Mr. & Mrs. '55

Mr And Mrs 55 (1955) : Brief Review -

Madhubala and Guru Dutt's exhilarant romantic comedy destroys the contract marriage concept and pseudo-feminism inspired by Western liberalism. Okay, so you can recall many films with the theme of contract marriage, where the girl is married to a man just to get the property. The girl actually falls in love with the man and is now looking to rekindle her relationship with him. However, the man doesn't want her now. That's an outdated formala now, but highly entertaining and enchanting. Imagine a film cracking this super entertaining formula in the 1950s for Bollywood. Some of those old Hollywood rom-coms or screwball comedies from 30s stand as inspirations for this Guru Dutt's romantic comedy, but it's the criticism of pseudo-feminism that makes it better. In the climax, Madhubala's character fearlessly speaks about Indian women and how she is happy with her husband and family, while criticizing the western liberalism of European countries, where girls/women can turn platonic affairs into marriage and continue doing so with several men. I just loved that part. On the other hand, Guru Dutt's character is seen taking a dig at the aunty, who hates men and is trying to bring foreign culture to Indian families. There are so many sensual and serious issues that the film deals with, but it all comes with a solid dose of comedy. Let's not forget what a fantastic comedy it is. Johnny Walker has played one of the finest characters of his career, and that iconic song, "Jaaen kaha mera jigar Gaya ji," was just WOW! So, there was Madhubala-a heavenly beauty-and yet i was attracted to Vinita Bhatt. Such a cute face and expressions she gave! Totally killer. Madhubala is evergreen, man; what else can I say about her? Timeless. Guru Dutt, who later became known for intense and dark movies, has done a terrific job as an actor and director. Such a "complete film" it is.

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

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.

This is a very enjoyable movie. It is about an unlikely pair, a poor sad-looking Guru Dutt, and a rich chirpy Madhubala. What you take away from this out-and-out comedy is ten O.P. Nayyar-helmed songs that you will always cherish. What I took away is one particular scene. Keep in mind, I was a school kid then. There is this serious monologue by Gurudutt. He speaks of the sad fate of people and that they don't have roti to eat. Madhubala listens too all this and then adds her two cents - If people don't have roti to eat, why don't they eat bread. I laughed and laughed.

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.

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!