Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)
If you’ve never bought a house, built a house, or moved from the city to the country, you won’t be able to appreciate the true humor of Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. It’ll still make you laugh, and you’ll appreciate the expert timing of three comic actors, Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, and Melvyn Douglas, but you won’t feel as drawn into the screenplay. I have bought a house, moved from the city to the country, and been smart enough to not follow through on dreams to build a house. I couldn’t stop laughing during this classic comedy.
Cary plays a typical American who has everything and still wants more. He has a devoted wife, two sweet kids (Connie Marshall and Sharyn Moffett), a nice apartment, a competent housekeeper (Louise Beavers in yet another insulting “Hattie McDaniel knockoff” role), and a steady job in an advertising company. When Myrna wants to make a few home improvements, he hits the ceiling about the cost. For just a few thousand more, he discovers they can move into the country and buy an entirely new house without any of the headache of remodeling. So, without consulting his lawyer and family friend (which Mel continually reminds him was a mistake), he signs the lease without reading the fine print. From the get-go, it’s even more of a headache than the remodeling would have been; yet, Myrna is a perfect wife and never criticizes him. She just packs up the kids and moves out to the country with a smile on her face.
It turns out, the house Cary purchased is about ready to disintegrate, so they have to tear it down (or blow on it, as Cary suggests) and build a new house. That’s where the title phrase comes in. From well drilling to blueprints to loans to lumber, the whole process is very funny and yet painful to those who have been through it. You won’t see any incredible dramatic acting from this movie, but I’d recommend it if you’re in the mood for something light. Also, if you’re even thinking of building your own home, you need to watch this movie to help talk you out of your crazy idea. My favorite line: The contractors ask Cary a question about the walls, and he doesn’t understand the technical terms they’re using. After thinking it over and not wanting to look like a fool by asking questions, he says, “No.” To Myrna, he justifies his answer: “It sounded less expensive to say ‘no’.”
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Myrna Loy movies here!
Cary plays a typical American who has everything and still wants more. He has a devoted wife, two sweet kids (Connie Marshall and Sharyn Moffett), a nice apartment, a competent housekeeper (Louise Beavers in yet another insulting “Hattie McDaniel knockoff” role), and a steady job in an advertising company. When Myrna wants to make a few home improvements, he hits the ceiling about the cost. For just a few thousand more, he discovers they can move into the country and buy an entirely new house without any of the headache of remodeling. So, without consulting his lawyer and family friend (which Mel continually reminds him was a mistake), he signs the lease without reading the fine print. From the get-go, it’s even more of a headache than the remodeling would have been; yet, Myrna is a perfect wife and never criticizes him. She just packs up the kids and moves out to the country with a smile on her face.
It turns out, the house Cary purchased is about ready to disintegrate, so they have to tear it down (or blow on it, as Cary suggests) and build a new house. That’s where the title phrase comes in. From well drilling to blueprints to loans to lumber, the whole process is very funny and yet painful to those who have been through it. You won’t see any incredible dramatic acting from this movie, but I’d recommend it if you’re in the mood for something light. Also, if you’re even thinking of building your own home, you need to watch this movie to help talk you out of your crazy idea. My favorite line: The contractors ask Cary a question about the walls, and he doesn’t understand the technical terms they’re using. After thinking it over and not wanting to look like a fool by asking questions, he says, “No.” To Myrna, he justifies his answer: “It sounded less expensive to say ‘no’.”
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Myrna Loy movies here!