O Quarto Mandamento

Okay, before I begin, I should point out that cynical people are warned NOT to watch this little fantasy film. However, everyone else should delight in watching this very simple yet very enjoyable film. Sure, there are a few story elements that just don't make sense--but my advice is to try to ignore these and keep watching--the payoff makes it well worth your time.

A young couple, John Lund and Gene Tierney, are getting married but are unaware that Lund's mother (Thelma Ritter) is broke and has no place to live. However, Ritter is very proud and won't admit this or that she doesn't have the money to look nice for the wedding, so she skips the service on a pretense. Later, and here's where realism goes out the window, she shows up at Lund's and Tierney's apartment and Tierney thinks Ritter is the maid who has come to help her cook for a big party! Ritter does NOT tell her who she really is and makes a terrific spread. Only later does Lund come in the kitchen and sees what's occurred! Now even then, you MUST suspend disbelief because Lund doesn't tell his wife the truth--he was interrupted as he was telling her later that night, as she was trying to make passionate love to him and he just forgot! As a guy, I actually can believe this--at least short-term, but not for most of the movie! BEAR WITH IT!!! Ritter, one of the best forgotten supporting players (here in a starring role), is utterly charming as the housekeeper and she is able to do wonders to help the young but troubled marriage. How it all works out so perfectly in the end makes it all worth while (particular with as it involves Lund's boss, played by Larry Keating). A charming film that is practically impossible not to like!! They don't make sweet and charming films like this any more.

This is a lost treasure, I saw it a few nights ago on TCM, and was surprise about the acting and the quality of the movie, script and direction, and for a change it is not set in New York or Los Angeles, but in Cleveland, Ohio. Gene Tierney was fantastic in this movie. I wondered aloud why Paramount Pictures have not release this movie on DVD. Gene Tierney is by far one of the most beautiful women ever in movie history. This is a newer version of screwball comedies, but with a twist, I won't spoil it for you. Here goes what I can tell you, two mother-in-laws, a newly wed couple, a rich spoil kid and a beautiful woman, got it? That is all I will say, this movie is a charm. Even if you don't like screwball comedies, Gene Tierney is worth the time, she is just great to look at, a very beautiful woman.

In debt to the Jersey City bank, hard-working widow Thelma Ritter (as Ellen) gives up her hamburger stand and hitchhikes by pick-up truck and school bus to visit earnest son John Lund (as Val McNulty) in Meridian, Ohio. Meanwhile, Mr. Lund has rescued beautiful socialite Gene Tierney (as Maggie Carleton) from a bad date with the boss' son. Lund and Ms. Tierney immediately get the urge to mate. When Ms. Ritter meets her new daughter-in-law, Tierney mistakes her for the cook...

Down on her luck, Ritter agrees to work incognito as maid in her son's apartment. The funny situation gets funnier when Tierney's uppity mother Miriam Hopkins (as Fran) arrives for an extended visit. Producer Charles Brackett and director Mitchell Leisen wisely keep the focus on Ritter, who turned her inappropriate fourth-billing into "Best Supporting Actress" nominations from the "Film Daily", "Golden Globes" and "Academy Awards" groups. In this one, Ritter is the star.

******** The Mating Season (1/12/51) Mitchell Leisen ~ Thelma Ritter, John Lund, Gene Tierney, Miriam Hopkins

"The Mating Season" is a 1951 film that stars Gene Tierney, Thelma Ritter, John Lund, Jan Sterling, Miriam Hopkins and Larry Keating. Tierney and Lund play newlyweds Maggie and Val McNulty - she's a blue blood but broke, and he's up and coming in the corporate world. Val's mom Ellen (Ritter) owns a hamburger place but loses it and comes to see her son, only to find out he's getting married. Ellen makes her excuses and works until she has enough money for a new outfit. Then she calls on her new daughter-in-law - only to be mistaken as a maid hired to help with a party the couple is throwing. Ellen is a big hit, and, swearing her son to secrecy, stays on in the house. Then Maggie's arrogant, spoiled mother (Miriam Hopkins) comes to town to stay with Maggie and Val. Four becomes a crowd.

This is a very sweet, funny film with wonderful ensemble acting and great characters. Tierney has her familiar hairdo (which around this time she didn't always have) and looks gorgeous. She's totally charming as Maggie. Lund does a good job as her harried husband, who wants to make good and has just a touch - a slight touch - of being a jerk. It's a weakness that we forgive him for later on. Of course, Ritter steals the show as Ellen, doing a role very familiar to her - a mouthy servant. Hopkins is bigger than life as Maggie's totally obnoxious mother, and Larry Keating is a delight as Val's boss' father, who has better values than his son will ever have. Jan Sterling has a small part as Val's former girlfriend. As usual, she looks cheap and acts cheaper.

Lots of fun - don't miss it.

Where do I start, this seems to be just a well done ensemble farce with elements of screwball comedy. Mistaken identity, overbearing mother in law. But when you take a second look, this is a movie with cynical undercurrents about the American dream. I don't want to give away the plot so I will just comment on the excellent cast and direction by Mitchell Leisen. Leisen treats the material with such respect and care, what could have been average is fresh and new. Gene Tierney has a great comic touch, Miriam Hopkins gives a great over the top performance, then what can I say Thelma Ritter, just amazing. I was really impressed with her warm hearted scenes with Gene Tierney. There is not a weak link in the supporting cast. This is great ensemble acting. The movie comes to a very satisfying conclusion. This is one of the most underrated comedies of the era. I do believe this movies is gaining the respect it deserves. Most critics today consider this a CLASSIC. I hope Paramount will release this on DVD.