SYNOPSIS: Navy man is ordered to buy a magnum of French champagne to launch an aircraft carrier. A young bride-to-be beats him to the only bottle left in the city. The navy man is forced to use every ruse he knows to get the girl to part with the champagne. Does he succeed? You'll have to see the picture to find out. (Of course you could also use a little - a very little bit - of brain power).
NOTES: A famous film in its day as it marked the return to movies of Olivia de Havilland after a three year hiatus due to a contract dispute with Warner Bros. Paramount were willing to risk a lawsuit when their original leading lady, Paulette Goddard, had to withdraw because of pregnancy. As it happened, Miss de Havilland won her landmark case two days before this film was slated to commence shooting. At that stage of course she was fully committed to make the picture, despite her misgivings as to the inanity of the script.
COMMENT: I don't share Miss de Havilland's feelings. Frankly, it's a charming little comedy. Admittedly, the emphasis has to be on the "little". The story is slight, yes, but skilful direction and deft playing keep it moving along quite agreeably. A typical 1940s romantic comedy, a harmless bit of fluff, lightweight, but put across with just the right balance of foolery, romance and charm. Milland was an expert at this sort of fluff, and the other players are likewise appealingly cast.
NOTES: A famous film in its day as it marked the return to movies of Olivia de Havilland after a three year hiatus due to a contract dispute with Warner Bros. Paramount were willing to risk a lawsuit when their original leading lady, Paulette Goddard, had to withdraw because of pregnancy. As it happened, Miss de Havilland won her landmark case two days before this film was slated to commence shooting. At that stage of course she was fully committed to make the picture, despite her misgivings as to the inanity of the script.
COMMENT: I don't share Miss de Havilland's feelings. Frankly, it's a charming little comedy. Admittedly, the emphasis has to be on the "little". The story is slight, yes, but skilful direction and deft playing keep it moving along quite agreeably. A typical 1940s romantic comedy, a harmless bit of fluff, lightweight, but put across with just the right balance of foolery, romance and charm. Milland was an expert at this sort of fluff, and the other players are likewise appealingly cast.