Rich Man, Poor Girl

Mild social commentary comedy drama is of more interest for its cast than the rather facile situations it presents. A bread and butter feature of the kind that all the studios churned out to fill a double bill and feature their stable of promising newcomers and reliable character actors this one is packed full of actors and actresses that went on to better things.

Without a doubt the person who made the biggest splash following this is Lana Turner in her nascent phase here. She's sweet, still a brunette and full of the dewy youth and kittenish sexuality she exuded in the early phase of her career before changing into a harder article after The Postman Always Rings Twice, not fully in the spotlight but definitely holding the screen. The other person who would emerge with a major career is Robert Young but he'd have to wade through years as a second string leading man before hitting the top in TV. He's competent and charming as ever but his character isn't too clearly defined. Another fine performer-Ruth Hussey, still a few years away from The Philadelphia Story, isn't really given a very strong character either for someone who is supposed to be the lead but she is an appealing presence as always.

For the supporting cast the always reliable Guy Kibbee is on hand as Ruth's kind father and the ill-fated Rita Johnson is saucy as Young's sister. The standout in support however and not in a good way is Lew Ayers jackass cousin Henry. Through no fault of the actor the character grates every second he's on the screen and it's only because of Ayer's natural charm that he is even mildly bearable.

The picture is in no way special but still worth catching once for seeing the type of quality cast Metro was able to assemble for even the most ordinary script.

Ruth Hussy is the secretary to her rich boss (Robert Young). Suddenly, out of the blue, they realize how much they love each other and plan to marry. But first, he needs to meet her family. During this kooky meeting, it becomes obvious to Ruth that her working-class background is so completely unlike Young's upper-crust world that they should slow down--and wait to marry. So, to help things along, Young decides to 'slum it'--to hang with her family and get to know them better. However, some of her family are pretty annoying and what will happen when Young tries to help out and improve their lives? Oddly, his kind gestures aren't always appreciated.

This is a pretty enjoyable comedy with some fun performances. However enjoyable though, it is a bit uneven and is not a great comedy--just a nice one that fans of old films will likely like. When you watch, get a load of Lana Turner before her big Hollywood makeover. She sure looked very, very different--and a lot more natural.

After first being awestruck over Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice, I was eager to see any film she appeared in. Rich Man, Poor Girl appeared without fuss on television and a part of my heart was stolen by a black and white image! Oh the wonder of film. I recall the film as being 'worthwhile' even if you weren't in Love with Lana but I was left wishing I had recorded it! I looked the film up afterwards in my movie guide and it said that the film is remarkable only as a record of Lana Turner's beauty, describing her as radiant. I agree wholeheartedly. Imagining the film with another actress in Lana's role, I can only see an average film.

Lana makes every single one of today's screen beauties fade into mediocrity by comparison. See this film if you want to see a bona fide legendary screen beauty in full bloom.

The wealthy entrepreneur wants to marry his secretary, but must first get along with her middle-class family.

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Usually, these types of movies are made to glamorize life in the lower class while condemning the ignorant rich, but in Rich Man, Poor Girl, the effect is just the opposite. Robert Young stars as a millionaire businessman who falls in love with his poor secretary, Ruth Hussey. He wants to get married right away, but she has the good sense to wait, insisting that when she marries, she wants to be sure she knows her spouse well enough to know they'll stay married. When he meets her low-class family, including parents Guy Kibbee and Sara Padden, silly sister Lana Turner, and outspoken radical brother Lew Ayres, he realizes there's quite a culture shock between their two lifestyles.

Bob is prepared to make their relationship work, so he moves into their very tiny, thin-walled, overheated apartment and tries to win every family member over one by one. The amount of effort he puts into Ruth's family is incredible, especially as he continually turns the other cheek when they insult him. In particular, Lew is very rude and not made out to have an admirable character, which serves as a great foil for Bob's character: a millionaire with a heart of gold.

This movie is very cute, funny, and will make anyone wish Robert Young would join their family. He's an ideal son- and brother-in-law, not to mention fiancé! Hopeless romantics will love this forgotten classic.

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There's a scene where Robert Young takes everyone sailing, and the camera movements will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"