The Moon is Blue 1953

Two aging playboys are both after the same attractive young woman, but she fends them off by claiming that she plans to remain a virgin until her wedding night. Both men determine to find a way around her objections.

[@user-jj2jq1vb5p]

I't's been a while since a movie but a smile on face sitting at home by myself .! Man i sure miss actors like these !!

[@mariaelenadiduszyn462]

The dialogue is Never Boring Funny and bright old Films Are the best

[@kellycaviness4850]

David Niven is hilarious in this. Absolutely wonderful actor!

[@billiecrouse]

I have looked for this movie for years... In 1954 it was being shown at a drive-in theater in Van Nuys, California. My very special new 15 year old boyfriend invited me - age 14 - to go to the drive-in with him and the pastor's daughter (15) and her boyfriend (16). (I had only been to the drive in with my family before this tine.) When my mother learned of the THEATER and the MOVIE, she was "fit to be tied." My dad was working in Japan and she was very strict. Anyway.. her main objection was that she had heard that the word "virgin" was said or referenced in the movie.. Mom loved my boyfriend, Pat, and he as been a part of my life all these years - even as we married others and went our separate ways. Thank you, Richard, for finding THE MOON IS BLUE for me😊.

[@rolandofgilead43]

wow that long? you remember the M.A.S.H. episode where it was all about finding this movie cause Hawkeye heard it was a dirty movie so him thinking it was a porn they somehow get it and he sees it's not and is disappointed. that's where i 1st heard of this movie. it's hard to believe how things' have changed since than, i was watching' The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady (1950) early Tuesday morning i'm a nite owl and they mentioned the word Panties. today it's not a big deal but to take a guess i'm going to guess that was filmed in maybe (1949) and it was surprising that got passed the Hayes office cause of how strict they were back than even if it was just something really small.

[@internetcensure5849]

"even as we married others and went our separate ways" and divorced several times!😂

[@rolandofgilead43]

@internetcensure5849 it does sound like a Line from say dallas or knots landing lol

[@retha1875]

​@rolandofgilead43 I was about to reply with the same thing about the MASH episode.

[@rolandofgilead43]

@@retha1875 really?Nice I'm we think alike I still haven't watched it but Its on my list I'm a David Niven fan and I really haven't seen that many of his films I need to change that

[@haggis655]

Brilliantly acted film. McNamara reminded me of Audrey Hepburn throughout (with a touch of the young Debbie Reynolds). Turns out both were nominated in 1953. Both for their first film. Both born in the same year (one month apart) and therefore the same age in their first film roles. But Audrey won the Oscar and had one of the most illustrious film careers of that decade and the next, whereas McNamara had one other co-starring role and her career fizzled out, ending in suicide. For television, she did play in one Twilight Zone episode and one Hitchcock Hour show.

[@wendybutler1681]

I make the mistake of looking up films while in the middle of watching them. Then I find out the tragic outcomes of soms of these truly delightful actors and the mood changes. I try to wait until the end now. Watching the old Dark Shadows soap and learning just how many young actors we lost in the AIDS epidemic wes sobering.

[@auletjohnast03638]

Haggis, Maggie McNamara is much more beautiful then the skin and bones Hepburn and she's a better actress too, I would compare her more with Debbie Reynolds.

[@MichaelBuck]

In this film I had the same observations. I believe McNamara played this role far better than Audrey would have. Its sad that the "business" of Hollywood determined the success of the one and the failure of the other. McNamara was brilliant in her role and in my opinion there was more than enough room for her to succeed. It's very sad that she apparently was treated poorly behind the scenes. In many ways her life fizzled out just like Marylin Monroe's life did. It seems Hollywood was a cruel mistress to them both. The MEN behind this business controlled the success or failure of the women they used for their own monetary gains. Marylin only moved up and was given opportunities becuase of the men directors, producers and actors she slept with. She even admitted thats how she was able to get some parts and get noticed. I have a sad feeling this was the same for Audrey and McNamara.

[@garrettdavis6500]

She had her shot. I'd just leave Hollywierd. Hell, if I'd kill myself over that trash.

[@lindas.martin2806]

Jeeze I wish you had not mentioned her suicide, so sad, cannot watch this anymore.

[@NancyW726]

What a wonderful movie! The writing was so great - you don't see that kind of quick dialogue anymore. And the cast was perfect! Loved it!

[@debbiepurvis452]

I just adore William Holden!! Isnt he the greatest? :)

[@davidallen508]

He was certainly at his most handsome in this one.

[@buteveryoneknewherasnancy]

He’s the bees’ knees!

[@patrickryan1515]

Barbara Stanwyck's "Golden Boy". Two fine actors -- R.I.P.

[@jdevivre7512]

​@@buteveryoneknewherasnancyAnd the cat's meow

[@kwclove7623]

He’s so handsome. Definitely in his prime.

[@lucilleyoung9142]

There's a Picasso on the wall. It may be "The Weeping Woman." William Holden and David Niven are two outstanding actors. And they are superb in this film. Thank you Delroy Smart for posting this.

[@happeedaze1]

The movie they tried so hard to get on M.A.S.H. Glad I get to see it. Thanks so much.

[@jdevivre7512]

McNamara's delivery and voice (and innocence) remind me for all the world of Margaret O'Brien.

[@preciousypenguino]

Friggin love all of David Niven's lines! 🤣 His delivery is always spot on. I'd totally marry him 🤭

[@meowmeow8402]

The clothes on this girl look like a maternity top!

[@mariantreber8055]

That's what I thought in the first scenes of the movie, until her jacket came open.

[@Mister_Listener]

I wondered why, too? When they showed her from behind, the outfit was big and blousey. why not tighter? Maybe to contrast her character with Cynthia?

[@elaineproffitt1032]

I thought the same thing immediately.

[@patriciaoconnell488]

Q​@@Mister_Listener

[@marybranicki3354]

@@elaineproffitt1032 Ditto 😊

[@dlb3512]

Excellent movie and super cast. It is a shame this young lady's career was cut short.

[@MortusSweet]

Oh? What had happened to her? 😮

[@cejannuzi]

@@MortusSweet She suffered from depression and died a suicide at 48. I'm not really sure how here film career got so derailed.

[@MortusSweet]

@@cejannuzi :((((

[@thomasmayk]

@@cejannuzi So sad. She got an Oscar nomination for this role but made only a few more movies and did some television before becoming a secretary. She was talented and charming enough to have gone further on screen.

[@kathyh4804]

Adorable movie!!!! Maggie MacNemara was a great little actress, so sad she was so lost she took her life so young

[@MALP1231]

I'm very glad to see this movie. It is one of my favorite comedies, and it is rarely shown on television. It is so sophisticated and classy. This film relies on excellent acting, intelligent and witty dialogue, superb storyline, and well crafted character development; no computer generated special effects, violence, or in your face vulgarity. Maggie McNamara is a gem. My favorite line is when Holden tells her that she is preoccupied with sex.....to which she replies: "Isn't it better for a girl to be preoccupied with sex, than occupied?"

[@patrickryan1515]

My favorite line as well.

[@h.r.puffinstuff7099]

Wonderful movie! One of the best I have seen in a long time! I agree with you about everything you said, including the line about being preoccupied with sex. I thought that was great!!! 😊

[@user-md1os6gl4n]

Agreed brilliant line .

[@zoizamani1678]

i couldn't expect to find a gem of a film in this one, but it's really delightful!

[@beejereeno2]

It was not considered classy at all when it came out, in fact, it was highly controversial

[@dorissnyder4974]

In 1953, when this movie came out, it was considered very risqué...I was 12 years old and I remember everyone talking about it not being appropriate.. Always wondered what it was about and now 69 yrs later, compared to what we can now see on TV and the movies, it's really just a cute story with cute dialog

[@zahramokhtar6727]

This movie was the beginning of the end for the Motion Picture Production Code.

[@pamgessler5923]

it's still very inappropriate.

[@chuckschafer942]

BANNED IN BOSTON

[@jmj5388]

The Church banned it because the word “virgin” was in the dialogue, IIRC.

[@rolandofgilead43]

yeah it's hard to believe the word Virgin would get any movie banned these days

[@samanthanickson6478]

david niven is funny as all get out in this movie. he actually made me giggle! i saw this for the first time last year when cable channel surfing - an unexpected but pleasant surprise of a good movie.

[@holyspacemonkey]

One of my favorite David Niven performances! ❤️

[@irenedow5665]

Gone are the days that a girl can talk to a complete stranger and leave her purse unattended without worry. This movie is now in the fantasy category. Sad.

[@RetRNmamawMe]

Truth and consequences. Quite😉😉😉🌹

[@robertprestonmckibben3671]

Jj,, ? Nn nn nn n. Nn n nn nn mm nm nm nm nm nm nm nnm. Úh hub

[@TaxTheChurches.]

You are as safe as you always were. As a percentage, there are no more murderers out there than before, just more guns, and yes, that is a moral fail.

[@neroinc5998]

There were plenty of thieves in the 50’s.

[@terezfalco7862]

The Catholic Church condemned this movie in the 1950's

[@nolala5629]

Such a delightful movie! Wish there were more like this today!

[@zeldasmith6154]

Bill Holden was one terrific guy in looks, acting, charm and awareness. Alcohol was his demon.

[@elaineproffitt1032]

That was such a shame!

[@ashersharif6264]

She was so enchanting.

[@HighVibes4U]

This movie had me ctfu‼️🤣🤣 That girl is hilarious naturally 🤣🤣 but real talk so classy and wise. Love this movie a new old fav🥰

[@eamestv]

Superb movie. A classic, I had not seen before. I laughed out loud, on several occasions. The script was highly original and so, so funny. I really did think for a moment it was Audrey Hepburn. Scary. And, William Holden was brilliant in anything. He had such a sad death. Thank you, Mr. Preminger.

[@tatianatahminjian5498]

Such a wonderful, classy movie with flare, life and integrity with witty charm......truly delightful.

[@patrickryan1515]

The dialogue is so integral to the film, and it is superb -- and so well delivered. The movie moves along at a very pleasant pace and disappoints only when it no longer moves along.

[@deborahpaulin1188]

This is one of my top two favorite movies. The writing and acting both are superb. So happy to find it here.

[@randywhite3947]

Whats the other one?

[@deborahpaulin1188]

​@@randywhite3947 The Birdcage. Gene Hackman, Robin Williams, the whole cast... it's an almost perfect film, in my opinion. Cheers!

[@carmenfoote7999]

I finally found and have finally seen the movie that was thought to be risque. Turns out it was a most delightful movie even with a little chatterbox like Maggie McNamara. Willian Holden and David Niven were brilliant in their roles as two men after the same girl and made this movie a classic to be watched again. Joe S

[@suzannefarrington4143]

The writing is so much fun! Great job all around.

[@peanutbutterperoxide9707]

What a cute little gem! I like that the lead actor's from German version of this movie made an appearance towards the end here, it's also quite fun knowing this movie was regarded as ~ Risque ~ when it first came out 😂

[@grownup8146]

The only breath of fresh air is the brilliant David Niven. Either he has the best lines or knows how to deliver them exquisitely. I had also forgotten what a sensation the dining table that changes from a coffee table into a dining table. Mid century modern.

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

I'm interested in vintage fashion so always notice the costume designers. The credit in this film said 'clothes by Don Loper.' Anyone who watched I Love Lucy remembers when Lucy wanted a dress by Don Loper when they were in Hollywood but Ricky said it was too expensive. Lucy was offered a free dress by Loper if she'd model in the Don Loper Hollywood housewives fashion show so she eagerly agreed. Then she wound up getting a terrible sunburn before the show. As luck would have it, the item she had to model was a scratchy tweed suit!

[@marybranicki3354]

OMGOSH !!!! One of my favorite episodes. Did you know Don Loper was from Toledo, Ohio…. Same as Danny Thomas and Jamie Farr

[@alicemitchell5643]

Absolutely adorable movie I watched it twice in a row😊

[@purnadesai5285]

Enjoyed every bit of it!!! Such a sweet and enjoyable movie! Skill of writing such script doesn’t exist anymore!! Thank you for posting! 🙏🏻

[@shellyscott9613]

Adorable movie! 🍿♥

[@iamthemightyjeffers]

Very cute film. Quite scandalous for 1953 by those standards! Interesting history. thank you for posting.

[@cak813]

I can remember this movie being on a “verboten” list of movies in a Catholic newspaper when I was a child in the late 50s - 60s.

[@PuffKitty]

I remember that list well and that's exactly why I'm watching this movie at age 71, to see what the fuss was all about 😅 I remember the congregation standing up in the middle of the Mass and taking a vow to follow the tenets of the Catholic Legion of Decency 💃

[@cak8132]

Back in the 1960s, I remember when this movie was on a list of “Do Not Watch” films in a New York City Catholic newspaper.

[@littleflower9425]

They had their good reasons so many years ago. Now, look around.

[@pixels2u]

it's definitely dated, a little kooky, but also very refreshingly honest. great little movie - I can't believe I never bumped into it before now.

[@designsonyouinparis]

Very sweet and innocent movie- A pleasure! Loved Wm Holden's Mid-Century apartment and a gorgeous David Niven- Enjoy! Thank you for posting!

[@rajendranramasamythevar1813]

She speaks the truth ,she knew everything to bring a family, a very experience lady.

[@sheranlanger247]

Yowzer! Could you imagine a lifetime with her yapping incessantly and tell every stranger your private business 😲?

[@lisalu910]

Yeah, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who found her annoying. I couldn't even watch it to the end, I wanted to swat her like a mosquito when she was wandering around his apartment, picking up things, nosing into his stuff and asking endless questions.

[@laradavenport903]

Yeah, and you think the people thought this were cute.🙄 No, I say!

[@Bunny-8889]

“Patty” is a strange girl 🥰but very cute ! But this is a different Approach to the usual love story and I love David Niven and William Holden ! I agree that the young lady playing Patty favors Debbie Reynolds . Good movie ❤🎉

[@kathleenmurphy6009]

Charming movie. McNamara was very good in this, so too the rest of the cast. She played the same type character in Three Coins in the Fountain.

[@plumeria66]

Golden Boy Holden!

[@kellyl7688]

Girls can’t go to a stranger’s office or apartment any more, and NEVER accept a drink while at his house! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

[@paulj0557tonehead]

And Audrey Hepburn reminds me of Jean Simmons.

[@GabbyCito]

Absolutely laugh out loud funny! Thank you!!

[@JerryMunoz-yg7en]

Best movie ever thanks for sharing I will see this movie again and again and again 🌹🍷🍓

[@1LSWilliam]

Remarkably faithful film to the spirit of the book with the same title I read 50 years ago written by David Niven!

[@leighharwood3886]

You're thinking of Niven's memoir, the Moon's a Balloon. Screamingly funny,.

[@jimmclaughlin2603]

They say this was controversial, but I bet it was really because she was an assertive woman who was nobody's fool. My things have changed. Bravo, well done. 5 stars.

[@user-ii4ep1pb7k]

Best movie ever 😂❤ Maggie is great !¡!

[@ksgraham3477]

Slick table!!!

[@kinsley7777]

thanx, Delroy … Otto always delivered …

[@deannayoung5311]

What a sweet movie 🎥😍 I very much enjoyed watching this I love the old movies In a time that was clean and People cared how they looked and Dressed properly not like today When a person wears house slippers And pajamas to the store....

[@sungoddiss]

This was so fun to watch! Glad It came up in my feed!!

[@lauralabargaagudo2954]

I just watched one more time. Wonderful movie❤ I'll watch it again.

[@thomasmayk]

Holden has never been a favorite of mine but David Niven and Maggie McNamara are both delightful.

[@Graciela-dx6if]

Intelligent dialogue.Very well delivered.Excellent comedy .We don't see anything of this quality nowadays.

[@DavidRice111]

Because of it's dialogue, this film was controversial even before it's release. It was banned in Kansas, Ohio, and Maryland, but still made big money. Maggie retired from films early, and became a typist in NYC until her death by barbiturate o/d at 49yrs. Too bad- she was a cute kid. (wiki) After David Niven showed up, the contrast twixt he & Wm. Holden came into sharp contrast. Niven was not only a superior actor, but he had twice the charm & personality.

[@tomperrone1846]

Absolutely delightful!

[@barrykochverts4149]

Jeeze, David Niven was at his hilarious best.

[@MrSt2782]

Thanks for the upload! Great film

[@cynthiamedel6454]

I so love Vintage Movie Flicks ❤

[@kofegrl]

I can’t believe I have never seen this what a cute movie😂

[@ChachiTelevision1979]

This movie is TOO clean!! What an outrage!

[@davidallen508]

In 1954, my entire family enjoyed Doris Day in “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” so my parents thought this movie, with blue moon in the title, might be another family treat.My siblings and I were totally bemused with it all and at 7 years of age, I came out wondering what my father meant he said to my mother, “Not at all suitable for children” !? I do remember appreciating how handsome William Holden looked and even now, at my ripe old age, he is my main reason for re-watching this curiosity.

[@chodemcblob3943]

Maggie McNanara reminds me of Audrey Hepburn (in "Sabrina") in this.

[@janicerockwell9468]

Breakfast At Tiffany's vibe

[@arundayal5850]

A The perfect line at 23.48. Absolutely devastating!!!

[@lisahinton9682]

So funny that this was considered a very risqué movie back when it first came out. It's utterly charming by today's standards.

[@funshine817]

I am kinda shocked a movie like this was made in the early 50's. I guess this sh!t started earlier than I thought. But, that's how it always begins. From a future perspective, innocent and cute. But, FOR THE TIME, it truly was inappropriate and risque'. Things never start with a huge leap, it starts small then grows and grows till here we are today, living in a morally bankrupt, looney tunes world! It really needed to be nipped in the bud back then, and not tolerated, as allowing inappropriate behavior to exist and grow is exactly why we see the insanity in the world today that so many people, rightfully so, lament. But, alas, that is not the nature of the world we live in.

[@lisal4824]

This was the first film we saw in film genre course at university. It was chosen in part because it was ground breaking for using certain words about unmarried sex. My class was decades after this film was made when films were being reviewed for how many “f” words were said to determine whether there would be an R or X rating. What a contrast in controversy.

[@beverlylawyer2286]

Great, Niven excellent

[@julliegran5600]

This is a really good movie thanks for uploading...

[@darneyoung537]

I wish the world could go back to those innocent days life was much simpler ❤❤🇦🇺🐨🐨🇦🇺

[@JudyRichardson-rw3cj]

Great movie!! Bill Holden could have put the moves on me anytime😘It's so nice to see some of these classics. I'm not familiar with Maggies' career or how it ended but she was like Audrey Hepburn,they had the sameish style & delivery. Loved it☺️

[@mariestreeting4213]

Sadly she committed suicide 😢

[@user-by3hx3jx1x]

Adorable 🥰 movie . 🙏 TY for sharing this with us.❤😂❤

[@pogo9187]

Thank you for sharing! I can’t find this anywhere to stream. It’s one of my favs from old Hollywood. Niven is a hoot :D

[@porrickcastlefinn9797]

49'.40" : Such a gorgeous dress ! Isn't it a shame ?!

[@lindabirech6470]

Only Happens once in a blue moon ❤

[@suzeauster2223]

Greetings ✨ from Florida 🐬 Thank You 🙏 Delroy ✨ for Sharing this Gem 💎

[@eddy8828]

Delightful movie. Enjoyed it so much. Thank you.

[@pattidatcuk8462]

Loved it❤ William Holden is one of my favs.

[@susannewman408]

how funny...such great lines :0))

[@geofromnj7377]

I was a freshman in high school when this movie was released, and I remember it making the "Condemned" list in the Catholic Legion of Decency category of films. Parish priests warned their parishioners from the pulpit not to see this movie or allow anyone in their family to view it.

[@robmorris7128]

I worked in 2 Catholic schools and one 'Christian' School. Didn't find any sign of Religious 'values' in any of them. In fact, I found the worst kind of 'ethics' compared to working in public schools. I must admit I'm surprised this movie actually got past the censors for 1953!! First time I've seen this film and what a marvelous script and performances by the cast. Must have been a brave move by the producers to make this film!! ABSOLUTE GEM!!

[@diannehusted1199]

I remember I was in Catholic school at the time and this was listed in the Sunday pamphlet as "movies we could not watch" they had a name for these movies it was called "Objectionable in Part" at the time parents really went by the recommendations but my mom and dad were pretty cool and so took it as a given that your child wouldn't go to see that movie. Wow, strict--that Catholic school was but I don't regret going there!

[@lilacDaisy111]

A movie about 2 male sluts trying to bed a virgin who wants to wait for marriage. I can't imagine that not going down well in the 1950s.

[@zeldasmith6154]

​@@diannehusted1199 Cults control what is read and viewed and expressed.

[@olive3700]

Well it was almost two hours of a girl trying to sell her virginity.

[@Prina14]

Thanks for the great movie!

[@space.weather]

Loved it! 👏🎀

[@FractalofKings]

Superb ,delightful movie. ❤

[@roderickfernandez5382]

The last time I saw this film was in 1953 and the Cameo Theater in Brewster New York when I was a teenager the Catholic League of decency Bandit for Catholics to go see because it's the first movie to use the word pregnant in. So of course I ran off to see it and watching it again tonight for the first time since I was a teenager wow that was a long time ago

[@zahramokhtar6727]

The words "seduce", "virgin" and "mistress" was the first time that were used in this movie. The word "pregnant" was used two years earlier in "People Will Talk" released on Aug. 29, 1951. I'm not even sure if that was the first time the word "pregnant" was used in a movie.

[@eshaibraheem4218]

@@zahramokhtar6727 Yes. I was twelve at the time this came out but can remember some sucking of teeth, albeit with tongue in cheek. I was from Catholic household, too.

[@varonadee6980]

@@zahramokhtar6727This movie was certainly 'pushing the envelope'. I was a teenager in the early 1970s, and my parents NEVER used the word "pregnant"; they would only say someone was "going to have a baby". We were poor, quiet (puritanical), devout Southern Baptists in Florida, and many words that other people used were not considered 'decent' by my family. "Pregnant" was one of the forbidden words, along with "divorce", "gee-whiz", "golly"; all the 4-letter words; curse words; any ethnic or racial slur words; and any body parts words that had anything to do with sex. My first husband was a Chicago ethnic German catholic; he used all of the above words, plus several I'd never heard before!

[@zahramokhtar6727]

@@varonadee6980 🌻

[@lilacDaisy111]

I grew up Baptist in the 1980s (Australia), and we weren't allowed to say shut-up, bum, crap, sex (had to be "make love"), wanker, or anything worse than that. I'm SHOCKED by the synopsis of this 1950s film (yet to view), that 2 male sluts try to bed a virgin who wants to wait for marriage. My first thought was, "where the slippery slope started." I sure hope people avoided it.

[@gardengnome3249]

30 minutes in I closed my eyes when she talked and I swear to god it was Audrey Hepburn talking.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Holden is 35 here and Niven is 43. In old Hollywood we know who will get the girl.

[@lynnefleming8614]

I love this movie. It's so good.

[@loisruthstrom8143]

Very enjoyable movie! 👍😄🎥🎞️🎬

[@katiezee2]

thanks for posting, I've always wanted to see it again since the first time 30-some years ago on late-night tv. Love the part with David Niven going on about popovers.. . 'weren't those popovers gooood?[ ha

[@susanmcleanwoodburn2967]

Fun movie..Thank you!

[@beckv8526]

I love David Niven. I loved this movie.

[@mylindacasbarro777]

I really like the Picasso in the apartment.❤😊

[@davidcopperfield-notthemag397]

Perfect example of a "motor mouth"...😊

[@Imran-Emu]

This movie made an impact on me.

[@evybeth92]

Very cute movie, loved it

[@altoncrane9714]

Just great !!