Monday, April 2, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

A Movie Review by Magdalen Aithne Arkwright

Alfred Hitchcock's 1941 film 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' is about a married couple whose marriage end up being invalid.  Mr. Smith is amused at the idea of having a "mistress" and, thinking his wife doesn't know yet, doesn't get remarried right away.  Mrs. Smith's anticipation grows as the night wears on, waiting for him to bring it up, but he doesn't, and he starts getting ready for bed.  Furious, she throws him out, renounces him, and starts going out with other men, making him insanely jealous.  Mr. Smith wants her back, but she doesn't seem sure that he really does.

Called a comedy, it is a very unusual movie for Hitchcock.  It is undoubtedly amusing as they fight over each other, try to make the other jealous, and trick each other, and it was Hitchcock's only screwball comedy.

Carole Lombard (Mrs. Smith) is said to have talked Hitchcock into directing it, and it is not terribly well done.  The man and woman do crazy things, but most of the time, you're disgusted with Mrs. Smith's attitude.  She is a self-centered, nagging - but modest - wife.  Mr. Smith is funny but overall, the movie is not a comedy.  It is more like a confused love story.  My vote: stick to thrillers, Hitchcock.

Rating: D
Points: 5
Satisfaction: 0%

~Meggy

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