When I saw My Favorite Wife a few weeks ago at Le Desperado, little did I know of what I was about to see.
Sure thing, I was in for a treat! I mean, it's a classic screwball comedy with Cary Grant, written by the brilliant Leo McCarrey.
Not to mention Irene Dunn (who unfortunately remains qute unknown) literally shines through the movie.
The plot goes like this - Carey Grant's wife is in a boat accident and presumed dead. After 6 long years with his two kids, he of course remarries. The day of his marriage, his long lost wife and true love comes back.
One of my favorite scenes is when Irene Dunn, dressed in her then already out of fashion '30s clothes, after noticing the mean stare of a young lady, goes to the ladies room and chops off her dress, making it fashionable again.
It's really priceless! And there are so many ridiculously funny yet subtle scenes like that.
Oh, and that amazing two-tone color block dress! Now back then they knew how to do that right.
Seriously, really gorgeous piggy-bank breaking late-night Ebay stalking, obsession-inducing outfits on both genders (and the kids!).
But what was probably more fascinating, was to see the audience's reaction - I literally had half a dozen old ladies giggling their panties off each time Cary Grant was onscreen. Literally every single time. Schoolgirl giggles. On a Saturday night. Priceless.
So I guess that pretty much says it all.
Oh and if you want to get a piece of that '40s magic, remember this blazer from the shop? We're having a sale this weekend so hurry up!
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Another interesting aspect of this film is that the two male co-stars, Cary Grant and Randolph Scott, lived together for 12 years (most of the period from 1932 to 1944). Many people believe they were in fact lovers, and there are some people who knew them during this period (i.e. George Cukor) who claimed that this was the case. There was also story that on an occasion when they were filming together (and I think it was for My Favorite Wife), they astonished the film crew by sharing a hotel room, even though there was obviously no need for them to do so.
ReplyDeleteOne more comment - Although she may not be as well remembered now as Cary Grant, Irene Dunne was a major Hollywood star in the 1930s and 1940s. She was terrific in comedies, dramas, and even musicals. Even now, I wouldn't call her "unknown."
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