Ralph Bellamy was perhaps the best known “other man” in romantic comedies during Hollywood’s golden age (Fools For Scandal, The Awful Truth, Carefree, His Girl Friday) – he rarely played a more sympathetic one than here, as a wheelchair bound, rich invalid who is also a really nice guy. He falls for Carole Lombard, but the top billed guy is Fred MacMurray. She’s a manicurist, he’s from a rich family that lost it’s money in the Depression and they’re both out to nab wealthy partners. He’s got a fiancée but finds himself falling for Lombard.
This is a really sweet, charming romantic comedy, wonderfully handled by director Mitchell Leisen and the stars. Lombard is enchanting as the not-really-mercenary-mercenary manicurist (vulnerable, sexy, funny), and she plays well with MacMurray, even if the story would have been better with a more charismatic male lead. For this is quite an adult rom com – the two of them share a room, there’s lots of lying next to each other in the dark, tucking each other into bed, and clearly trying not to give into the temptation to tear each other’s clothes off. There’s also a high degree of emotional intensity in the scenes which makes it feel like a drama.
One of the credited screenwriters was Norman Krasna, although he didn’t come up with the story. This might explain why the script has such a lovely, light touch but isn’t particularly plot heavy (there’s no great deception involved – no, actually that’s not quite true, there’s a bit where MacMurray pretends over the phone to be in Bermuda). It’s not particularly Cinderella either – both Lombard and MacMurray throw away their chance at wealth. To be honest, I got the feeling she’d be happier with Bellamy, who I really felt for.
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