Customer Reviews

The More the Merrier

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Too bad there's no way to post half-star ratings here, or mine would be 3-1/2 instead of 4. But I give a very, very skilled cast and good direction the benefit. Set along the lines of 30's screwball comedies, this film has the formula right but lacks inspiration after the first 30 minutes, mainly because the writers abandoned earlier plot premises along with any semblance of character consistency. Still, the first third is crackling good fun. It soon fizzles and most of the plot devices just don't work, starting with Coburn's out-of-character dirty trick (which was not at all amusing). Near the end look for a flirting and kissing sequence that stands out all the more brilliantly amid comedy routines that not only don't work but don't make any sense. Its flaws are mostly due to poor plotting and writing, not to mention weird turnarounds in character development -- but this remains a keeper because of a truly wonderful cast and skilled direction. It's also a great look at wartime living in Washington DC, which was pretty much the same zoo it is today. Jean Arthur is almost breathlessly cute, and she and the cast do as well as could be expected with some flawed writing. The movie was remade as "Walk, Don't Run" (Cary Grant's last film), which was a disastrously lame effort at "improving" the flawed original. The actor who comes off best here is McCrae, who managed to keep his character consistent and whose talent for comedic underplaying is pure genius.

Not quite the best of Jean Arthur and Joel McCrae, but amusing none the less. The sit in the com is the accomodation shortage in Washington after Pearl Harbour, when the New Dealers hadn't moved out, but when FDR was drafting in all available expertise, regardless of party, to hit the Pacific running. Arthur sublets to Charles Coburn, who further sublets to McCrae, reckoning that Arthur needs a husband, and that McCrae fits the bill admirably.

The pair drive a coach-and-four through the Hayes Office's one-foot-on-the-floor rule by occuping parrallel beds visible from the foot through two adjoining windows, allowing viewers to ighore the wall between the two bedrooms.

Many pertinent cracks at politicians - times have not changed. Only the pork barrel's got bigger - and the politicians smaller.

Not quite the best of Jean Arthur and Joel McCrae, but amusing none the less. The sit in the com is the accomodation shortage in Washington after Pearl Harbour, when the New Dealers hadn't moved out, but when FDR was drafting in all available expertise, regardless of party, to hit the Pacific running. Arthur sublets to Charles Coburn, who further sublets to McCrae, reckoning that Arthur needs a husband, and that McCrae fits the bill admirably.

The pair drive a coach-and-four through the Hayes Office's one-foot-on-the-floor rule by occuping parrallel beds visible from the foot through two adjoining windows, allowing viewers to ighore the wall between the two bedrooms.

Many pertinent cracks at politicians - times have not changed. Only the pork barrel's got bigger - and the President's brain smaller.

I love Jean Arthur as much as any actress in Hollywood. Her performances, which came immediately to my mind, are those in Capra films, especially 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington', where the way she supports James Stewart seems moving to me. In this film Jean(if I may say so) is at her best in her prime beauty and coquetry. Indeed the performances of Charles Coburn (probably his best) and Joel McCrea are priceless, but I find myself watching all through the playing time.This film has never been imported to Japan and I have watched it for the first time in this VHF form.

This is the quintissential delightful old movie, find a gray Saturday afternoon or , better yet, a late night, and sit back and enjoy the ride. They don't get much better than this.

The plot, timing, and acting of The More The Merrier is a delight. Jean Arthur shines (attention gentlemen: she is at her sexiest in this film!) in her best role. Joel McCrea and Charles Coburn are equally perfect as two men who share the apartment with Arthur. You won't forget this one, especially "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

This has to be the greatest romantic comedy I have ever seen! One of my favorite genres, and I am a pretty tough critic, but I just LOVE this movie...it's hilarious and very romantic, unlike many so-called romantic comedies, which concentrate on the laughs. The cast is great- Jean Arthur, Charles Coburn and the hugely underrated Joel McCrea in (IMHO) their best performances. It only won one Oscar but it deserved a lot more...with Casablanca...tough year. One of the things I love about this movie is the almost bittersweet ending- it is after all war-time and life goes on. Watch it please!

This is quite a hokey movie, really. Very little translates well to this day and age. The humour is quite lame, even if you take into consideration the era that it was produced. Nothing to recommend it. Even Jean Arthur who is usually wonderful, is not.

I cannot recommend for anyone to purchase The More the Merrier.
The movie was made during World War II and contains extremely insensitive racial remarks. I am surprised that no one else should notice this. Furthermore this film is not at all funny in the least and contains a poor script plus poor acting
performances from every member of the cast. Personally, I also feel that compared to the other great comedians of time-Claudette Colbert, Carole Lombard, Lucille Ball,Greta Garbo, Irenne Dunne-Jean Arthur was just plain unattractive. Add to this the leading man-Joel MCcrea has no screen charisma and appears dull and wooden. I had to stop the film halfway through and throw away the videotape. A terrible waste of money for me, just don't let this happen to you. If anyone is looking for a classy comedy/romance I highly recommend Midnight starring Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche. You won't regret it.