A wonderful mix of romance and comedy make I Was A Male War Bride one of my favorites. French officer Henri Rochard (Cary Grant) and Lt. Catherine Gates (Ann Sheridan) fall in love while on a mission in Germany. It's a courtship involving adventure, romance, accidents, mishaps and finally true love. The two decide to get married and everything is bliss, until Catherine gets orders to ship out ASAP back to America. They subsequently learn that the only way Henri can get a visa to emigrate with her is under the War Bride Act, as a spouse of a member of the expeditionary forces, in military regulations that allow war brides to accompany their husbands. So the roles are reversed and Henri in order to get past unbelieving Navy officers, must dress as a woman.
This is a terrific comedy with both stars at their very best. Grant is his typical self, I don't think the man ever gave a bad performance. His Henri is the type of the guy who likes things to go a certain way, and when they don't look out. He will let you know how he feels about it. Sheridan is also very good as Catherine. She has always been one of my favorite actresses and I don't think she was given nearly enough credit for her ability as an actress. She showed a knack for light comedy and I wished she was offered more comedic roles during her career. War Bride is directed by ace veteran Howard Hawks, who also made Bringing Up Baby, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and of course my favorite movie of all time..His Girl Friday.
I Was A Male War Bride is breezy, escapist fun that will appeal to film lovers looking for laughs and romance. It's a great couples movie or even for the whole family to enjoy. And I believe it to be a very underrated film classic.
1 comment:
Monty, Thanks for this post on one of my favorite Howard Hawks films. I love the interplay between Cary And Ann, ,some of the lines I can;t believe got by the Hays office. like Cary telling Ann I'd Like to kick you bull legged". Or when they finally try to kiss Cary tells Ann it would have been better with a French girl. Location shooting in post war Germany is another nice touch.
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