Delightful comedy classic from Columbia Pictures and director George Stevens. During World War II there was a housing shortage in many big cities, particularly Washington D.C. This is the backdrop for the film's zany plot that has retired businessman Charles Coburn renting half of Jean Arthur's apartment, then turning around and renting half of his half to soldier Joel McCrea, and trying to play matchmaker for McCrea and Arthur.
Jean Arthur has rarely been more cute and more likable than she is here. Joel McCrea shows the same kind of charm and comic timing that he displayed in his Preston Sturges comedies. Charles Coburn is, of course, terrific ("Damn the torpedoes! Full steam ahead!"). He deservedly won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance (the only win out of six Oscar nominations the film received). It's a great movie with a witty script and a trio of stars that have wonderful chemistry together. Not the most well-known comedy from the period perhaps but I think it's one of the best.
Jean Arthur has rarely been more cute and more likable than she is here. Joel McCrea shows the same kind of charm and comic timing that he displayed in his Preston Sturges comedies. Charles Coburn is, of course, terrific ("Damn the torpedoes! Full steam ahead!"). He deservedly won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance (the only win out of six Oscar nominations the film received). It's a great movie with a witty script and a trio of stars that have wonderful chemistry together. Not the most well-known comedy from the period perhaps but I think it's one of the best.