George Washington Slept Here (1942) ;
Brief Review -
Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan's House of Problems is a powerhouse of comic scenarios. I don't know how William Keighley managed to make a comedy based on the myth of a dead man and then make it so alive for 90 minutes. But he did, and he deserves to be hailed for it. Cary Grant and Myrna Loy's "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" (1948) had a very similar plot. It's just that I happened to see that film before Keighley's comedy. This isn't a typical screwball comedy, but a very organic comedy drama. Connie has a habit of changing houses soon after every small argument, and she buys an old, deserted house in a rural country. The broker tells her that George Washington slept here once. Connie's husband, Bill, is frustrated about Connie's childish fascination with the places and begins to rebuild the good-for-nothing place with her. There are no stairs, no bathroom, and no water. Well, that's not it. After compromising on every basic need, they have to pay a huge sum for plants and gardens. Things get worse with each passing day, and then they have some annoying guests to fill the house. How will they carry on, and will they be left with enough money to keep the house? Like I said, it's a funny script, and the screenplay is very engaging. I liked some of those Hollywood references, such as Boris Karloff and the theatricals Bill does around the house. Their aide has a slow accent, and it's hilarious. Charles Coburn burns several laughs, Joyce Reynolds is cute, and Douglas Croft is lovingly naughty. Jack Benny does well as a frustrated and caring husband, while Ann Sheridan fits the role perfectly. William Keighley builds a fine house out of improper features and a limited budget. This one's a must-see to relive the early 40s organic humour and fun.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan's House of Problems is a powerhouse of comic scenarios. I don't know how William Keighley managed to make a comedy based on the myth of a dead man and then make it so alive for 90 minutes. But he did, and he deserves to be hailed for it. Cary Grant and Myrna Loy's "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" (1948) had a very similar plot. It's just that I happened to see that film before Keighley's comedy. This isn't a typical screwball comedy, but a very organic comedy drama. Connie has a habit of changing houses soon after every small argument, and she buys an old, deserted house in a rural country. The broker tells her that George Washington slept here once. Connie's husband, Bill, is frustrated about Connie's childish fascination with the places and begins to rebuild the good-for-nothing place with her. There are no stairs, no bathroom, and no water. Well, that's not it. After compromising on every basic need, they have to pay a huge sum for plants and gardens. Things get worse with each passing day, and then they have some annoying guests to fill the house. How will they carry on, and will they be left with enough money to keep the house? Like I said, it's a funny script, and the screenplay is very engaging. I liked some of those Hollywood references, such as Boris Karloff and the theatricals Bill does around the house. Their aide has a slow accent, and it's hilarious. Charles Coburn burns several laughs, Joyce Reynolds is cute, and Douglas Croft is lovingly naughty. Jack Benny does well as a frustrated and caring husband, while Ann Sheridan fits the role perfectly. William Keighley builds a fine house out of improper features and a limited budget. This one's a must-see to relive the early 40s organic humour and fun.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.