“The More the Merrier,” “Lady of Burlesque” (Movie Reviews-5/14/43)

Microfilm-New York Times archives, Monterey Public Library | 5/14/43 | Bosley Crowther

[Homer_J_Simpson]

1

2

3

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime” Or view Homer’s posting history .)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile. Also visit our general discussion thread.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

“The More the Merrier” clips

“The More the Merrier” movie posters

“Lady of Burlesque” clips

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Netflix has both these movies on DVD.

Mrs. Homer and I were not nearly as impressed with “The More the Merrier” as Bosley Crowther. Jean Arthur and Joel McRea turn in solid comedic performances but the story contains too many implausible elements to overlook. The movie was nominated for all the major Oscars and Charles Coburn won for best actor but in our judgment “The More the Merrier” is a 1943 flash in the pan.

“The More the Merrier” opening

The interesting thing about “Lady of Burlesque” is that it was “condemned” by the Roman Catholic National Legion of Decency because it “contains double-meaning lines, salacious dances and situations, and indecent costumes, presented against the background of a sensuous form of entertainment.” (See page 2 for the whole story.) It was a neat trick for Columbia to produce such a scandalous film while satisfying the conditions set forth by the Hays Office. The movie is based on the novel “The G-String Murders,” by Gypsy Rose Lee. It is supposed to be about strippers but I didn’t see anyone remove so much as an overcoat, even though much of the movie takes place in the ladies’ dressing room - HJS.

[colorado tanker]

This movie puts the "B" in B Movies!

In hindsight it is pretty funny that the producer tried to make a movie about strippers during the Hays Code era and actually pulled it off (so to speak).