Wife vs Secretary (1936)

Myrna Loy - Linda Stanhope
Clark Gable - Van Stanhope
Jean Harlow - Helen "Whitey" Wilson

I'm still trying to figure out my feelings toward this film so until I fully get a grasp of my thoughts, I will instead tell you the things I know of the actors and such.

Myrna Loy get's third billing in the movie credits but first billing on my blog because she rates pretty high in my book. (It's my blog and I can do what I want!) This is the same year that she and Clark Gable won "King and Queen of the Movies" so they were both hot commodities, especially when paired together. This is Myrna's second time in the same year working with Jean Harlow, the other film being "Libeled Lady" which is as close to a perfect romantic comedy as you can get. Myrna always plays the wife role perfectly. I can see why, though never a fan of the title, she was nicknamed "The Perfect Wife".

Clark Gable get's first billing in the credits but second on my blog because Myrna beat him out simply by being a classy, witty dame. This film comes two years after the Frank Capra hit "It Happened One Night", but three years before his iconic role as Rhett Butler in "Gone With The Wind". I wouldn't say that I'm indifferent to Clark Gable, it's more that I have never fully explored his filmography, though I have seen quite a few of his movies and enjoyed them all. Whether he is playing opposite Myrna Loy, Vivian Leigh, Claudette Colbert or Doris Day, he is the standard that all leading men should measure themselves against. He's a man's man that knew how to love the ladies and make them unabashedly love him back.

Jean Harlow, second billed in the movie credits but third here because I really don't know much about her other than she was considered an acerbic movie vixen and engaged to William Powell only to pass away before the marriage and well before her time should have been up. She was only 26. However, from the two movies I've seen her in and have mentioned in this entry, she was a good actress with intelligence, wit and fierce determination. I have no strong desire to see anymore of her movies but I do know that if I happen upon one I will be delighted by her performance.

Now my reaction to the movie.

First of all, the title implies a certainty possibility for infidelity which immediately made me not want to watch it but, considering the star power, went against my initial impulse. I was happy I did because it was a delightful film with each star bringing to the table their own brand of personality which brought extra depth to the storyline. Clark and Myrna are husband and wife who can't seem to get enough of each other. Seriously lovey dovey from the word go. He runs his own business which is very successful as indicated by their house and style of living. Though their relationship is solid and based on trust, his mother puts doubts in Myrna's mind that there could be a risk in having Jean be his secretary. Why put the temptation right in his sightline everyday? Well, Myrna doesn't worry her pretty little head about it, that is until his mother says those things. She doesn't want to be a worry wart but things start happening and being said that lead her to wonder. Though this is a serious topic, the movie has moments of comedy and light-heartedness. There are even moments in the beginning, that the trust that Clark and Myrna share is a wonderful sight to see and almost leads one to think that, because of this established trust, there could be a chance that Myrna and Jean could be friends. Maybe it only seems that way because they were friends in real life? Not sure?

Parts that stood out.

-Incredibly suggestive dialogue by both stars and extras. Here's a clip as proof. PHEW!



Here is a quote from Myrna regarding this movie and the future of movies when it comes to sex..."Where sex is concerned, the double entendre, the ambiguity, it seems to me, is much more effective than being too explicit. This is something the moviemakers don't seem to understand today."
I agree with her whole-heartedly and this may be the real reason I will not should not read "Fifty Shades of Grey."
 
-Jean Harlow is a career-woman and very good at her job. I do not mean that to imply she's "good" at her job and will try to land the boss, but she's genuinely very effective in her role as secretary and you have no doubt that when Clark says he'd "die without her", he means it. Even Myrna agrees, in a business mindset.

-Jean refusing to leaver her job if/when she get's married. Quite a radical idea for a woman in the 30's. I admire her for that but I also struggle with it because it has to do with her relationship to Jimmy Stewart in the film, and who would do anything to ruin their relationship with Jimmy Stewart!?

**Spoiler**

-Quite often we, as a society, are presented with many films where women are competing for a man. It's so often that we don't even see it as something that is being subliminally taught to us; that women should not and cannot be friends with each other. Though the movie primarily shows this competition between Myrna and Jean, there is a moment at the end where the two share a scene and speak frankly about the situation. Jean ultimately tries to explain the misunderstandings that have occurred and show Myrna that if she doesn't accept the real innocent truth then she'll lose Clark forever to whomelse but Jean. She plainly says that if Myrna doesn't go back to him then she, Jean, will gladly take her place with the understanding he'll never love her the way he loves his wife. It's a kind of solidarity I wasn't expecting and found it to be refreshing.

So there you have it, a movie I wasn't overly excited to watch and didn't immediately love, ended up being a movie I'd watch again and again (if only for the natural banter between Myrna and Clark). Please leave a comment or let me know if/when you watch the movie and what you think of it.

From cradle to tomb, it isn't that long a stay!

About a week ago, I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just couldn't turn off the video I was watching on youtube. I was mesmerized by the songs and stories and GRAND personality. She certainly is quite a dame!

Liza "with a Z" Minnelli!

I had my laptop sitting on top of me, while in my pajamas and under the covers of my bed. I was watching "Inside the Actors Studio: Liza Minnelli" and I couldn't stop it; I had to finish it!

Liza is someone, for me, that seems familiar while at the same time being such a stranger. I discovered how little I actually knew about this amazing woman. Before last week, I could have told you her name, big movies or things she's done in her life, and who her parents were, but beyond that................not much.

Plain and simple: I'm a fan of Judy Garland, not Liza. That by no means implies that I do not like Liza. Quite the contrary. Instead, she's just always been "Judy's daughter" to me. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.

Of course I know that she's appeared on Broadway, television, movies, and wow'd audiences for years with concerts and appearances. She's won an Oscar, Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys and a BAFTA and I'm assuming I'm even missing some more. She's decorated with all this recognition and that is just as it should be.

Despite all this fanfare, I've still only really ever seen her as "Judy's daughter" only because I haven't actually dove into her own work to really see her in a separate way. When I'd watch an interview with her, it was just to see what she'd say about her mother, knowing it was a matter of time before she'd be asked those personal questions. I was always fascinated how she remembered her mother and also how she'd share stories having to do with both the good and bad times. I'd only see "Judy's daughter" sharing stories.  


That is until now. 

Last night, watching "Inside the Actors Studio" with her as the guest, I finally saw Liza Minnelli in an interview. Of course she was still the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli (basically royalty in the Golden Era of musicals), but she was also her own person. She was very gracious in answering questions about her parents, family struggles and her own demons, but I respect her immensely in how she chooses her words when speaking of her family. She speaks with a dose of blunt honesty but also an air of protection. She knows if she admits, "yeah she/I had some problems", that people won't push the buttons anymore. And she is always quick to finish up any story on a positive note.

She told a wonderful story of Judy and her concert at the Palladium in the 60's and described how Judy was a hard worker and loved the spotlight. Liza ends the story saying she (Liza) could "work with anybody after that, because I worked with her; the greatest there ever was!" Talk about a wonderful note to end on.

Here's a quote from Myrna Loy about Liza, who also knew Judy well from MGM and just being in show business. It's a wonderful quote.

"I love Liza. She is so original. People speak of her in terms of her mother, but she is herself, very definitely. A good, strong, unique person."

So true! I can finally see that.

Monday is Quote Day

"I think that carrying on a life that is meant to be private in public is a breach of taste, common sense, and mental hygiene."

-Myrna Loy

I have written and deleted several comments I wanted to include with this quote, but then I realized it stands strong on it's own.

Any comments I add may only distract or dilute the quote. So instead, take a moment for yourself to let these wise words from Myrna sink in and do whatever is needed to restore your mental hygiene.

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)

 
 

Cary Grant - Jim Blandings

Myrna Loy - Muriel Blandings

Melvyn Douglas - Bill Cole

After noticing that I had begun going through Myrna Loy's filmography, I was told by many that "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" was a "must see", entertaining and humorous film, so I was very excited to finally see it. I must make it clear that though I watched it after finding out Myrna was in the film, the extra UMPH...was Cary Grant.

I feel as though I've grown up with him in a way and to find a movie I hadn't seen was the cherry on the top. I have rarely seen a Cary Grant film on purpose but rather happened upon them only to become completely enamored by the man.

I watched "The Philadelphia Story" and "Bringing Up Baby" for Katharine Hepburn. 

I watched "That Touch of Mink" for Doris Day and Audrey Meadows. 

I watched "Father Goose" for Leslie Caron. 

However, I did watch "North By Northwest", "His Girl Friday" and "Arsenic and Old Lace" for Cary Grant. 

There are probably many more that I am missing but my point is this; though I watched all those movies for other reasons, I always ended up by the end completely amazed by Cary Grant and his simple, though sometimes obnoxious, comedic style. Oh, and because he's beautiful! (Objectification is bad, people. It's only allowed when talking about Cary Grant.) 

So here I am, once again, happening upon a movie for the purpose of seeing another brilliant and funny Myrna Loy performance (and believe me when I say she didn't disappoint) but yet again, I end on the fact that Cary Grant is simply comedic and obnoxiously beautiful.

Here's What I Know:

*cue crickets* 

I didn't know anything about this film, which was such a wonderful thing to experience. I did had the opportunity I was snooping to see a video of one scene on youtube. And much like a good trailer ought to be, it was enough to reel vintage me in with interest, but not enough to give anything away. 

I could probably go on and explain details about Cary Grant and how his family were acrobats in the circus. This is apparent in his physical comedy, particularly in "Holiday" with Katharine Hepburn (I knew there was another movie I didn't mention). The picture below is from that film and basically sums up my point.

I'm not trying to lure you into thinking that Mr. Grant is doing anything like this in "Blandings" 
but it does allow you to understand his ability for comedy; it's quirky and theatrical.

Hmmmm....what to say about Myrna and her comedy prowess? 



Well, this movie was delightful to watch after seeing "The Thin Man" series and her other comedic films. I knew that it would be funny and with her involved, it implied that it would also be intelligent and comically subdued. Myrna Loy's comedic delivery is something that, without being able to describe it very well, makes me laugh out loud but it's so subtle sometimes that if you're not paying attention you can miss it. So how do I describe this? 

For my old movie and TV fans, she seems to be a cross between Gracie Allen and Virginia O'Brien. Myrna's subtle delivery is matter-of-fact and under-the-radar sometimes that you don't realize it's funny until it's past and it makes you laugh out loud; ultimately missing the next line. Gracie Allen, would often say things so matter-of-fact that when you'd really think about it, you'd realize she was right (or absurd) and really funny! For instance, if someone offered Gracie to "take a chair", as in sit down, she would respond very plain and innocent with, "No thanks! We have plenty of chairs at home." Her delivery is such that it never makes the other person feel as though they're stupid even though she's ultimately thinking, "Well! Why would he think we didn't have chairs!?"

That's how Myrna did it in many ways, but she would often deliver it with a stoic Virginia O'Brien face that it could sometimes lead you to miss it. This is why I have enjoyed her movies so much because she's just a hoot and because you catch the joke later, it's like enjoying it twice.



Things That Stood Out: 

I feel like much of what stood out was the humor and delivery but I will try and dive in more. A quick summary of the story line: 

**Cary and Myrna are married with two girls and live in a small apartment in New York. After Myrna makes suggestions for making the apartment more "cozy" or livable, Cary thinks that it's too much money and disagrees. He then sees an ad in a magazine for Connecticut and decide they should move. He feels it's an ideal place to live and he and Myrna begin looking for a house. Of course, the house they buy leaves much to be desired that instead of fixing it up, they are suggested to "tear it down" and start again. This leads to grand ideas of a dream home (see where they got the title) but with no consideration for rules, regulations or even common sense. With roadblocks and hiccups along the way, they finally build their dream home. (This is where a swell of string instruments would play something magical with a picture of a dream house. Maybe I think that because that's how it ends. haha)**

The opening scene is brilliant. I know brilliant is a word that is overused, thus reducing whatever is being described as anything BUT brilliant however, in this case, it's true. 

We wake up with the Blandings, only to find that their apartment is much too small. I don't know for certain, but I feel confident in saying that the first 5 minutes of the film is without dialogue. There is one line here and one line there but for the most part, it's as though you could transfer it all to a silent film. The way you discover just how small the apartment is and how they've grown used to it is....well.....brilliant. There's a moment where you discover the closet is so small, and obviously shared by Mr. AND Mrs. that he accidentally grabs HER robe while one hand is holding the boxes on the shelf above so they don't fall to the ground. It's obvious they are being held up by the closet door when it is closed. 

There is also a hilarious moment where, as you see Cary down the hall from his room, you will still see Myrna in bed sitting with her head tucked to her chin. Mrs. Blandings is obviously not a morning person until she gets her coffee, which he knows to bring to her in bed. This has nothing to do with the size of the apartment but it was something I noticed immediately and actually skipped back to see it a second time so I could laugh again.

There's also a clever scene where they are both getting ready in the morning and we are shown just how little space they have to share in the bathroom. Of course, we blame this on the tiny apartment, but the true punchline is about 45 minutes later, when the same thing happens in their new big house. Obviously the size of your home has nothing to do with this problem. I'm literally laughing just thinking about it! This movie might be proof that all couples should have separate sinks and mirrors. 

There are so many funny gags and exchanges but I don't want to get too long-winded or give anything away. I will say that for the reviews I read, many said this would be a great film to show anyone buying or building a house how NOT to do it. When you get professional ideas or suggestions, listen to them! It's not a weakness to ask for help or clarification. 


Now Was That Necessary?:


I do have one point of contention regarding a subplot. You'd think that the process of moving and building a home would be confusing and stressful enough but for some reason, they decided to add a question of infidelity on the part of Muriel (Myrna) and their family friend Bill (Melvyn). Of course this is entirely dreamt up on the part of Jim (Cary) and even though it's false, to me it seems completely unnecessary to have it at all. It seems to only muddle up a perfectly good movie.


I will try and explain my reasoning without giving anything away. That's actually a funny point because the subplot seems so ridiculous to the story that I couldn't give anything away. I should be singing to myself, "One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just isn't the same."


First of all, it is a stretch for me to think Myrna Loy would be unfaithful to none other than Cary Grant. I know I've explained this before but Myrna Loy's reputation was "The Perfect Wife" in Hollywood due to her playing that kind of role so many times. So, imagine audiences at that time with that in the back of their head, thinking it's ridiculous to imagine her as being unfaithful. Also, there is nothing to truly warrant such suspicion but for some reason simple things become suddenly suspicious to Cary.

An example from the dialogue:

Jim: What's with this kissing all of a sudden? I don't like it. Every time he goes out of this house, he shakes my hand and and kisses you.

Muriel: Would you prefer it the other way around?

I must explain that the kiss Bill gives Muriel is on the cheek, a very common greeting or goodbye for so many old films. That might be why I'm confused. Also, because Bill continues to kiss Muriel on the cheek when he leaves and it is never a problem with Jim again.

Second of all, the idea of infidelity that Cary Grant dreams up is something that is brought up within the cracks of the story. Instead of holding the story together, it seems to confuse it. It's something that is brought up and dismissed so many times that it seems redundant and pointless to keep bringing up. Every time they, or Cary rather, move beyond the suspicion; they apologize and it seems that it is all over until it's brought up AGAIN! It's something that seemed to make sense the first time but once it's been regarded as not a worry the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th times just ware on me.

I feel this subplot is probably interjected in to add comedy but it instead falls short and disrupts the pace of the film.

There's my two cents.

However, There Were Many Favorite Parts:

Well the opening scene definitely stands out for me, the bathroom scenes, and a particular scene falling back on the humor that men never ask for directions or accept they don't know the way. In that particular scene, Myrna says the correct directions twice, but is ignored. Of course third times a charm and well...who'da thunk?.....she was right! 

Here's a picture from that scene with the three main stars!

Another scene is when Cary is asked a question by a construction worker/builder about a certain detail. The length of the silence that follows paired with his dimwitted facial expression made me bust out! I can see it now! HAHA He obviously does not understand the question and almost seems to forget he needs to respond.

There's also a scene where both Mr. and Mrs. interject their ideas of rooms and extras for the house and when you later see the blueprints there are scribbles everywhere you can barely tell where the real plans had been.

Below is the scene I had watched before viewing the entire movie, the one I snooped for on youtube. It's not a real trailer rather than just a scene from the film. The more I've watched this scene the more I find it funny! It is a great example of how men and women can see things differently, even when it comes to something as simple as paint colors.

My favorite detail from that scene is when Myrna grabs the paper sample off the wall and doesn't just point to the color she wants, but glides the paper in the air to find the light to better show off the dot. It's a subtle gesture that shows her natural acting impulses. I also love how she stresses the word "awful". The way her voice seems to take on a raspy tone quality for some reason gives me a comfortable feeling. I seem to remember a few occasions where my Grandmother made that same sound on certain words so that must be why. :)

I recommend you to watch the film; it's well worth the 90 minutes.

I hope when you watch the film, you'll remember the parts I pointed out and enjoy them as much as I did. If you laugh out loud, let me know in the comments or if you're like me, and immediately add it to your Amazon cart, let me know just the same.

Happy watching and I dare you NOT to fall in love with Cary Grant.

The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

William Powell - Florenz Ziegfled Jr.

Myrna Loy - Billie Burke

Luise Rainer - Anna Held

Frank Morgan - Jack Billings

Ray Bolger and Fannie Brice as themselves

If someone had told me that I would enjoy a 3 hour film from 1936 about a man I really don't know anything about, I would have asked one question......"Well, who's in it?" After they answer, "William Powell", I would respond with a resounding "Heck, yes I would!!" 

If you ever, and I mean ever, get a chance to see a film with William Powell, don't think, just sit down and enjoy! He has a certain magnetism that, for me, is unexpected and after several viewings of his movies, it has now stuck with me. I will never second guess his talent again. 

You must be thinking, "She must be bringing this up because this movie is superb and without flaws and I must go see it." Well, you have every right to think that but that's not the case. It's not the best film I've ever seen but it certainly has stellar performances from everyone in it and it helps to at least know something about the guy to really enjoy the story, but it's not necessary. So though it maybe isn't the best thing ever made, you should still give it a try! I feel pretty confident you will not be disappointed.

Here's what I know: 

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. was married to Billie Burke who, 3 years after this movie came out, would grace the screen as Glinda, the Witch of the North from "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). I knew that she had been a stage actress earlier in her career and read that she had enjoyed playing Glinda so much because the character and costumes reminded her of her theater/stage days. This movie reiterated that statement with the theater world she came from and kind of costumes that she wore.

The name "Ziegfeld" gives me no great pause, as it may for others. I only know the name from a movie I've seen and own (well it's more like a series of skits put together on film) called "Ziegfeld Follies of 1946" (1945). It has a SLEW of stars in it from that era including Judy Garland, Red Skelton, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Kathryn Grayson, etc. So my only connection with the name "Ziegfeld" was from a movie that was inspired by the classic Ziegfeld shows, but made many years after his passing. It was more of a tribute to a man that always yearned to bring elegant, elaborate beauty to theater audiences.  

However, to actually watch a movie about the man was so incredibly interesting. It was wonderful to find out how he began his career, be introduced to the people he knew and worked with, and how his classic shows started and changed the theater world. These are the things I just love finding out! Gosh, I love old movies!

The Performances: 

Not to be redundant but William Powell was great in this film. He embodied Ziegfeld, well as much as I think he did. The way Ziegfeld was portrayed he seemed to be a gambler and dreamer of a business man. He had grand ideas but never really had enough money to put on a show and never wanted to put up any of his own money if he had it, but always willing to gamble on others fortune. He was a ladies man, but not on a disgusting way. Considering he showcased a number of beautiful women in extravagant gowns on grandiose sets, he never seemed to be a man who would take advantage of a woman. He instead had a keen eye for beauty and how they should be dressed for glamour. That doesn't mean he didn't take his leading ladies out and buy them expensive gifts (even while married), I still seemed to understand and believe that he loved his wife. He just seemed to be a compulsive spender and would give money to just about everybody he knew, including a waiter or bellboy even when he was flat broke. He'd be glad to give the little guy some extra change. 

William Powell can be an obnoxious stooge if he wants to or a debonair gentleman. He has the ability to switch between the two without so much as a bead of sweat or obvious transition. For some reason, it's believable for him to embody both personality types. 

Myrna Loy plays Billie Burke in the film and, as I've recently found out from a friend, was personally approved by Ms. Burke herself. I can only imagine what it would be like to play a role of a person still alive and able to correct you if you got it wrong. However, there wasn't enough of Billie in the story for them to get anything too wrong, I imagine. Of the 3 hour film, we don't actually see Billie until 15 minutes after the 2 hour mark. I will always speak highly of Myrna Loy as an actress but beyond the 6 or 7 times we see her on screen, there really isn't too much to add other than: she was beyond beautiful and an incredibly natural actress. Pairing her with William Powell never disappoints. 

Luise Rainer as Ziegfeld's first wife, Anna Held, was quite a force in this film. Her character, I believe, is supposed to be flighty and emotional. Of course sometimes the extraneous emotions are valid but for the most part, they make you fidget and stand on edge because she seems so anxious. Though I thought this characterization would only annoy me, I quickly understood it and instead welcomed it as something quite fresh and comical. The amount of times she asks him to leave a room and come back again in a matter of 5 minutes is hilarious. She does this when phoning him as well that it isn't annoying, but instead becomes a familiar gag that, quite surprisingly, doesn't get old. Like the other characters around her, you instead accept it as normal, almost expected, behavior. It's important to note that she won the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in this film, this being her second Oscar, the first from only the year before. Also, this won the Best Picture Academy Award as well, beating out "Mr Deeds Goes To Town" (Frank Capra), "Liabeled Lady" (another William Powell and Myrna Loy picture) among others.

I also must include a short mention of Frank Morgan. Many know him as The Great and Powerful Oz/Professor Marvel from "The Wizard of Oz". Well, he is just as delightful and entertaining in this film. The slow transition of his character from adversary to friend of Ziegfeld is a delightful aspect to this film. It says so much about both men and it's done in a very believable way.

Things That Stood Out:

 

Fanny Brice - She's hilarious and it was wonderful to see her poke fun at herself (a natural thing she did) but to do it from her own history. Her faces were wacky and she was hilarious but, just as Ziegfeld says, she could tear your heart out in a split second with her rendition of "My Man".

Ray Bolger - He plays a prop man behind the scenes on the Ziegfeld show and we find him dancing while he cleans up. Many know Ray as the Scarecrow from "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). What some might not know is that he was supposed to play the Tin Man originally but lobbied to be the Scarecrow instead and I personally think he was born to play that part. With that piece of trivia trapped in your head for the time being, a part that I thought was delectable: We find him dancing while cleaning up behind stage when Ziegfeld asks about his job and such. Ray says, "I've been a property master for 5 years, but my heart just isn't in it.", to which Ziegfeld replies, "That's a long time to live without a heart!" Does everyone now understand why I squealed with delight at that exchange. You're welcome! Now go tell your friends!

Rhapsody In Blue - If you ever find yourself watching a movie, TV Show or listening to music and "Rhapsody In Blue" (Gershwin) comes on, it will always be something that stands out. It is one of the most perfect pieces of music ever constructed by man. I know that many might think that about the classic composers like Mozart and Beethoven, but when it comes to our more modern world, George and Ira Gershwin were the closest things to musical perfection we had on this earth. I think it's important to mention both brothers even though "Rhapsody" was only George's creation. It's roughly 16 minutes of melodic brilliance that will always give me chills and probably make me cry at the drop of a hat. I must have inherited this from my Mother because I've been there to witness these same emotions take her over with this same song. To not be completely changed by this after listening, well you're just not doing it right! I feel I must say that in the movie, they only used a portion of the song but it happened to be the exact moment that I will always tear up! Sometimes when something is so beautiful, you just have to cry. It may have been these 3 minutes that solidified my enjoyment of this film. This paragraph, as you can tell, has no bias what-so-ever.

Okay, now for the finale:

If you at all enjoy old films, Ziegfeld, William Powell, Myrna Loy or Luise Rainer, plan an evening to watch this delightful film. If you enjoy any of those things mentioned, the movie will not disappoint. If you do not know or enjoy any of those things....well then explore the world outside your comfort zone and keep an open mind. I think the movie and you yourself will be surprised.