Nonsensical remake of 1936's "Libeled Lady" casts Esther Williams as a beautiful but arrogant heiress who sues a publication for two million dollars after they print a would-be scandalous story. The newspaper gets revenge by matching the socialite up with a suave womanizer--not expecting true love to blossom. Tepid shenanigans does get Williams into the water, albeit briefly; much of this comedy is spent on fast-talking wisecracks delivered at a high decibel level. Unfortunately, louder doesn't equal funnier, and some good players flounder (particularly titian-haired Lucille Ball, in one of her weakest performances). Organist Ethel Smith has a fun bit (joined by a Spanish-singing Williams and Van Johnson!), and the film is certainly well-dressed, but the comedic timing is unpolished and the plot is insufferable. ** from ****
Review of Easy to Wed
