Old Films Reviewed

So this movie has Cary Grant and Ann Sheridan as the leads. Also, shockingly enough Cary Grant plays a French Soldier in Germany. Yeah, could have fooled me. There is nothing French about the guy. Not even a FAKE accent. I was pretty disappointed in that. He speaks maybe 2 words in French the whole film. Also note that his German, while easily understandable, had a great American accent as well.

Aside from that blatent lack of authenticity, there are some notable things about the film. 1. It was filmed in post war Germany. That means you get to see some of the impressive destruction that was left after WWII. 2. Ann's character is no wilting violet. That seems pretty authentic, afterall how many female soldiers that you know are weak, in any way. Yeah thats right, none of them.

I enjoyed the scene in the beginning where the French-less Grant is being driven to the American army base to pick up a cohort for his next mission. The cabbie (who had a German Accent) and some traffic guy got into a great argument as to whether its 2 or three blocks before you turn. OK I admit, I understood very little of the whole conversation as accents and yelling muffled the whole shindig. But it was still enjoyable.

It was also fun to note that once Sheridan and Grant get assigned, the only vehicles available are motorbikes with sidecars. Yes. So beautiful. And the best part? Only approved, certifed people can drive, so Grant is in the side car.

Anyway, because Sheridan's character is loud and bossy, Grants gets into some random physical comedy...many times. And it seems almost random how they are like, maybe we fight because we like eachother. A few kisses inside a hay pile later and they are planning on getting married.

I admit, the whole "we are in love" thing seems fake as well. When they have to wait for the Army paperwork approving the marriage, it takes like a week, and they are ready to call it off. Then they have to have 3 weddings, one for German law, one for the Army Chaplain, and one for Grants church (which should have been in France, but I digress) all in one day. After that. The wedding night.

Beautimous.

Or not.

Sheridan's group is ordered back to the US. Tonight. In 20 minutes. Ha, ha, suckah. OK, that was sort of funny to me.

Then becomes the ordeal of how to get Grant back to the US as well. Keep in mind, Grant hasn't got a decent night of sleep since starting the mission with Sheridan at least 3 days ago. The law on war brides says spouse, so he can be covered, however the Army doesn't have sleeping quarters for a male when they have 3-4 brides +kids in each room.

OK, so it was no How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Hitch, or 27 Dresses, but it was pretty good. And I am sure, had I grown up in rural midwest America in the 40s, I wouldn't care that Cary Grant didn't have an accent. I might have even wet myself to see him in drag as well (yeah drag meant in female military uniform, which isn't even somewhat flattering on females.) So for the time, probably it was a blockbuster. For me, it was a good movie, but not one I will rewatch any time soon.