Mrs. Delafield will heiraten

Mrs. Delafield Wants to Marry offers some enjoyable humor. But it's marred by an unbelievable attempt to contrast wealthy WASP characters with Jewish characters. It seems like the director and scriptwriter were not familiar with either side, and were confused as to how best to hammer home their heavy-handed themes of Love Conquers All Even When You're Old and Religious Prejudice is Bad. The Jewish side says L'Chaim several times, makes Manischevitz jokes--there's no depth of characterization here. Mrs. Delafield is rich and upper-class because several characters tell us so--again, there is no depth of characterization here.

But the film can't quite get it right. Harold Gould's character is supposed to be a successful Jewish doctor and head physician at a major hospital. Yet he and his adult children are given lower to middle middle-class accents, housing, cars, politics, etc. As for Mrs. Delafield, the movie's production values are so low that Mrs. Delafield's home and furnishings are middle-class at best. The film would have been much better if Harold Gould's character was a successful doctor with the home, lifestyle and children to match.

There are two exceptionally bad moments in the film: At one point, David Ogden Stiers as Hepburn's adult son finally says the word "Jew" out loud as in "Not if you're going to marry a Jew." So Hepburn slaps him across the face. Well, that's the way to teach religious tolerance. It makes me wonder how often she slapped her children when they were young.

In the same scene, there's an insanely stupid bit near the end when David Ogden Stiers as the stuffy son asks something like "Well, what about the religious differences?" Hepburn says something like "I asked Marvin if he believed in (points up to heaven), and he said yes. He asked me if I believe. I said yes. We have no religious differences." I think that's one of the dumbest moments in television. Of course, they have religious differences--there are HUGE differences in their religious beliefs. If they think they can overcome them or choose not to make a big deal of them, that's great. But let's not minimize the difficulty of blending two different faith beliefs.

There's nothing worse than a preachy, self-righteous TV movie.

This made-for-CBS film is a tailor-made TV vehicle for the great Kate. Her chemistry with Harold Gould is warm in a prickly way -- perfect for both leads. Denholm Elliott lends marvelous supporting work -- as per usual -- moving things along nicely. The normally feckless Charles Frank is surprisingly compelling as the lone child more interested in Kate's happiness than improving his own financial situation. The rest of the professional cast, led by Kathryn Walker and David Ogden Stiers, snipe and snicker capably enough but add nothing particularly new to the proceedings.

But, the opportunity to see Katherine Hepburn in one of her final leading performances as a spunky octogenarian who still considers herself worthy of love is the main reason to watch this audience-pleaser.

I'll clear up two things before I review,Katharine Hepburn made 8 movies for TV and this was her fourth. I said,"Man Upstairs" was the best of her latter day TV films (I meant her final four). I also said,"Iron Petticoat" was the last movie I needed to complete seeing all of her movies (I meant one's from the big studios).

"Mrs. Delafield Wants To Marry" is out of her first four TV movies the best and certainly most memorable and like "Iron Petticoat" I won it off of Ebay. This is not some fluff piece about two older people who meet,fall in love and get married. No,this is a story about second chances in late life,prejudice,ignorance,hypocrisy and even faith.

Briefly,Mrs. Delafield has a near miss after being rushed to the hospital. Her family and friends prepare for the worst but thanks to her doctor,she recovers. (Some of her offspring are not exactly happy about that,for very selfish reasons.)

Harold Gould is the doctor and he brings her home and joins the gathering to welcome her home. This is the simple beginning of their unexpected romance. The neighbors and family are shocked at his constantly coming to see her.

Not just because of the age thing but they dislike the fact that he's Jewish! David Ogeden Stires & Charles Frank (both of MASH)are Delafield's sons who show their prejudices without shame. Her daughter is an alcoholic who has the nerve to judge her own mother. The good doctors children are no better,thinking he's turned his back on his "people". Past the middle of this movie,you'll be rooting for these two to make it to the alter!

There's not just humor here but good simple drama and honesty. For a TV outing,it's message is a very strong one and you have to watch until the end to see if there's a happily ever after or not. Ten stars ladies & gentleman! I can't say more than that,although I certainly could. (END)

If Katharine Hepburn had never gone on to the stage and screen I think she would have been a whole lot like the Connecticut dowager Mrs. Delafield that she portrays here. And being the independent and outspoken woman she was I can see her shocking her Connecticut town with her choice of a second husband. In her still restricted Connecticut WASP enclave, a Jewish doctor.

A doctor played by Harold Gould who saved her life after a stroke and they find each other pleasant company. Now if they can convince their respective kids and there are seven of them between the two marriages all will be well.

Remarkably similar are the attitudes of both sets of children. It comes down to religious differences and what will the neighbors think. Gould's children are as prejudiced in their own way as Hepburn's who show that remnant of genteel anti-Semitism where gentleman's agreements still rule in some situations.

As this was a vehicle created for Katharine Hepburn how can she be less than perfect in it? She gets great support from Gould and the rest of the cast of whom Denholm Elliott must be singled out. He's a male Gladys Kravitz and has some great moments.

And if I were to get married I'd love to have an ecumenical wedding like Hepburn and Gould do.

A must for fans of the eternal Kate.

I Believe That Many Dreams Are Possible When Intended Upon Concerning A Marriage Of This Sort.