The Big Hangover (1950)

A law school graduate is hired by a top law firm but hides from them a secret about a problem he has--he is so allergic to alcohol that one whiff of it and he passes out like a light.

Director:

Norman Krasna

Writer:

Norman Krasna

Stars:

Van Johnson, Elizabeth Taylor, Percy Waram

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Van Johnson	...	David Muldon
Elizabeth Taylor	...	Mary Belney
Percy Waram	...	John Belney
Fay Holden	...	Martha Belney
Leon Ames	...	Carl Bellcap
Edgar Buchanan	...	Uncle Fred Mahoney
Selena Royle	...	Kate Mahoney
Gene Lockhart	...	Charles Parkford
Rosemary DeCamp	...	Claire Bellcap
Philip Ahn	...	Dr. Lee
Gordon Richards	...	Williams, the Chauffeur
Matt Moore	...	Mr. Rumlie
Pierre Watkin	...	Samuel C. Long
Russell Hicks	...	Steve Hughes

Storyline

A law school graduate is hired by a top law firm but doesn't tell them about a problem he has--he's so allergic to alcohol that one whiff of it and he passes out like a light.

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Plot Keywords:

alcohol | secret

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 May 1950 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cicatrices del recuerdo

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

David Muldon: Why couldn't I just have gotten shot in the war, like everybody else?

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Connections

References The Lost Weekend (1945)

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Soundtracks

"Sleepy Time Gal"
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting and Ange Lorenzo
Lyrics by Ray Egan and Joseph R. Alden

User Reviews

Charming performances dispensed by talented cast and crew

Van Johnson portrays a young World War II veteran who, upon joining a prominent law firm, attempts to avoid scandal stemming from his allergy to alcohol. He forms an alliance with the daughter of the firm's leader, played by Elizabeth Taylor, and their romance is light hearted and moderated with realism. Ensemble playing from the talented cast is top-drawer throughout, with excellent timing ever in evidence. A shadowy sub-plot dealing with racial prejudice (victims: Chinese) is not overdone and is necessary for developing the film's principal theme: the inherent value of performing public service. Playwright Norman Krasna, who wrote, produced and directed this understated comedic drama, keeps matters moving briskly, while allowing scenes to develop properly by emphasizing the sharp dialogue, some of which is startling with its insight. There is good acting aplenty, by the mentioned leads as well as by Leon Ames and Edgar Buchanan; but the honors must go to the veteran English stage performer, Percy Waram, whose delivery is perfection.