Three Blind Mice (1938) User Reviews

See How They Wed

[boblipton · 6/10 · 27 May 2009]

This comedy about three sisters who inherit a bit of money and use it to mount a gold-digging expedition is given a fairly glossy Fox handling. Yet, despite a cast that in a few years would be considered stellar for screwball comedy, it never quite gets off the ground. In fact, this looks like it is miscast, something that should have starred Janet Gaynor. Fox had dumped Miss Gaynor a couple of years earlier and used Loretta Young in the lead role. She lacks that adorability that makes you forgive her her trespasses.

Only Binnie Barnes, as David Niven's emphatic sister, really shines. Although director William Seiter was a dab hand at social comedy, he never really got a feel for out-and-out screwball, and this effort shows the gap.

If anything, this movie looks like Preston Sturges was so annoyed by it that he wrote the script for THE PALM BEACH STORY and cast this movie's lead, Joel McCrea in the lead.

A bit like "How To Marry A Millionaire".

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 9 May 2010]

The plot of "Three Blind Mice" is a lot like that of "How To Marry A Millionaire", as both films have to do with women setting out with two partners to capture rich husbands. However, instead of three seeking out three rich men, in "Three Blind Mice" the three ladies are sisters and put all their hopes and energy on one sister--played by Loretta Young. One of the other sisters poses as her secretary and the third just hides.

The film begins with the sisters all deciding to take their small inheritance and pooling it. Then, they'll leave their farm in Kansas and head to where the millionaires are--California. There, Young meets two seemingly eligible rich men--played by David Niven and Joel McCrea. Unfortunately, however, the one she is smitten with (McCrea) turns out to be from a good family...but completely broke. And, coincidentally, he was interested in her because he thought SHE was rich. As for Loretta, wen she learns the truth, she's still quite willing to marry Joel...but he will have none of that. Later, when he reappears on the scene, it sure appears as if he's changed his mind. By the time it's all over, everything works out miraculously well--like in "How To Marry A Millionaire".

While this is a very pleasant little film, it is hard to truly love this movie--mostly because the three sisters are such mercenary ladies. Still, it's well-acted and pleasant fluff and good for a rainy day.

Let's see, where have I seen this plot before?

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 14 April 2013]

OK, so this was made before "Moon Over Miami" (1941) and "Three Little Girls in Blue" (1946) and long before the final screen version (thus far), the much altered "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953). There was even an early 1940's Broadway musical version of the familiar story of three small town sisters who take an inheritance, go someplace exclusively rich, and search for wealthy husbands while pretending to be heiresses themselves. At least one of them does, the other two her secretary and maid. Loretta Young grabs the lucky straw here (and she should, being the biggest star of the three actresses playing the sisters, the others being Marjorie Weaver and Pauline Lord. Joel McCrea and David Niven are Young's two suitors and Stuart Erwin the comic bellboy, so there's enough men to go around for each of the sisters.

While the musical versions (particularly "Moon Over Miami" with Betty Grable in the lead) are more famous, this original version is charming, yet since most people probably saw the other versions before this (as I did), it seems vacant without the songs. There's still enough to like whether it be the cameo by Franklin Pangborn as a sniffy hotel clerk (what other kind of hotel clerk would he be?), Jane Darwell as Niven's housekeeper and especially Binnie Barnes as his wacky sister. It is certainly ironic that the sister's lawyer is played by Spencer Charters, his real-life last name the same as his character's clients.

Delightful Cast

[Michael_Elliott · 27 February 2010]

Three Blind Mice (1938)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Slight and predictable romantic comedy about three sisters (Loretta Young, Marjorie Weaver, Pauline Moore) who inherit a small amount of money and head off to the big city to try and land rich husbands. Young believes in marrying for money and she gets her pick between a couple men (Joel McCrea, David Niven), although there might be some confusion about which one actually has all the money. Storywise there's really nothing too original here but the attractive cast makes it worth seeing even if you know every twist that the story is going to take. I think the film's biggest fault is that Niven's character is the one you like the most and Young's the one you like the least. This causes some problems because you really start to dislike Young as the screenplay allows her to do some rather ugly things and we really don't like to see them happening to Niven since he's the one we actually do care for. This was an issue I had throughout the film but towards the end the screenplay gets some sympathy thrown to Young that makes everything come together in the (predictable) end. The main reason to watch this film are for the performances, which are all pretty good. As usual, Young manages to be very charming as she has no problem pulling off her role and she has some great chemistry with her two leads. Both McCrea and Niven are extremely good as both men deliver a lot of great lines and the comic banter between them is very funny. Their comic timing is good enough to where they probably would have made for a good comic team. Moore also really caught my attention just for the amount of charm and cuteness that she brought to her role. The rest of the supporting players fill out their roles just fine. In the end, this here certainly isn't anything ground breaking and it's not going to end up on anyones greatest all-time list but if you're a fan of the three stars then it's pretty much a must see.

Remade a million times, still fun

[blanche-2 · 6/10 · 28 November 2021]

Darryl F. Zanuck used to take half of one film and half of another and make a new movie. Hard to say how many times three women looking for millionaire husbands was remade. Moon Over Miami, Three Little Girls in Blue, Three Coins in a Fountain etc. Etc. Etc.

This film from 1938 stars Loretta Young, Joel McCrea, David Niven, Stuart Erwin, Marjorie Weaver, Pauline Moore, Binnie Barnes, and Jane Darwell.

Pamela, Moira, and Elizabeth Charters inherit a total of $5800 from an aunt, the equivalent of $113,000 today. In preparation for this inheritance, Pamela (Young) practices being the grand dame, while Marjorie practices being a maid, and Elizabeth a secretary/companion.

Money in hand, they leave the chicken farm and head for California, where Pamela wearing a splendid wardrobe sets up housekeeping in an expensive hotel. It's probably based on the Bevery Hills Hotel, since they're staying in a bungalow.

Pamela meets two well-heeled gentlemen immediately, and they both are crazy about her - Van Dam Smith (McCrea) and Steve Harrington (Niven) escort her everywhere, each scheming to be alone with her. Moira meantime is flirting with one of the employees (Erwin).

Out of money, it's time for Pamela to press the point with Van Dam. Things don't work out as planned.

The performances are all very good, with Binnie Barnes a standout as Niven's eccentric and earthy sister. Young, eye-poppingly beautiful, wears a stunning assortment of gowns.

Charming and fun film. Even if you have seen it a dozen times. The cast is wonderful.

A reciprocal doublecross screwball romantic comedy, with ironic ending

[weezeralfalfa · 7/10 · 5 August 2018]

Some others may not classify this as a screwball romantic comedy. But, I do. Those of you familiar with 1953's "How to Marry a Millionaire" will note some striking similarities in plot. However, here, we have a team of 3 sisters working together to snare at least one wealthy husband. In the later film, we have 3 friends sharing an upscale apartment, each pursuing their own idea of a dream mate. This is actually the 3rd such film in which Loretta Young was one of the 3 sisters, the others being "Three Girls Lost",'31, and "Ladies in Love", '36. Besides the '53 version, there subsequently was "Moon Over Miami",'41, and "Three Little Girls in Blue", '46, with essentially the same plot.......Our 3 old maids don't seem to have any appropriate local prospects, so Pam(Loretta) suggests they make a trip to California(Santa Barbara) and check into an upscale hotel, using the $5870. they inherited from an aunt, to pay the train tickets and hotel room. They decide to have Pam masquerade as a wealthy socialite, with Moira(Marjorie Weaver) playing her maid, and Liz((Paulene Moore) playing her secretary. Steward Mike (Stuart Erwin) tells them about 2 single wealthy gentlemen staying in the hotel. They find Joel McCrea(Van Dam) and David Niven(Steve). together, and make their acquaintance. Seems like these 2 men were almost always found together, like perhaps they were a gay couple. Actually, we later find out that Van is a hanger on, being broke and deep in debt, by his own admission. In contrast, Steve is truly a wealthy man, with a large ranch not too far away. Pam has her choice of either of these, both looking for a wealthy wife. She takes up a friendship with Van. But when Van proposes, Pam confesses she's a phony as a wealthy society lady. Van confesses he is broke and deep in debt, so both were fooled by the other into thinking that the other was well off. So, they go their separate ways. .....SPOILER ALERT: THE REMAINDER OFTHIS REVIEW ......Now, the women concentrate on snaring bona fide wealthy Steve, who takes to Pam. Steve's sister(Binnie Barnes, as Miriam) meets Van at a restaurant bar, and takes to him. They even discuss the possibility of marriage. Van is luke warm to the idea, but still has the hots for PAM, while PAM and Steve plan marriage. Meanwhile, Moira and Mike(the steward) get cozy, and talk of marriage. Also, Liz and Steve have spent some time at his ranch, getting acquainted. ......Van walks into Pam's bedroom and says she loves him, not Steve. Pam hesitantly agrees. Then, Steve shows up and catches them kissing. They discuss their situation. Steve agrees to call the marriage off. Van once again asks Pam to marry him, and she agrees. Steve and Liz soon talk of marriage, while Mike and Moira sneak off and get married. Mike then surprises everyone with the news that he owns a large cattle ranch in Montana, and only came to California for a time, to sample the living there. So, the irony is that Pam, who originated the idea of vising California to find wealthy husbands, is the only one of the 3 who marries her poor true love. Moira thought she had married a poor man, but presumably was delighted when she found out that he was only masquerading...... Frank Pangborn, famous for playing nervous hotel clerks and other such functionaries, appeared briefly as the hotel front desk person. ... White haired Spencer Charters played the lawyer who settled the estate of the girl's aunt, and brought them a check for their inheritance. He was mobbed by the girls in anticipation.........The film is only 75 min. long, hence was used as a second feature. .....I generally enjoyed the film, despite the many disbelievable features of the screenplay, which you may consider overwhelming, if you take it too seriously.

Result below the sum of the parts

[ricardojorgeramalho · 6/10 · 6 April 2023]

A romantic comedy from the thirties, which has everything to be an example of the genre, that marked the era and still delights movie lovers today.

A worthy cast, led by Joel McCrea, a regular presence in the screwball comedies of the thirties, Loretta Young, an actress well suited to her character, and David Niven, then the eternal secondary British gentleman, who would only later rise, with full rights, to the leading role, especially in British cinema.

There's also a plot with potential, with three provincial goldiggers looking for husbands, falling in love with the wrong men.

However, the result clearly falls short of the sum of the parts. It lacks pace, direction, events rush without being properly matured, the story seems to be told in a hurry, without giving the viewer time to gain empathy for some of the characters.

It is however a pleasant entertainment, for those who appreciate the genre, from a good harvest, but it lacks the genius, the brilliance and the humor of the best screwball comedies, where the skeleton of the farce, well written and constructed, sustains the whole.

Beware of gold diggers

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 25 April 2015]

Darryl Zanuck certainly liked The Greeks Had A Word For Them. 20th Century Fox did four versions of this story of which Three Blind Mice was the second.

From roaring twenties flappers the three husband seeking girls are the proprietors of a chicken ranch on the Kansas plains and after getting a $5000.00+ inheritance they're off to Southern California to seek a rich husband. Loretta Young is given the lead so to speak as a rich débutante with Marjorie Weaver and Pauline Moore as secretary and maid. No particular reason for them to invest in Loretta as all three women are lookers. But Loretta's most sold on the idea.

After a fashion they get themselves involved with Joel McCrea has an impressive WASP name, but little cash. He's an excellent extra man for a dinner party though. He's got a friend in David Niven who is really rich and sights are set on him. But hanging around is Stu Erwin who is a bartender who has a dislike for whom he considers gold diggers.

Three Blind Mice is a pleasant and witty comedy very typical of the era when people still dressed for dinner. Of course in this situation that fourth remake that 20th Century Fox did was the best. It was nothing less than How To Marry A Millionaire.

Still this one holds its own quite nicely.

Pleasantly surprised

[abcj-2 · 8/10 · 1 June 2009]

All true romantic comedies have happy endings; otherwise they are not romantic comedies. If I'm not entertained or do not sense good chemistry and witty dialog in the first fifteen minutes, then I turn them off. Three Blind Mice was a last minute decision to DVR, but it was billed as a comedy and starred three of my favorite actors: Loretta Young, Joel McCrea, and David Niven. Surprisingly, I was hooked well before the fifteen minute mark.

I loved the elegant costuming, the plot, the signature dry humor of Joel McCrea, the suaveness and wittiness of David Niven, the twists along the way, the setting, the chivalry, the necessary scheming for this plot, and, especially, the supporting cast. A more classically comic actress might have suited Loretta Young's part, but her elegance made her character credible.

Next time you get a chance to see Three Blind Mice, give it a try. It was a pleasant way to spend 90 minutes. If you do not like these actors or the standard romantic comedy, then consider if this genre is really worth your time. Otherwise, I highly recommend it.

Three happy couples

[AAdaSC · 7/10 · 27 May 2023]

Three sisters agree to travel from their Kentucky chicken farm to California where one of them will marry a rich man and thereby begin a process for the other 2 to also meet with rich suitors. Loretta Young (Pam) is selected as the sister to be first in the limelight with Marjorie Weaver (Moira) to act as her maid and Pauline Moore (Elizabeth) as her secretary for the initial scam. There are 2 contenders that present themselves - Joel McRea (Smith) and David Niven (Harrington) - along with a friendly member of staff at the resort that they book into - Stuart Erwin (Mike). So, we have 3 women and 3 men. Can you guess who pairs up with who? There is also another twist that you will probably guess. Watch out for Binnie Barnes (Miriam) when she enters the film late on as she is very funny.

It's a film about gold-diggers, one of many I have come across, and it holds up well on the easy-going entertainment factor. I read a book by David Niven who stated that he lived with Loretta Young and her 2 sisters when he arrived in Hollywood and she was instrumental in getting him roles. I guess this must be an example of what he was referring to.

Binnie Barnes gets some great lines - an example - when she spots McRea at a bar and wants to chat him up: Barnes: Are you John Edwards (not the name used but I can't remember what it was) McRea: No Barnes: I didn't think so. You don't look like him.

Ha ha - great ice-breaker.

Watch out for Elisha Cook Jr in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it part.

When a man's in love he doesn't wear himself out worrying about decency

[jamesjustice-92 · 10/10 · 24 March 2022]

"Three blind mice" stars one of my favorite actors, Joel McCrea alongside charming englishman David Niven and beautiful Loretta Young. The plot bears a somewhat resemblance to "Hands across the Table" but only in the middle of the movie. The main core of it stays untouched throughout the movie: that you can fall in love with a rich man just as easily as with a poor one. And that's true. You are not in control of your feelings and emotions when it comes to love. When you find that someone you want to spend every minute of your life with, nothing matters anymore.

Joel is one talented actor who can pull out any role he's given and he demonstrates it brilliantly in this one. I've seen David mostly in supporting roles and he surely acts out the most of them, as he does here too. But a pleasant surprise for me was Loretta who was so charmingly gorgeous everytime I saw her face on screen.

Sometimes we're lost. Sometimes we don't know where to go and what to do. Sometimes we're like blind mice that don't see a thing when it's right in front of our noses. This is a good romantic comedy and I would love to watch it again, given that it's only 75 minutes long. Time flies when we're young... or in love.

Three Blind Mice

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 3 January 2024]

The three "Charters" sisters are avidly awaiting the news of their inheritance from their recently deceased aunt. $5,800-odd dollars. Not enough to change anyone's life - but they hope that by putting elder sister "Pamela" (Loretta Young) forward and with sisters "Moira" (Marjorie Weaver) and "Liz" (Pauline Moore) acting as her entourage they can head to California and marry well! Their antics result in some hit and miss escapades as they alight on some gents just as bent on "gold-digging" as they are. All, that is, except for David Niven's "Harrington" who has a sort of dating double-act going with "Van Dam Smith" (Joel McCrea) and the poverty stricken "Mike" (Stuart Erwin) who'd give his last (and only) $100 to help out his gal. Can any of the girls get any of the rich guys? It's a bit too contrived and the scenarios repeat themselves a little, but we can see the beginnings of the Young/Niven rapport that went on to work well and there are a few gags that raise a smile over a quickly paced and enjoyable enough seventy-five minutes.

No Agatha Christie story

[annette_kinsale · 8/10 · 5 May 2020]

Any Brit, like me, expecting a fleshed out story based on the Agatha Christie classic of the same name will be bitterly disappointed. In fact this film predates the 30-min play, written for Queen Mary's 80th birthday in 1947. This movie is a trite tale of 3 gold-digging sisters, its only saving grace is David Niven, who plays one of their prey victims. A mildly amusing way to spend an hour during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown of 2020.