As with one other of our reviewers, for me, this film doesn't quite work. But I'm not quite sure why. My best guess is that there just isn't real chemistry between Paulette Goddard and Fred MacMurray. Not sure why, but chemistry is always tricky. Both Paulette Goddard and Fed MacMurray were talented at comedy, MacMurray especially so. To make things worse, this is a sort of love triangle, with Macdonald Carey as the third point, and it doesn't seem to me that Carey and Goddard have much chemistry, either. In fact, maybe the problem here is Paulette Goddard.
That's not to say that this film doesn't have its moments. For example, when MacMurray tries acting like a slob at the train station, it's a hoot. Unfortunately, the only "joke" (situation) throughout the movie is MacMurray trying to get Goddard to sign divorce papers (following WWII, when both were in the military).
Of course, what's going to happen here -- will she or won't she sign the divorce papers? Will they or won't they stay married? -- that's all obvious from the beginning of the picture. Which is okay, because usually we know what's going to happen in most movies; what's usually interesting is how the characters get there. Only this time it's mostly a bit muddled and not that much fun. And the ending seems very forced.
Another problem is the role Macdonald Carey plays. Yes, he wants Goddard, too...while also being MacMurray's law client. It just seems like a lame situation. It might have worked better if the two were close friends, rather than lawyer-client. Carey's performance is alright, it's just the role that doesn't quite work.
Arleen Whelan plays the woman that MacMurray wants to marry, She had a rather brief film career...thankfully.
I hope I remember not to watch this again. It's okay...once.
That's not to say that this film doesn't have its moments. For example, when MacMurray tries acting like a slob at the train station, it's a hoot. Unfortunately, the only "joke" (situation) throughout the movie is MacMurray trying to get Goddard to sign divorce papers (following WWII, when both were in the military).
Of course, what's going to happen here -- will she or won't she sign the divorce papers? Will they or won't they stay married? -- that's all obvious from the beginning of the picture. Which is okay, because usually we know what's going to happen in most movies; what's usually interesting is how the characters get there. Only this time it's mostly a bit muddled and not that much fun. And the ending seems very forced.
Another problem is the role Macdonald Carey plays. Yes, he wants Goddard, too...while also being MacMurray's law client. It just seems like a lame situation. It might have worked better if the two were close friends, rather than lawyer-client. Carey's performance is alright, it's just the role that doesn't quite work.
Arleen Whelan plays the woman that MacMurray wants to marry, She had a rather brief film career...thankfully.
I hope I remember not to watch this again. It's okay...once.