Le fiancé de ma fiancée

One of the most delightfully hilarious movies ever made.

That's not an overstatement. If you've never seen William Holden in a comedy, this film shows how brilliant he was. This is a real gem,and it's simply baffling, to say the least, why it's languished on the shelf somewhere, without having ever been released on VHS or DVD. It's actually quite a relevant film for these times, about a veteran returning from war and a wartime pen-pal correspondence that results in a big mixup. Oddly, you can get the sequel, but not this one. Whoever manages these things, please: make it available for us. Even the classic movie channels haven't shown this.

I saw this movie many years ago and hardly remember anything, except loving it. Here is what I wrote in my diary:

"One of the most delightful comedies I have ever seen. I was in awe of the writer's wit and wisdom. The moral of the movie is that the greatest duty is the duty to oneself, the duty to be happy, to do as one pleases, not as one should, for the "shoulds" are nothing but other people's opinions."

At the time I didn't know the writer was Norman Krasna. Eventually, he would become one of my favorites. A Krasna movie is guaranteed excellence. His sense of humor and dignity never fail. Of course, one needs some of his smarts to understand him.

This was one of the most delightful films I have ever seen. Film makers have forgotten what the elements of a good film are. This one has it all: character development, snappy dialogue, humor, love, and a happy ending. The actors and actresses tell their story not only with words, but with their expressions and other non-verbal communication. Who needs fantastic stories, mindless violence, etc. This kind of film really entertains.

This is my absolute favorite movie. They used to play it on the old movie chancels pretty often, but I have not seen it in a while. I will watch this movie every time it comes on TV. Even though there are plenty of sight gags, the best part of the movie is the interaction between the characters. This movie has some of the best dialog. I laugh out loud every time I watch it. I especially love the scene at the train station where Bill talks the group into "playing railroad". Even though it was made in the forties, it still stands up today. If you like romantic comedies, this is the movie for you. Great characters; Great acting; Great writing. I highly recommend it. (It truly should be on DVD. Who decides these things?)

Wonderful performances by all. Marvelously executed comedy. For those who don't already know, J.D. Salinger, the author, spotted the movie marquee heralding the stars of this movie, William Holden and Joan Caulfield. Thus, the inspiration for his character's name in "Catcher in the Rye", Holden Caulfield.

Looking to the supporting cast, Billy de Wolfe gets to play the same character (or is it really him?),he always plays, prissy and particular. De Wolfe never fails comedically and is a major factor in taking this film over the top. The 2 sequels, Dear Wife and Dear Brat, were showcases for him. Even in the 1960's TV sitcom "Good Morning World", with Joby Baker and Ronnie Schell, de Wolfe's signature character still brought laughs.

Now, to Mona Freeman. Although she never achieved major stardom, or any stardom in adulthood, she carved a nice niche for herself playing the precocious teenager in many films. Freeman made enough of a mark in her day to be immortalized (caricatured) in cartoons, just like the more recognize-able Bogey and Bing. Think about it, yup, that was her.

In Dear Ruth, Freeman was ever the volunteer or manipulator. She ends up as a very positive female role model. Even more so because of the "place" of women in the 1940's. She was a very talented young lady. Freeman's interaction with her dad, Edward Arnold, is universal and timeless. A fine performance by Arnold "squeezes" all the humor out of what should be typical and predictable dad/daughter(s) comedy. Arnold was the perfect choice for the dad.

This was a very funny ensemble performance. It's great family entertainment. Dear Ruth was deserving of 2 sequels....