I would love to say it had been years since I saw this movie
but in reality I never had the chance. Perhaps I missed it on the late late
show years ago (back when there was a late late show) or when it was first
released on DVD. For whatever reason I
missed it. The good news is that the world of DVD
and blu-ray is giving those of us who are movie lovers a chance to go back and
find all the great movies that we missed years ago. Thank goodness companies
like Twilight Time exist.
For the rest of you who missed this film it tells the story
of a millionaire who made his way to the top by bullying any and all around
him. Harry Brock (Broderick Crawford) is a self made man who takes control and
uses his money to influence anything that stands in his way of making more
money. On a trip to use his influence and cash on politicians he takes along
his live in love Billie Dawn (Judy Holliday). Unfortunately Billie has less
ability to move along with the hoi paloi than Harry does and her inability to
mingle shows. So Harry hires a snooping reporter named Paul Verrall (William
Holden) to teach Billie some finesse.
Verall enjoys the task at hand, helping Billie to read more
and learn more about the world around her, one she never took much interest in
before. But the more she reads and learns the less she likes the lifestyle
she's living as well as the brute who is her benefactor. Along the way Billie
and Verall begin to find an attraction to one another that working so close
together brings. This triangle is even more problematic with the fact that
while he treats her like a plaything Harry truly does love Billie.
While this all sounds serious the movie actually plays for
laughs from start to finish. The education of Billie by Verall lends itself to
some tremendous laughs as this empty headed blonde becomes an educated heroine.
To watch as she seeks out knowledge, running to the dictionary to find the
right word she's looking for or seeing the original documents that formed this
country in awe make her someone you can root for. It's these moments that shine
and make this movie all the more memorable.
Judy Holliday may be a forgotten face from Hollywood these
days but as long as her films are brought to life via DVD
another generation has the opportunity to discover her and the comedic
sensibilities that she displayed in countless films. Perhaps the only drawback
in this film is the Betty Boop styled squeaky voice she uses, perfect for the
character but difficult to understand at times. Thank goodness for subtitles.
Yes, I honestly had to use them here on and English speaking film!
The movie comes through fine in this blu-ray edition and
it's so nice that someone like Twilight Time has kept it alive. As with most of
their movies though if you want to own this one get it now. They limit the
quantities of their blu-rays to only 3,000 and once they're gone, they're gone.
If you're a fan of screwball comedy, of political comedy or of classic cinema
then you'll want to make a point of adding this one to your collection today.
Click here to order.
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