Mr. & Mrs. '55

I always thought "Mr & Mrs '55" was a terrible title and surely there were better possibilities – it makes it sound pretty ordinary. Whereas it was a nice little romantic musical comedy and better than most of its contemporaries with some memorable upbeat music from O.P.Nayaar.

Anita, played by the gorgeous Madhubala, is forced to marry Preetam played by dashing Guru Dutt purely on her aunts orders but falls in love with him - much to her aunts disgust and opposition. It's engrossing enough a story but the jaunty yet earnest songs sung by Rafi and Geeta Dutt are the thing, especially Thandi Hawa (my all-time favourite Madhubala moment at the lido), Johnny Walker's infuriatingly catchy Jaane Kahan Mera, and the Rafi/Dutt duet Chal Diya Banda Nawaaz - beautifully sung beautiful lyrics always make me wish it had gone on another 10 minutes. Favourite bit; the amazingly heartrending scene where Anita realises how much in love she is, just before Udhar Tum. As a counterpoint to the overall optimism of this film it's sad to remember 9 years afterwards Dutt committed suicide at 39 and in 1969 Madhubala died of heart disease at only 36.

Overall, great stuff, wish I had a cleaner copy, and don't let the title put you off.

One of my favorite films of the black&white era. For its time it starts off in a surprisingly modernistic spirit and tone. It is peppered with lighthearted dry humor and some witty dialogs (unusual for a Hindi movie). Madubala is delightful as ever, portraying naiveté and spiritedness - at the same time. There are all-round excellent performances by all, from the main characters to the supporting actors and sidekicks. The songs are classics in their own right.

It leaves you with a wholesome feeling and you are likely to recommend it to others. A more catchy title would have perhaps made this movie better known that it is.

I have been looking at IMDb list www.imdb.com/list/ls077349643/ and seeking out movies. Many are on YouTube, but only some have English subs This happens to be one of them. The first thing i noticed about the film is the photography. If this were a Hollywood movie, i would expect to see it in a Gothic movie, perhaps directed by Orson Welles, and photographed by Greg Toland. So imagine if you will a Gothic musical, at least in appearance. But this isn't a depressing movie. Although I did wonder if it might turn out that way. The songs are terrific. The lead actor has a suavity about him , that had elements of people of Ronald Colman, or William Powell. My favorite character was the large lady.

The acting of Madhubala, Lalita Pawar and Johnny Walker is outstanding. The songs are nice, though not evergreen. The movie gives a big dose of comedy thanks to Walker and cute romance. Lalita Pawar really lives her character as a feminist. Considering this movie came in the 50's, the society's views at that time, I would say this was a really bold movie with a thinking of decades ahead and I'm very happy they pulled it off!

Many parts are very-very progressive and really ahead of its time.

But there's no real representation of feminism - 1. It shows pseudo-feminism i.e. men haters. 2. A woman must get educated then marry the right man of 'her choice' & take care of household 'by choice'.

And they strongly encourage the second one by projecting first one as villain and claiming that serving the family is not equal to slavery. Correct. But are these the only options? Where's the idea to make use of that education and be independent? Financially as well as emotionally. Or both partners equally contributing to household and work outside as well? Be equal in every sense. And marriage should not be the criteria to have a fullfilled life.

I guess it is too much to expect from a 1955 film because even today only a few film manage to pass the Bechdel Test or Mako Mori Test.