When absolute absurdity dominates a script, it's a cinch that the film is going to be a bust. But after an awkward start, this catches on in spite of how ridiculous the plot gets. It's a hysterically funny ensemble piece about a group of con-artists who put on a phony public wedding where the non-groom skips out on the non-bride and it goes on anyway with a new groom and a real minister.
As far from those sobbing heroines of the 1950's and the ruthless Angela Channing as she could be (even though Angela would be bemused by what goes on here), Jane Wyman is a fast talking shifter, trained by pop Berton Churchill in the art of the con, finding herself suddenly legally wed to artist William Hopper, and pretending to be his secretary as he paints the portrait of aging society matrons. One of them asks non-chalantly where she should put her clothes.
Then there's dizzy Marie Wilson ("My Friend Irma") who ends up being wed to the portly Churchill and Dick Purcell as the wisecracking associate. The law begins to close in on the "fellowship racket" as Wyman and Hopper begin to fall in love. There's plenty of more obstacles that step in their way, but the way this is done makes you root for Wyman and gang in spite of their amoral behavior. This is one of the screwiest screwball comedies ever, beyond reality of any serious plot, but oh what a fun ride it is.
As far from those sobbing heroines of the 1950's and the ruthless Angela Channing as she could be (even though Angela would be bemused by what goes on here), Jane Wyman is a fast talking shifter, trained by pop Berton Churchill in the art of the con, finding herself suddenly legally wed to artist William Hopper, and pretending to be his secretary as he paints the portrait of aging society matrons. One of them asks non-chalantly where she should put her clothes.
Then there's dizzy Marie Wilson ("My Friend Irma") who ends up being wed to the portly Churchill and Dick Purcell as the wisecracking associate. The law begins to close in on the "fellowship racket" as Wyman and Hopper begin to fall in love. There's plenty of more obstacles that step in their way, but the way this is done makes you root for Wyman and gang in spite of their amoral behavior. This is one of the screwiest screwball comedies ever, beyond reality of any serious plot, but oh what a fun ride it is.