Chasse aux maris

This movie is so cute! I'm a sucker for May-December romances, and when two good-looking people are the romantic leads it always makes a movie better, so I was all set to like this romantic comedy starring Robert Montgomery and Ann Blyth. Even if you don't have a crush on him like I do, the adorableness of the romance might win you over. It's very cute, and Bob and Ann are so darling together.

The premise is a little odd, but it has to be, so you'll expect and accept the oddness of Ann's character. Bob is a WWII veteran-turned-actor, and he's called in for a special government assignment because of his acting experience. He's tasked with seducing a young debutant, Ann Blyth, so that her ex-boyfriend, who's wanted by the government for stolen jewelry, will get jealous and surface from his hideout. Yes, it's odd, but when Bob meets Ann, it gets even odder, so you'll need to be prepared. Ann falls in love with him at first sight and becomes obsessed with spending every minute with him until they're married, preferably as soon as possible!

To me, it's not that unbelievable, because if I bumped into Robert Montgomery, I'd want to spend every minute with him, too. However, the hilarious dialogue makes sure every audience member is shocked, even me. Ann prances around in her pajamas, Bob turns his face away from a kiss, insisting she won't have any respect for him if he gives in, and they both have the audience in stitches before the movie's even halfway over.

Check out this adorable comedy that's a time capsule of the 1940s, that glorious time when couples had to get married to express their love and going away for the weekend was scandalous. You'll get to see two very adorable people, and Ann balances and transitions perfectly from child to adult, since she was very young at the time but starting to play romantic leads. Bob is cute and charming, and he directed the movie, too!

I like Montgomery in several movies, especially "The Night Has Eyes" with Rosalind Russell. However, this movie is clearly not one of his best. The plot does not make sense. No one would believe for a moment that Ann Blythe would fall in love with Robert Montgomery, at least not in this movie. For this movie to be a comedy, the only time I found myself laughing was when the older woman (at his mother's shindig)asks Blythe's character if she is the one who is wearing the perfume shortly before she coughs. Charles McGraw (I know I keep talking about him, but you know he's my favorite actor)could have seen his role beefed up since it is obvious his character is a comedic foil for Collie's character. Definitely not a good day for Montgomery and company. I do not think the people responsible for this movie really thought it through before making it. I'm glad Montgomery rebounded later with "They Were Expendable". He went on to become a speech adviser for President Eisenhower. Mercedyz

I was surprised, "Once More, My Darling", had not generated enough votes (at this writing) for a "user rating". It's a "screwy" comedy I have enjoyed many times over the years. Robert Montgomery's mission places him in some very improbable situations, and he's just the man for the job. He maintains his trademark "befuddled" look throughout the film and hysterically, too. Ann Blyth plays his precocious/eccentric pursuer, who assumes a relationship that does not exist. Her character is kooky enough to warrant the unearned nickname "Killer", but remains cute and cuddly.

Among the glut of "B" movies from the late 1940's and 1950's, "Once More, My Darling" is a standout. This one is worth looking for....

Ann Blyth showcases her fine comedic sense in this warm, often zany film. Nicknamed "Killer," her character is fond of "Passionelle," a perfume which she practically bathes in, and Robert Montgomery, in the role of "Collie," whose mission is to bust her estranged boyfriend for jewel smuggling. One highlight is when Montgomery, a momma's boy, introduces Killer to his mother and friends. Blyth masterfully mines this scene for its full comic worth. "Once More, My Darling" is one gem of a movie with a great slapstick ending.

I'd never heard of this flick until I stumbled across it on a streaming service, but Ann Blyth is sensational as a strong-willed teenager who turns the American courtship ritual on its head. She takes romantic aim at a middle-aged lawyer/actor/Army investigator who's arranged to meet her under false pretences, then finds himself completely overmatched. Once Blyth takes control, ever-reliable star Robert Montgomery has little left to do except react to this remarkable character. A first-rate cast, hilarous script, and fine direction by Montgomery himself hand the audience a lot of laughs in a wonderful hour and a half.