In McCrea and Coburn they have some of the same actors, both combine romance and slapstick and the stairs scene is rather reminiscent of the horse scene in The Lady Eve, but somehow I found Sturges' films so much funnier. Here the comedy only sort of works. Can't quite pinpoint why not though.
Where's your crew?
On the 3rd planet.
There IS no 3rd planet!
Don't you think I know that?
Interesting question. I think I also was comparing this movie with Sturges' best. I find them pretty close, but this one was more direct while Sturges' movies are way more complex, but gracefully so. When this movie tries to be complex, it gets a little slow and it borders on not being worth it while Sturges' movies float right by and seem perfectly plausible. It's a difference of writing, because the acting and directing was flawless.
The closest movies to my heart: http://www.imdb.com/list/2dvIwYpAmd4/
Don't agree. I love Sturges, but his films are manic and slightly out
of touch with reality (brilliantly so). The More the Merrier is totally
in rhythm to real life and so it's much more rewarding in an organic
way.
George Stevens was a genius, and this film is one of the great romantic
comedies of all time.
I agree (and, what a beautifully written post).
I think George Stevens is the only director who knew how to use McCrea -- transformed him from wooden to gracefully laconic. I love The Palm Beach Story (and other Sturges fare), but McCrea wasn't nearly as good there as he was in TMTM.
"All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people."
Sturges films are all shouting; one can never hear the plot over his din.
This film bills and coos: much more engaging.
(Sigh)....One needn't attack the brilliant Sturges in order to defend
Stevens. PS films are incredible, too. Just different.
"Brilliant" is too strong a word to describe Sturges' artistry; he's very good for his era, but no more than that.
I wasn't "attacking" the man per se, just expressing my opinion.
(Sigh ...it's so hard to find a place to do that anymore without fear of retribution.)
"'Brilliant'" is too strong a word to describe Sturges' artistry.'"
You couldn't possibly be more wrong.
However, I'd say "moronic" is a very apt word in describing your taste
in films.
But rejoice...I'm sure "Dumb and Dumber" - parts one and two- are out
on Blu Ray book for you to enjoy.
And so somehow "Bewitched", "Barbra Streisand", "Judy Garland", "I Love Lucy" and "Mary Tyler Moore" are not equally moronic forms of entertainment?
Not the sharpest knife in the box are you, gb?
Trump's your man, no doubt, if you're indifferent to due diligence.
EDIT:
However, I'd say "moronic" is a very apt word in describing your taste
in films.
But rejoice...I'm sure "Dumb and Dumber" - parts one and two- are out
on Blu Ray book for you to enjoy.
It gets better if you watch it a second time, though I agree. Sturges' work is still more to my taste.
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