Manhattan lawyer James Stewart (as John "Johnny" Mason) falls in love at first sight with beautiful Carole Lombard (as Jane), while obtaining a Boston deposition. The happy newlyweds return to New York, but receive a frosty reception from Mr. Stewart's hard-of-hearing boss Charles Coburn (as Joseph M. Doolittle) and his mother Lucile Watson (as Harriet). They had hoped Stewart would marry the boss' daughter, and live in reflective prosperity. While obviously "Made for Each Other", Stewart and Ms. Lombard have trouble making ends meet, especially after baby makes three.
The struggling couple must also contend with complaining mother Watson, who moves in, and a series of ineffectual servants. With Lombard and Watson around the house, you have to accept that the "hired help" is around to impress Mr. Coburn and other dinner guests. Esther Dale (as Annie) and Renee Orsell (as Hilda) are funny maids. Louise Beavers (as Lily) offers some helpful advice about eating watermelon; and, she delivers fried chicken on holidays. Eventually, the frothy comedy turns to heavy melodrama. As usual, the David O. Selznick production values are excellent.
******* Made for Each Other (2/10/39) John Cromwell ~ James Stewart, Carole Lombard, Charles Coburn, Lucile Watson
The struggling couple must also contend with complaining mother Watson, who moves in, and a series of ineffectual servants. With Lombard and Watson around the house, you have to accept that the "hired help" is around to impress Mr. Coburn and other dinner guests. Esther Dale (as Annie) and Renee Orsell (as Hilda) are funny maids. Louise Beavers (as Lily) offers some helpful advice about eating watermelon; and, she delivers fried chicken on holidays. Eventually, the frothy comedy turns to heavy melodrama. As usual, the David O. Selznick production values are excellent.
******* Made for Each Other (2/10/39) John Cromwell ~ James Stewart, Carole Lombard, Charles Coburn, Lucile Watson