This Marriage Business

What was Jack Carson, who had a role in the 1954 version of A STAR IS BORN, in which the main character was named Vicki Lester, doing in 1938? Well, he was appearing in this comedy, in which the ingénue role is played by Vicki Lester.

Although not well known or respected, this is a snappy little comedy starring Victor Moore as a small town justice, none of whose weddings have ended in divorce. Alan Lane is a reporter and the rest is a fairly busy little story. There are the usual nice Christy Cabanne visual touches -- a camera that moves pleasantly and a nice little gag involving taffy.

There's also a good professional cast including such talent as Cecil Kellaway and George Irving. In fact, the only downside to this sweet little comedy-drama is Miss Lester, whose voice tends to suggest a hard-boiled dame more than a sweet small-town girl. Add in the wonderful photography of veteran D.P. Joe August and you've got a nice little movie.

I found "This Marriage Business" (1938) to be pleasant enough to stick with, as I had expected; I mean, I didn't just bumble across by accident. I enjoyed probably mostly because the film gives us a Victor Moore starring presence, and includes Alan Lane, who is always amiable and relaxed. Richard Lane is appreciated, too, but here keeps a serious and business-like demeanor as the bad guy. Jack Carson has an early film career appearance, too, one that doesn't stray far from roles he later kind of became known for. The only question mark in the cast is Vicki Lester, who probably could have given her role a little fuller treatment if prodded.

But we get an unusual and bright little story, plenty of street scenes with vintage vehicles, several small-town characters, and interesting architecture, as well, all equating to a solid dose of 1938 atmosphere throughout. So for me, "This Marriage Business" was far from a disaster and, in fact, was nicely enjoyed.

When the story begins, a reporter, Bill Bennett (Allan 'Rocky' Lane), and his photographer partner, 'Candid' (Jack Carson) are pursuing another car. Why? Because the folks in the other car are a rich society woman and her boyfriend and they're rushing off to get married...and apparently this was a story back in 1938. On the way, they encounter a woman whose car has run out of gas...but in the excitement the guys forget to return with the gas can they promised her. Interestingly, she turns out to be the daughter of the judge who marries the couple.

After the wedding, the reporter talks to the nice judge (Victor Moore) and learns that he has a most unusual track record. It seems that in all the years of officiating weddings, NONE of the couples he married ever divorced! This is unusual and so Bill writes a story about the judge. Soon the judge is a celebrity and folks are pouring into this small town to get married by him.

As a result of all this, Bill later convinces the judge to run for mayor. What they don't know is that the current mayor is much more corrupt than suspected and he has a posse of hoods to guarantee his re-election. In fact, their dirty tricks are used to frame the judge for murder...and so it's up to Bill and Candid to investigate and then save the day. Additionally, Bill hopes to impress the judge's daughter...as she's cute and he's smitten with her.

This is a nice, breezy film made better by a few nice performances...particularly Victor Moore. Moore was able to extract so much from his role....and his character was sweet and likable. Overall, an enjoyable film...one that is predictable but nice and fun at the same time.

New York City reporter Bill Terry (Allan Lane) and his assistant "Candid" Perry (Jack Carson) are hot on the heels of an eloping heiress. The Middleton licensing clerk Jud Holcomb (Victor Moore) claims that non of his marriages has ever divorced. Bill writes about it and Jud becomes a local celebrity as a real life Cupid. The town has a corrupt government and a gangster hangout. Bill pursues Jud's daughter Nancy (Vickie Lester).

I like the comedic start. I assumed the couple was going to be the leads. The movie should probably start with Bill as the lead character. Anyways, the movie seems to be setting up for a light comedy but the dark gangster story takes over. It's a clash of tones. The darker elements don't feel right. The movie needs to choose a lane.

New York City reporter Allan Lane (as Bill) is so interested in pursuing a celebrity wedding, he passes on assisting pretty blonde Vicki Lester (as Nancy), who has run out of gas on a "Middletown" road. With photographer Jack Carson (as "Candid") assisting, Mr. Lane not only gets his story, but also discovers that small town marriage man Victor Moore (as Jud) has never had a couple file for divorce. Lane dubs Mr. Moore "Cupid", and decides to write a series of feature stories about the lucky wedding man.

When Lane and Mr. Carson arrive for dinner at Moore's country home, they discover Ms. Lester (the pretty stranded motorist) is his daughter. For some reason, Lane and Lester show no surprise at the discovery. At first, Lester doesn't forgive Lane for neglecting to give her gas. But, he is determined. Lane also helps Moore run for mayor, but gangsters interfere. "This Marriage Business" gets its best licks from "Corky" the jail-house free dog. You won't see a "No Dogs Allowed" sign in the "Middletown" jail.

*** This Marriage Business (4/8/38) Christy Cabanne ~ Victor Moore, Allan Lane, Vickie Lester, Jack Carson