Molly and Me (1945)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Lewis Seiler

Writers:

Frances Marion (novel)
Roger Burford (adaptation)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical

Plot:

A vivacious actress needing work becomes a housekeeper for a crusty retired politician, and gives his life the shaking-up that it needs.

Plot Keywords:

Based On Novel

Cast

Gracie Fields	...	Molly Barry
Monty Woolley	...	John Graham
Roddy McDowall	...	Jimmy Graham
Reginald Gardiner	...	Harry Phillips / Peabody, the Butler
Natalie Schafer	...	Kitty Goode-Burrows
Edith Barrett	...	Julia
Clifford Brooke	...	Pops
Aminta Dyne	...	Musette
Queenie Leonard	...	Lily
Doris Lloyd	...	Mrs. Graham
Patrick O'Moore	...	Ronnie
Lewis L. Russell	...	Sir Arthur Burroughs

Runtime:

77 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Frances Marion wrote parts for Marie Dressler when she discovered Ms. Dressler down on her luck and ready to accept a housekeeping job. The novel, Molly, Bless Her, the basis of this film, was Marion's view of what might have happened if Dressler had accepted a job as housemaid.

Long Live Optimism !!

This really is a film for those who appreciate a) filmed theatre and b) English humour c) optimism in adverse situations. The show is run by Gracie Fields erstwhile actress and singer from the north of England and who typifies the 'ee by gum accent ! A clan of out-of-work actors take over the running of a rich household but their profession remains unbeknown to the owner of the house. The staff already in place on Fields' arrival are summarily dismissed by her when she discovers that they have been "cooking" the books and indulging in illegal practices In addition to this the owner of the house has a son, played by Roddy McDowell, very young, who has a communication problem with his father -in fact, his mother ran away with another man whilst he was very young but he had always been led to believe that she had died.

The film is very optimistic and Fields is truly unflappable in when trying to deal with the various problematic situations that crop up. In the end the whole of the troop put in a splendid actors' performance in a bid to send packing Mr Graham's wife who suddenly turns up and demands money ! This fine episode brings a conclusion to a film well worth watching if you are lucky enough to see it scheduled !