Merrily We Live (1938)

Director:

Norman Z. McLeod

Writers:

Eddie Moran (screenplay) and
Jack Jevne (screenplay)

Release Date:

4 March 1938 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Dizzy society matron Emily Kilbourne has a habit of hiring ex-cons and hobos as servants. Her latest...

Plot Keywords:

Servant | Tramp | Chauffeur | Hobo | Love

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Oscars.

Cast

Constance Bennett	...	Jerry Kilbourne
Brian Aherne	...	E. Wade Rawlins
Alan Mowbray	...	Grosvenor - the Butler
Billie Burke	...	Mrs. Emily Kilbourne
Patsy Kelly	...	Etta
Ann Dvorak	...	Minerva Harlan
Tom Brown	...	Kane Kilbourne
Clarence Kolb	...	Henry Kilbourne
Bonita Granville	...	Marian Kilbourne
Marjorie Rambeau	...	Mrs. Harlan
Phillip Reed	...	Herbert Wheeler
Willie Best	...	George W. Jones
Sidney Bracey	...	Second Butler
Paul Everton	...	Senator Willie Harlan
Marjorie Kane	...	Rosa

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #4033) | USA:Passed (National Board of Review) | USA:TV-G (TV rating) | Finland:S

Filming Locations:

Arrowhead Hot Spring, California, USA

Company:

Hal Roach Studios

Trivia:

Although not credited onscreen or noted by reviewers or the SAB, this film is so similar to What a Man (1930) (same plot and even many of the same character names) that the source of the screenplay must surely be the same for both films. Both the 1924 novel "The Dark Chapter; a Comedy of Class Distinctions" by E.J. Rath and the play "They All Want Something" has been added to the writers section. The play opened on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA on 12 October 1926 and closed in December 1926 after 62 performances.

Quotes:

Mrs. Emily Kilbourne: Do you drive a car?
Wade Rawlins: Well, I did.
Mrs. Emily Kilbourne: Oh, but that's wonderful! Ambrose was such a poor driver, they tell me.
Marian Kilbourne: Mother, if you're thinking of asking this... this...!
Mrs. Emily Kilbourne: My mother always told me that children should be seen and not heard.
Marian Kilbourne: Yes, but your mother was smarter than my mother.

Movie Connections:

Version of What a Man (1930)

Soundtrack:

Merrily We Live

Help, please release to DVD

Extraordinarily funny and is one of the BEST romantic screwball comedies from the 1930's. This film is comparable and stands the test of time such as"It Happened One Night". Quirky characters and a delightful cast including Billie Burke and Constance Bennett. They don't make 'em like they used to is an appropriate phrase concerning this film. Listen closely as the quick-witted writing shines through. The name of the two dogs,"Get off the rug" and "You too", are as creativity at its best. The individuality of each character's quirkiness as they interact with one another with acceptance is fantastic. I first viewed this movie 20 plus years ago and have not forgotten its quality and humanity factor. Waiting for a DVD release date and hoping for the powers that be to produce this fabulous film in DVD format just cannot be too much to ask.