The More the Merrier
|
List Price: Our Price: $8.83 You Save: $6.12 (41%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $6.08 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The More the Merrier
Movie Review: Movie for the Troops
Summary: 5 Stars
During WWII, the people trying to live in the Washington, D.C. area have to deal with a housing shortage, so when Jean Arthur's character offers half of her 2-br apartment as a patriotic gesture, clever Charles Coburn snags it. Dismayed that such a delightful and pretty girl (and in this film, Jean Arthur's assets are on display more here than in any other I've seen) is without a proper husband, especially with D.C. being 8 to 1 women over men, he makes it his business to set her up. Along comes Joel McCrea who becomes Coburn's roommate in half of his half of the apartment.
The convolutions of plot that result are a true delight, and the steamy signature scene when McCrea and Arthur say goodnight on her stoop pushes the limit of Hollywood's censors, but throughout one can sense the overriding feeling that "hey, it's war time - give the folks, especially the boys overseas, something to fight for" is uppermost in the filmmakers' minds. Scenes with beautiful women abound, but some of them, such as when the factory women give McCrea a group wolf whistle, show just how much life back home misses those who are not there.
This is an adorable movie, with adorable characters designed to (and succeeding at) giving you a good time. If you're looking for entertinment, this is it!
Movie Review: Merrier and Merrier
Summary: 5 Stars
Having watched George Stevens Jnr.'s documentary on his father, in which Joel McCrea, always self-deprecating, says he'd just finished a couple of movies, was a bit lazy and had a ranch to run, as his reason for not doing The More the Merrier, then to watch him prove he was perfect in the part. And George Stevens knew he would be. There are so many memorable moments in this film and I agree with another reviewer that it's easy to watch again and again. Jean Arthur, adorable in pyjamas and pigtails and Charles Coburn damning the torpedoes accompanied by the joyous film score. My fondest memory is Joe giving Connie the "wedding present" - a top grain, cowhide, travelling bag with all accessories and no strings attached - while he sits close beside her demonstrating its many facilities.
One or two reviewers seemed a bit exercised over the script's use of the word "Jap". I was born before the 2nd War and that was the word we used to describe the people who perpetrated the horrors of the Burma Railway and much else besides, for which no apology can atone, and for which no apology was given. (and yes, I've heard of Hiroshima). It is just a movie after all, and a very good one.
Movie Review: Good Work All Around, But It's Charlie's Show
Summary: 5 Stars
This underrated 1943 comedy stars Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea, and the fabulous Charles Coburn. Set in Washington, DC during World War II, it's the story of a young woman (Arthur) forced by the drastic housing shortage to take in two male boarders. Or, I should say, she agrees to rent to Coburn, who then takes it upon himself to sublet half of his half to McCrea. The film then evolves into a question of whether Coburn will be able to orchestrate a union between Arthur and McCrea. (If the plot sounds familiar, it's because it was remade in 1966 as "Walk, Don't Run," Cary Grant's last film).
While the ending isn't hard to see coming, the ride is great fun. Joel McCrea was either immensely limited as an actor or just very subtle, but in any case his deadpan delivery serves him well here. The real star of the show, though, is Coburn. Arthur displays her trademark agitation through the entire picture, in this case no doubt because she knows Coburn is going to steal every one of their scenes together. He won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this, and deservedly so. With a single performance at the age of 66, he cornered the market in kindly but devious elder statesmen.
Movie Review: One of the best!
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't say much here that hasn't already been said. I LOVE this movie! I don't know why it doesn't get more play. Jean Arthur's explosive crying made ME laugh until I cried. I don't think I had seen Joel McCrea in anything before this, but I definitely took notice of him after seeing this movie (and by the way, according to IMDB, Katherine Hepburn thought he was one of the best actors she had ever worked with). I was surprised by the sexual tension between McCrea and Arthur, and as another post has mentioned, the not so subtle innuendo. I mean this was the 40's and married couples were still shown as having separate beds into the 50's (I Love Lucy). Charles Coburn's character frustrates me sometimes, but he is so lovable in this. There is never a dull moment and when you think it is going to have a cliche ending it surprises you and manages not to be cheesy.
The remake, Walk, Don't Run isn't as good, but it has Cary Grant in it (need I say more?) taking over Coburn's character. It's worth watching if you love The More the Merrier.Walk Don't Run
Movie Review: Lovely period piece concerning a real (if minor) homefront problem.
Summary: 5 Stars
So Hollywood deals out three major stars for, The More the Merrier. During World War II Washington DC had a severe housing shortage. Connie (Jean Arthur) has a very nice & spacious apartment. Dingle (Charles Coburn) manages, through, a combination of persuasion & guile to wangle Connie's spare bedroom. His battle cry seems to be, "full speed (or steam) ahead". He promptly sub-lets half of his half to Joe (Joel McCrea). Complications & hilarious chaos ensues. Suddenly, the apartment is not so spacious as three strange adult share the same small bathroom. Dingle decides to play cupid with Connie & Joe. Eyebrows are raised with the very idea of a single young woman sharing living quarters with a single young man, but hey there's a war going on, "full speed ahead". The three flounce about DC for a while as Dingle tries to shag Connie's current boy-friend away. The only suspense is how Connie & Joe are going to get together before he ships out. A great example of the romantic comedy of the time.