorite of mine, I was a bit reluctant to show it to my girlfriend who happens to be 26 years younger than me. I finally did show it to her not too long ago and she did enjoy it.

[@bradm7705]

the labyrinth connection was gold

[@marshallalbritton9521]

Great review. I plan to watch this soon.

[@BossNerd]

I haven't seen this one in decades - I'm going to have to go back and see it again. In a somewhat related note to this video - I had to watch all the Myrna Loy movies since my father had the stereotypical crush on Loy - the the classical older woman. As a kid I only liked the Thin Man comedies - I suspect I might like the this one a bit more as an adult.

[@orinanime]

I've never seen this movie nor heard of it. But I've seen clips and I've seen The Labyrinth. And I love all of the primary cast members. I'm definitely adding it to my list of movies to watch. Thanks for the great review.

[@THEPETERC1]

The Mole People with John Agar.

[@timwinslett722]

This is one of my perfect movies I love every single 2nd of it. So glad you loved it too you're definitely not a clunk lol. Ray Collins is also great in a movie that also has Myrtle Loy and also one of the perfect movies the best years of our lives. He plays Myrtle Loy's husband's boss and not very nice one. A favorite scene that you didn't mention was Rudy Vallee at the airport with everybody agreeing with him he is the assistant district attorney lol. He was a huge singing star in the twenties, he sang into a megaphone as a prop

[@josephmarcello7481]

Delightful review with On Target, unexpected insights.. always one of your high points. Thank you.

[@Weiselberry]

Thank you!

[@MsBackstager]

An adorable movie with a great cast. Though I thought that Shirley and Myrna, with the age difference, could have been better if they were niece and aunt.

[@snootybaronet]

A fun movie that's often passed over. Many millennials, besides their prejudice against films prior to the 80s, especially B&W ones, can't watch films in which classic male stars are cast with much younger female love interests. Bogart, Stewart, Grant and many others are examples as they went into the the 40s and moving into the 50s. I usually can make the leap of faith and look beyond it, but there are exceptions like Bogart with Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina, which I just couldn't navigate.

[@Weiselberry]

I didn't care much for Sabrina either. Usually Hepburn had great chemistry with her older costars, but I never felt she clicked with Bogart. I almost always enjoy Bogart's work, but he was an odd fit in that role, and it seems apparent that he thought so too.

[@rosezingleman5007]

I think the older man who was Audrey Hepburn’s real costar in “Sabrina” was Hubert Givenchy!

[@ronnieburton1312]

I've never seen this film but it might be quite nice to watch. The scene with the girls whistling at Cary Grant when he was on stage reminds me of a scene from A FACE IN THE CROWD wherein several teenage cheerleaders, including Lee Remick, swarm Andy Griffith! I can see that happening to James Darren or Frankie Avalon, but Andy Griffith!!! Personally, I'm used to seeing Ray Collins as Lt. Arthur Tragg in PERRY MASON.

[@TheNightBadger]

I could write paragraphs about the difference in teen perspectives on maturity between boys and girls as someone who, as a younger man, experienced many an eye-roll and many invocations to "grow up" in his day. Instead I'll just turn up the brim of my non-existent hat, put on my best Archie Leach accent, and say, _"You remind me of the man..."_

[@Sp33gan]

Hello, Jerome! I'm so glad you've enjoyed this movie! I loved it from the first time I saw it, despite the potential for risk. I agree, Cary Grant's character dances wonderfully away from any entanglement and I loved that he and Myrna Loy ended up finding what they were missing in each other. My mum, bless her, introduced me to Shirley Temple by buying a record of her movie songs and I could sing most of them by heart before I was 10. Her songs, dancing, and movies were sheer joy. Add in Loy and Grant and I'm hooked. With the great character actors of 1940s Hollywood, there's nothing not to love in this movie. As for being a teenager and seeing maturity more interesting than my peers, I completely agree with you. Besides having a full beard by the age of 12, I was socially awkward with my peers, yet could converse without issue with those who were at least 10 years older than myself. I eventually discovered that my best friends were often women (I'm a guy) because we shared more in common than I did with other guys, who were usually less mature. If you've not seen it yet, I highly recommend The Philadelphia Story. Katherine Hepburn (this movie saved her career), Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart, plus a wonderful cast of character actors, including the great Roland Young. Roland Young, by the way, starred in a brilliant UK movie called The Man Who Could Work Miracles. The classic "be careful what you wish for' story.

[@Weiselberry]

I've seen The Philadelphia Story a couple times. Stewart steals the movie, I think. I especially love that scene where he shows up at Cary Grant's house in the night. "Oh, CK Dexter Haaaaaaven!" :)

[@Sp33gan]

@@Weiselberry Oh, absolutely! I'm often reminded of that shouting line in everyday life! hahaha! I agree with you that Stewart grabbed the spotlight and held it on himself. It's a lot more difficult than it seems to play a convincing drunk and he does it to perfection. A masterful performance!

[@tjschultz8525]

My standard greeting (has been for nearly 20 years since seeing the movie for the first time) is "Mellow greetings, yookie dookie." Those who know me ignore it, those who are getting to know me are baffled by it. My wife and I have done the "you remind me of a man" routine many times.

[@jamesmarshall8836]

One of the funniest movies of all time!

[@acmarston]

Heard the radio show version of this recently, also with Cary Grant and Shirley Temple. You remind me of a man. What man? Man with the power. What power? Power of Voodoo. Voodoo? You do. Do what? Remind me of a man...

[@rosezingleman5007]

Spot on assessment of Grant and his leading ladies, and Loy’s amazing talent. “Bachelor” is a sly comedy and I’m in agreement with you that Ray Collins is fabulously cast in this. Much of the credit rightfully goes to Sidney Sheldon’s script full of subtle humor-I especially love the showgirls explaining their relationship(s) with Nugent in front of Loy as the amused judge. It’s really a surprise for people who go into viewing it as a story like Lolita, which is what it’s most compared to. Definitely worth seeing.

[@analysisofscifi6051]

1. I also Crush hard on my (female) teachers nice to know I was not only to do that to their teachers 2. As someone from the American Midwest I noticed the generation before me i.e. my parents' generation A lot of women started dating way older men for example in their mid-20s when they were 17 And I noticed that that was still occurring when I was in high school in the early to mid-2000s 3. An Uncle / Great Uncle Hey idea of one of my teenage nieces or nephews crushing on the way older person and trying to get into a romantic relationship with them scares me. 4. Most of the most mature men I know are self-described man-child, myself included mean yes we can come off immature on the surface due to perceived childish interests ( For example Godzilla/StarTrek/ ghostbusters fandom for me, and my brother is a collector of classic arcade games both pinball, video game cabinets, and model railroading But in his defense, he's actually a railroader in real life) At the same time, we have deeper maturity within. 5. I'm not a man for romantic comedies but I just want to check this film out it sounds like a more straight-up comedy with a romantic theme. And it also sounds like My favorite film of all time which is a film that is a comedy that takes its horror theme very seriously But is still absolutely hysterical you did a great review I need to check out this film

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

I definitely know what you mean about movies from this time period that paired young actresses with older actors. I wonder if this had something to do with what the society was going through after World war two. Given that the war likely decimated a generation of young men, were young women choosing older men because that's what was available?

[@CharlesHess]

Just once wave goodbye, say, “Bye.” and then just hold still for a little too long, finally taking a sidelong glance at something off camera and reacting with a cut-off scream.

[@jasoncharles7272]

I remember seeing this with my mom and sister back when I was younger! I thought it was pretty good. Growing up as an 80's kid, I didn't get to watch the violent, gory stuff that my friends got to watch. Instead, it was movies and tv shows like this that I grew up on. I'm glad I did :) Btw, you did a great job with the review 👍 Not sure if you've seen any of the Harryhausen classics (though I'm sure you have), but would you ever consider reviewing any of them?

[@Weiselberry]

Thank you! I've seen several Harryhausen films and I've mentioned him a few times over the years, but I don't think I've actually reviewed one of his movies yet. I've got a few on my to-do list, though!

[@jasoncharles7272]

@@Weiselberry Have you? Ah, okay! (I figured you've seen them lol) I'm hoping the 7th Voyage of Sinbad as well as Jason and the Argonauts are on that list! 🤞🤞

[@vegasdutch]

Oh oh oh. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang:)

[@vegasdutch]

My favorite Cary Grant movie - Father Goose

[@vegasdutch]

Just found your channel. Bravo!

[@Weiselberry]

Thanks!

[@vegasdutch]

@@Weiselberry if I have a movie that I would like you to see/review, what movie genres would I choose from?

[@vegasdutch]

I'm thinking..... Kelly's Heroes :)

[@ricksamericana749]

Mellow greetings, Yookie Dookie, Myrna Loy was a goddess. It amazes me "The Bachelor And The Bobby Soxer" was written by the best selling suspense novelist Sidney Sheldon.

[@williamhallmark8456]

Please review where the crawdads sing, to me it is an awesome movie for 22. All though you probably have already read the book.

[@carminedawg9506]

I liked the first half a lot more than the second part of this move. It’s still charming and funny but I really don’t get how the plan was suppose to work to get Shirley temple to fall out of love with Grant

[@Weiselberry]

Ha, true, it is a crazy idea! But that's often how things roll in screwball comedies. And for a while--too long, in Grant's character's opinion--it doesn't work.

[@carminedawg9506]

@@Weiselberry Cary Grant is just TOO charming. Of course Shirley Temple would have a crush on him.

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

You have spoken so well on this film and handled it’s controversial subject matter with aplomb, hoodoo the best reviews? you do, ah, I couldn’t help it lol. This is a film I’ve always liked and found it to be very funny but I did also find it awkward at times, not really because of the film itself as it didn’t cross a line, Grants character remained a good man throughout, I think it’s the curse that Shirley Temple carried with her, not through any fault of her own but the child Shirley Temple was such a huge star I think it’s all most viewers could see, it was true for me when I first saw it, all I could think about was Shirley Temple was a very young child in The Little Princess in 1939 and Cary Grant was a grown man playing opposite Jean Arthur in Only Angels Have Wings in 1939, very strange. Myrna Loy was excellent and really worked well with Grant. Crushes :/ at times in my life I’ve wished I was a vulcan or wished I could easily run away, I’m sure it’s true for everyone lol, I have also had crushes on stars who are long dead but never on a teacher, I imagine younger Ms Weiselberry like that girl blinking during Indiana Jones’s class in Raiders lol. Having a crush on a teacher must mean that teacher was very good and left an impression, or that they were very attractive lol. Having a crush on a teacher is a right of passage I’ve missed out on lol. Really terrific review as always and a really pleasant watch :) ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~

[@Weiselberry]

^Only Angels Have Wings--that's a good movie! Features one of Thomas Mitchell's great supporting performances of 1939. Pretty sure he made me cry in one scene... LOL, I hope I was never as obvious about my teacher crushes as that! :)

[@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855]

@@Weiselberry Thomas Mitchell was so good, the kid was such a great character, such a great friend, he made me cry too. I love Only Angels have Wings, it’s one of my favourites, Hawks might also be my favourite director. I forgot to mention our pal Rudy Vallee in my first comment, it’s a funny thing that his career lasted longer than RKO after the horrible studio notes they gave him lol. ~ Thank you again Ms Weiselberry :) ~

[@Weiselberry]

@@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855 Haha, yes, when I saw Rudy Vallee I remembered our previous conversation about him. :)

[@patrickrossetti7109]

👍!

[@printisdead1983]

Keep up the good work miss jerome have a good night

[@Robert_Howcroft]

❤

[@only257]

good movie

[@kirksworks]

Good review! I like this film as well, though a bit dated. Shirley Temple surprised me. As for Cary Grant, who doesn’t like him? Though I think some of his comedy is a bit overdone here. But he could be very funny. Interesting you mentioned his retirement in 1966 without mentioning his last film, Walk, Don’t Run, which remains one of my favorite romantic comedies. Up to 1964 he was still playing opposite much younger women, like Leslie Caron in Father Goose, but in Walk, Don’t Run they gave him the perfect role for his age. He played matchmaker for Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton. It’s a remake of The More The Merrier (1943), a film that annoys me with it’s war propaganda and use of the word “Japs.” How nice that the remake takes place in Tokyo, Japan and is quite respectful of the Japanese. The entire cast is great. Eggar never looked lovelier, and I don’t think Grant was ever funnier. Of course he steals the show. I think you’d enjoy it and I’d love to see you review it. It should be readily available. Both films are about a housing shortage that throws three unlikely people together, the original in Washington D.C. because of the war and the remake because of the 1964 Olympics. The scene where Grant’s pants disappear still makes me laugh out loud.

[@Weiselberry]

I've seen Walk, Don't Run. I do prefer The More The Merrier, with Joel McCrea and Jean Arthur's sizzling chemistry. By contrast, Eggar and Hutton weren't as interesting to me. But it's a fine flick and a good note for Cary Grant to go out on. He's the linchpin of the story, and though he may not be the one who gets the girl in the end, he runs away with the film. (Heh.)

[@kirksworks]

@@Weiselberry You might want to watch WDR again, if you haven’t seen it in a while. The More The Merrier is very dated, and Joel McCray just never appealed to me in anything he’s done. Hutton is charming in WDR, and his developing romance with Eggar is much funnier than TMTM. Everything in WDR just works better. A very finely tuned machine of a rom-com. The anti Japanese stuff in TMTM is as I said, really objectionable. My wife is Japanese, so you can understand, but I disliked TMTM years before I met her. But thanks for the reply.

[@Weiselberry]

Well, humor is subjective, I happen to like Joel McCrea, and aren't all old movies dated in some way or another? But on a serious note, I also have Japanese family members, so I understand that objection. I do watch a lot of 1940s movies, including war films, and I view the anti-Japanese sentiment as a product of the time. The country was at war, and the dialogue reflects that tension. I never use racial epithets myself, but I don't completely disregard a film made during that time because it does. Same goes for books or the personal accounts of veterans, like the letters my grandfather wrote while he was serving in the Pacific. But I understand if someone else finds the sentiment or the language too offensive to abide.

[@Weiselberry]

Oh, and I should also clarify that I haven't seen EITHER movie in several years.

[@kirksworks]

@@Weiselberry thanks for your follow up, and I realized there is one film I do like Joel McCrae in, one of his later ones, a western, Ride the High Country, directed by Sam Peckinpah, and paired with Randolph Scott.

[@MsBackstager]

Cary C. can gross me out at any time! L)

[@Denis-fp7ku]

To make this movie today you would have to swap the genders. Make it a young man who crushes on an older woman and far less people would criticize it.

[@trumpofhazzard9176]

Make them black as well 😂

[@trumpofhazzard9176]

For a young girl, you have great taste in movies.