Dear Ruth

One of the most delightfully hilarious movies ever made.

That's not an overstatement. If you've never seen William Holden in a comedy, this film shows how brilliant he was. This is a real gem,and it's simply baffling, to say the least, why it's languished on the shelf somewhere, without having ever been released on VHS or DVD. It's actually quite a relevant film for these times, about a veteran returning from war and a wartime pen-pal correspondence that results in a big mixup. Oddly, you can get the sequel, but not this one. Whoever manages these things, please: make it available for us. Even the classic movie channels haven't shown this.

This is my absolute favorite movie. They used to play it on the old movie chancels pretty often, but I have not seen it in a while. I will watch this movie every time it comes on TV. Even though there are plenty of sight gags, the best part of the movie is the interaction between the characters. This movie has some of the best dialog. I laugh out loud every time I watch it. I especially love the scene at the train station where Bill talks the group into "playing railroad". Even though it was made in the forties, it still stands up today. If you like romantic comedies, this is the movie for you. Great characters; Great acting; Great writing. I highly recommend it. (It truly should be on DVD. Who decides these things?)

Wonderful performances by all. Marvelously executed comedy. For those who don't already know, J.D. Salinger, the author, spotted the movie marquee heralding the stars of this movie, William Holden and Joan Caulfield. Thus, the inspiration for his character's name in "Catcher in the Rye", Holden Caulfield.

Looking to the supporting cast, Billy de Wolfe gets to play the same character (or is it really him?),he always plays, prissy and particular. De Wolfe never fails comedically and is a major factor in taking this film over the top. The 2 sequels, Dear Wife and Dear Brat, were showcases for him. Even in the 1960's TV sitcom "Good Morning World", with Joby Baker and Ronnie Schell, de Wolfe's signature character still brought laughs.

Now, to Mona Freeman. Although she never achieved major stardom, or any stardom in adulthood, she carved a nice niche for herself playing the precocious teenager in many films. Freeman made enough of a mark in her day to be immortalized (caricatured) in cartoons, just like the more recognize-able Bogey and Bing. Think about it, yup, that was her.

In Dear Ruth, Freeman was ever the volunteer or manipulator. She ends up as a very positive female role model. Even more so because of the "place" of women in the 1940's. She was a very talented young lady. Freeman's interaction with her dad, Edward Arnold, is universal and timeless. A fine performance by Arnold "squeezes" all the humor out of what should be typical and predictable dad/daughter(s) comedy. Arnold was the perfect choice for the dad.

This was a very funny ensemble performance. It's great family entertainment. Dear Ruth was deserving of 2 sequels....

what a wonderful movie and how handsome does that William Holden look?? a love story i can see repeated in some modern movies too such as "you've got mail".....i wonder how many times letters were written during the war under false pretenses....its story plot is simple: Ruth's younger sibling writes letters to a serviceman in her name and he learns to care for her...Ruth losing her heart in spite of herself seems to sum it all up...

would love to have a copy but the movie never seems to be around... i have a grainy VCR recording of it from the eighties..would love to see it on DVD..

Joan Caulfield (not a particularly gifted actress in my opinion) shines in this performance and i laugh at Billy DeWolfe's antics each time i see him.

i guess i long for a simpler time of life, though i imagine those who lived through WWII would say i was crazy..i cannot believe i found this site and that others enjoyed the movie too!!! i have an original program from the play also....

This is a funny, tender film. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of romantic comedies. It is where I first fell in love with William Holden. He is DELIGHTFUL here, to say the least. Dear Ruth has a great cast and it's well written. It's a funny and sweet tale of mistaken identity. A great family film. I've been suggesting it on TCM.com for years, but they won't play it so far. If you have a moment and have seen this film, please suggest it on TCM.com. I can't find it on DVD or VHS. I haven't seen it in 15 or 20 years or so, but I remember it well. It was unforgettable! Again, it is one of William Holden's most romantic, sweetest roles.