Las tentaciones del diablo

The movie tries hard to bring back the madcap comedy of the 1930's. But that may be one reason it doesn't fully succeed—it tries too hard, coming across at times as more frantic than zany. That's not to say the comedy doesn't have its moments. The first twenty minutes amount to a promising set-up as drab single-girl Christy (Parker) crashes celebrity Peter's (MacMurray) wedding party to deliver an inheritance, but is mistaken instead for an old flame. As a publicist might say— hi-jinks ensue. The only question is how long it will take for Christy to win Peter's affection. In the meantime, she's got to act loopy to stay out of trouble.

For a heavy dramatic actress, e.g. Caged (1950), Parker adapts well to the Katherine Hepburn role, while the underrated MacMurray does some expert mugging. However, some of the scenes go on long after we've gotten the point, especially the kissy-face, which is surprising given that old comedy pro George Marshall is directing. I suspect the level of embraces, plus a lot of surprising innuendo, are attempts to combat the growing inroads of TV on audiences of the day. Be that as it may, it's a lively if less than sparkling 90-minutes of Hollywood make-believe.

George Marshall's 1951 'A Millionaire For Christy' is an enjoyable, fast-paced 1930's style screwball comedy starring Fred MacMurray and Eleanor Parker.

Eleanor Parker is marvelous as a gold-digging secretary out to snag a rich husband. I'm so used to seeing her in demanding, heavy dramatic roles, so it's was a pleasure seeing her be light and funny and very appealing as the screwball heroine. And Fred MacMurray, always so underrated, is an old pro at comedy performances, having played this kind of role many times before opposite Carole Lombard, Claudette Colbert and others. His likeable masculinity is a perfect match for the beautiful and feminine Parker, and when the comedy slows down for their love scenes, they're very sexy and romantic together.

No classic, but an enjoyable comedy, especially for fans of the two underrated stars.

Sometimes going back for a fun-filled romp in one of those old situation-comedies, is just the tonic for an otherwise uneventful day. This film is one of those "feel-good" movies that used to abound back in the early Fifties. Fred MacMurray has always been adept at handling light comedy, and Eleanor Parker shows a humorous side that a lot of you will be impressed by. The plot is zany, but it's a "good" craziness that permeates this film. I found myself giggling aloud at some of the passages, and even tried to teach the couple how to speak Spanish. (You'll see what I mean when you watch the movie).

It's in black and white, but it's so entertaining, you won't miss the splash of color. It also introduces and old love standard, which is not featured, but playing in the background in a lot of the scenes. The song is, "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you".

Get comfortable...click the remote, and travel back to when "real" people had "real" fun.....oh yes, there IS a love story here as well.

It all begins in a lawyer's office in San Francisco, where Eleanor Parker is assigned to fly out to tell Fred MacMurray that he has inherited two million dollars. Secretary Una Merkel suggests to her that she throw herself at MacMurray, which she says is ridiculous. But on seeing him, she has a few moments of weakness. This upsets MacMurray's plans to marry Kay Buckley.

Director George Marshall fills the movie with lots of classic comedy set pieces and locations. He makes his leads fairly disagreeable, and it seems that elements from Bringing Up Baby have been incorporated. Although Miss Parker's performance in a comedy is not particularly funny, the cast includes Richard Carlson, Chris-Pin Martin, Brooks Benedict, Lane Chandler, and enough other old-time comic actors who can take their small bits and brighten the rather old-fashioned movie.

On her way to work, San Francisco secretary Eleanor Parker (as Christabel "Christy" Sloane) attracts stares and whistles from everyone, due to her blonde beauty. She is sent to tell Los Angeles radio talk show host Fred MacMurray (as Peter Ulysses Lockwood) he has inherited two million dollars. Financially strapped, Ms. Parker's decides to follow advice from co-worker Una Merkel (as Patsy Clifford) and get MacMurray's marriage proposal before revealing his wealth...

Unfortunately, Parker arrives as MacMurray is about to marry another woman. Fortunately, his psychiatrist pal Richard Carlson (as Roland Cook) wants to stop the wedding and marry heiress Kay Buckley (as June Chandler) himself. This is a partially successful attempt to put Parker in a 1930s style comedy. Producer husband Bert Friedlob includes a fine team, especially MacMurray and photographer Harry Stradling. Alas, Parker and the co-stars' scripted love never seems believable.

***** A Millionaire for Christy (9/2/51) George Marshall ~ Eleanor Parker, Fred MacMurray, Richard Carlson, Kay Buckley