Pinky und Curly

This was a wonderful radio play Norman Corwin wrote for CBS Radio in the 1940s. It starred Fred Allen, and because it was during the infamous Petrillo Musician's Union Strike, the background music was vocalized by a chorus. I was charmed by it then, but felt then (and now) that the imaginative quality of the radio play would be diminished in a film. I also felt Allen would be far better than Cary Grant in the lead role. But Allen would have sold far fewer tickets.

one of many comedies from ''40's . not good, not bad but interesting for the chain of clichés and for the unrealistic story. in fact, only a film with Cary Grant in an ironic role and same atmosphere of period as a kind of jazz club room. nothing new, nothing special. only a nice film for waste the time. its virtue - maybe remembering the art to explore and use a idea for a complicated story who , far to be real bad, it seems be only chaotic. a kind of parable about life, virtues and the love who remains the real prize. Janet Blair does a decent job and James Gleason is the pillar of this not inspired story who saves small parts of it. a film about a meeting and a childish lead hero. that is all. only an old fashion movie with Cary Grant, alternative for contemporary blockbusters.

A truly happy film produced in the middle of World War Two. The fantasy of the caterpillar which turns into a butterfly is well-worn, yet always popular. To a large degree, the war is ignored, yet due to the pervasive nature of long-term world conflict, some allusions to the conflict are noted. Especially pointed is the crew of the B-17 bomber who name their plane "Curly" after the caterpillar. They highlight the event with: "I've been in London, Chun King, and Malta and saw kids dodge bombs to try to save some mangey dog." Why not save a dancing caterpillar? The remarkable thing about this film is how many times one sees the caterpillar. Curly the caterpillar is a welcomed respite from the drudgery of prolonged war. Even with one hundred and fifteen credited actors, in this movie fantasy is the real star.

This movie is a perfect example of the innocence of children and the rude awakening to reality we all experience. Rather fanciful plot is a wonderful metaphor for life and love. Very heartwarming with a brilliant ending.

It's been years since some TV showing, I was possibly a teen. I was utterly charmed and absorbed by the story and Cary Grant's persona helped make the story; wishing along with him for it to be a 'fairy tale' that would come true.

They could not produce a worthy remake now. This is truly a movie from a "lost America."