@@PaulTesta Yep. The “ie” instead of “ei” was deliberate, since Weiselberry would be why-s’l-berry instead of wee-s’l-berry. This has been bugging me for well over a year since I subscribed. Jerome is brilliant and I love her reviews but that “ei” has been like the drip-drip-drip of a water torture. Where the “n” came from I have no idea. Chalk it up to too little sleep. If my stupid iPad allowed me to edit, which for some esoteric reason it stopped doing, I would correct the “n”-but not the “ie”-immediately. As it is, that will have to wait. Thanks for the heads-up.
Somehow when I saw most of Preston Sturges' films years ago, I missed this one. Must rectify that omission some day. My favourite is "The Lady Eve". I can still remember and laugh at scenes 30 years since I saw it. As for "Unfaithfully Yours", how's this for a piece of trivia I found in Halliwell's Film Guide?: Harrison's character is named Sir Alfred de Carter in reference to the famous conductor of the time Sir Thomas Beecham, because the American equivalent of Beecham's Pills (the patent medicine Beecham's family fortune arose from) is Carter's Little Liver Pills. Every day's a school day!
Yes indeed Jerome, UY is a very funny movie. I originally saw it years ago on TV one sunny afternoon when I was on summer vacation from college. WOW, for 1948 it was so ahead of it's time. I've only watched it two other three times since then because, as you said, you need a decade between screenings to enjoy and appreciate it on next viewing. It's nice to see Edgar Kennedy as the detective who, in addition, loves classical music and is enthralled with Harrison as a conductor ( "You handle Handel like nobody handles Handel!"). He died later in 1948. A gifted comedian since the silent days, Kennedy was known for his annoyed "slowburn" facial expression. Do you remember him as Kennedy the Cop in a few early sound Our Gang shorts? Harpo Marx got the better of him in 1933's Duck Soup. JW, thanks you for your review to this underappeciated gem. Bob
Oh, Jerome, I knew you were a kindred spirit! I cannot hear the Pilgrim's Chorus from Tannhauser without getting weepy! ❤ Commedies truly are a hit or MISS genre for me, but this movie sounds like one to add to my to-watch list!
Never saw this but Sullivan's Travels is one of the greatest American films of the 40;s. And he made 7 more TERRIFIC films in the 40's. He was a first class director in that decade, writing the wittiest dialog ever in American films. BTW those were wolf whistles in DOA. A misstep, yes, but it is a excellent noir
I share your sentiment about remakes 100%, we don't need to watch a new version just because it exists, specially if I like the original, you're telling me someone made it better? Press X to doubt. As for this movie, wasn't aware of it existence since I'm from Mexico and this was made during the golden age of mexican cinema so while we all know the Hollywood classics (and cult classics) from the 60s onward, the 40's and 50's are dominated by the domestic bangers of that era , all I know is I've seen Rex Harrison in "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" and this review, so maybe I'll track it down.
Nice review. You should have a syndicated column doing reviews of movies and books. Heard someone mention years ago in UK that had met Harrison that he was the kind of gentleman who was definitely stuck on himself and his own opinions. I don't wish to say anything negative about Ms darnell, don't know much about her other than that she was a very lovely lady. Keep up your excellent work, im so impressed with your ability to criticize some of the classics that you do, ànd make them so relevant and enjoyable to us today ❤
Thank you for the enthusiastic review and behind the scenes history. This is one Sturges film I haven't seen. It's on RU-vid, so I'll probably check it out this weekend. For the record, my favorite movie of his is Sullivan's Travels (which also gets a little dark at times), with Easy Living and The Palm Beach Story close behind. Have a happy week ahead.
Happy Sunday, J. Nice review. I see your point about comedy being subjective because I didn't know this was one. I can see what the director was trying to do, but it just didn't work for me. I did laugh twice in the last third of the film, something about a record player. Maybe if the whole film was like that? I don't know. I also enjoyed the detective office scene, with the poor tailor trying to eat his lunch. My version of the watch-every-ten-years comedy would be Holiday Inn. Saw this about a month ago, knowing full well it has 'that scene' in it. (I try to squint or look away when it comes on.) But it's such a good movie that it doesn't deserve to be forgotten or dismissed. Just my opinion. Thanks for the review, enjoy your week. :)
The sound effects in DOA are a most unfortunate choice. They don't *quite* ruin the film, but they are grating, distracting, embarrassing and cringeworthy. Spot-on review of UY. Love to see some more comedy reviews from you! (And I completely agree with your policy of not reviewing remakes. If you don't want to watch, let alone review, the remake -- don't! Life's too short, and there are far too many good original films out there to track down.)
That part above the film sticking with you resonated for me. I saw this many years ago, and remembered Harrison conducting as he imagines each scenario as such a clever conceit that I had to return to it. "What WAS that movie?" I thought. Well I found it and gave it a re-watch, and enjoyed it!
I thought it just ok until he tried to turn his fantasy scenarios into reality then I found it hilarious, especially the first one with the recorder. "So simple it operates itself!" and of course "turn to diagram on page 6" The scene with the cymbal player was funny too.
Love your point of view. I have a special affinity for older B&W classics. My favorite is the collection of films starring Margaret Rutherford. Her Mrs. Marple series is priceless.
I know the 80's remake better than this version. It's pretty 'faithful' to the original. Now you've gotta watch it and do a comparison! It's not as good, but that doesn't mean it's _bad._ I'll take Dudley in anything from the late 70's / early 80's, and Nastassia and Armande Assante are good as his opposites. Best part of this review (apart form the genuine enthusiasm for the movie) - when JW says 'Awooga!"
Great review, Jerome!! I loved your associations and your analyses of some of the details. I haven't actually seen this movie yet, but I absolutely have to. Preston Sturges is on my personal list of the 27 greatest film directors of all time! I also love Linda Darnell and greatly enjoy Rex Harrison. I have to admit that I did watch the remake with Dudley Moore many times as a child. I enjoyed it, but I always heard and believe that this original is superior. Thank you for covering it! Cheers!
Howdy. Great video. Really enjoyable and enlightening. I watched at 1.25 speed, as I always do, just to keep my mind stimulated. But even at normal speed, your enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for your insightful comments on Unfaithfully Yours. I suppose that a consideration of this well crafted film must entail an acknowledgment of the darker side of Hollywood. The supremely talented Preston Sturges is an example of Hollywood's penchant for crushing boy wonders. Orson Welles met a similar insider-to outsider overnight fate, and one wonders what would have happened to Irving Thalberg if he had not made his own unfortunate exit. As for self-destructive behaviors such as Rex Harrison's questionable conduct we all know that inadvisable behavior was the Hollywood norm. I perceive your takeaway thought to be a recommendation to simply enjoy this good movie and let the side stuff sit on the side. I agree.
Thanks for the review. I loved Harrison in "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" with Gene Tierney. I hadn't heard of this one. I'll have to check it out. Take care!
I wish I'd seen your review last night! This movie was on FXM TV this morning. I saw only a few moments of one of those "views" in his mind while conducting. I had no inkling it was a comedy...I might have stuck with it what I know from your thoughtful review. Oh, just checked, they are repeating it at 4AM so I can record it to watch tomorrow! ;-)
@@Weiselberry I did get to watch this week and for all the rom-coms that I've seen, the plot of this one takes the cake. Seeing Rex Harrison perform slap stick comedy is not easy to believe. This is a far cry from his Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady. Linda Darnell was a beautiful actress. I need to see her in some of her other movies.
Howdy, Sister Jerome! UNFAITHFULLY YOURS is one that I haven't seen, but I believe that I 'm gonna seek this one out. It sounds like a serious hoot. My church service, you, and SO BAD IT'S GOOD make my weekend; thank you!
I have heard of this movie, but I often overlooked it till I saw your review. I’d love to check this out soon, because I’d love a good laugh. Thanks for making this review, J! On a serious note, I wanted to let you know that my grandfather passed away last Wednesday morning and his funeral was today. Please keep him in your prayers, Jerome. Thanks and I hope you have a great weekend.
JW, you may wish to look at the films of Ernst Lubitsch from the ‘30’s and 40’s. They make up what is described as the “Lubitsch touch”. From his biographer Scott Eyman, “With few exceptions Lubitsch's movies take place neither in Europe nor America but in Lubitschland, a place of metaphor, benign grace, rueful wisdom... “.
Very good review, JW. Linda Darnell is my second favorite 40s actress. While I enjoy the movie, I agree it shouldn't be overwatched. A movie from her early career you may like is Blood and Sand. Fox was still casting her as the ingenue at the time. But is another example of good chemistry between her and Tyrone Power. She also was excellent in a few Noirs, like No Way Out and Fallen Angel. But my favorite movie of hers is Hangover Square. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the suggestion! Speaking of Fallen Angel... There's a scene in Unfaithfully Yours where she's on the phone with her sister and mentions them getting some hamburgers. It reminded me of her fondness for burgers in Fallen Angel, including the interesting way she sprinkles salt before taking a bite. :)
I had always wanted to see this.But had forgotten about that plan.This review reminded me.Thank you. Rex Harrison might be good at waving a stick at an orchestra.Otherwise he is a clumsy,klutz of a clod. You get Linda Darnell as a wife.You thank your lucky stars and let her get away with everything. Your revelation of real life events is sad.I once watched the 1984 remake on television.I don't remember anything about it. Unfaithfully Yours 1948 would make an interesting double bill with Eyes Wide Shut 1999.Jealous husbands getting themselves into trouble.Thank you.
I was watching the movie "Topper Returns" and I read about The affair Carole Landis (who was in Topper Returns) had with Rex Harrison. Very sad story and Ironic title on this movie ""Unfaithfully Yours" since Rex was supposed to be cheating on his wife. Great Video and review.
A favorite film. You're right about DOA. A good film that was almost ruined by those whistles, etc. Another "conductor" comedy is Once More, with Feeling (1960) with Yul Brenner playing conductor Victor Fabian. Sort of similar to Unfaithfully Yours.
My feelings about this film are similar to yours, I saw it years ago and thought it was really funny and rewatched it again this week and loved it even more, it’s even more hilarious than I remembered and it’s really clever, I would say it’s probably my favourite Preston Sturges film and my favourite Rex Harrison role although his character isn’t that likeable. When Sir Alfred begins laughing maniacally in court during his crazed fantasy it makes me laugh maniacally and the reality versus fantasy of Sir Alfred searching for his phono recorder is so funny I had to go back and watch it four times, Cary Grant deservedly received many plaudits for his physical comedy but I think Rex Harrison matched Grant during this section of the film, Sir Alfred’s awkward fumbling is also embarrassingly relatable, attempting not to fall while standing with a foot on each side of decorative chair avoiding the soft centre when looking through cabinets is something I know too well, I could go fetch a sturdier chair but no I’ve got to risk my neck and the chair. I loved how the film conveyed the power listening to music can have on our imaginations, it was so well done. Apparently Bradley Cooper trained for six months to look convincing as Leonard Bernstein in his film Maestro but thought Rex Harrison looked just as convincing in front of an orchestra. I want Sir Alfred’s hidden wardrobe with the different compartments and I want his phono recorder, apparently personal phono recorders didn’t exist at the time so a mockup prop was created as a plot device for the film with Sturges coming up with the instructions himself, I read this on google after searching in vain for one, you can get personal phono recorders created later in the 50s but they don’t look much like the one from the film with all the flashing diodes and buttons, it looked like something you’d connect to the neck bolts on Frankensteins monster. Spoilers❗️ Although i do feel that the film makes it clear that you’re supposed to embrace the humour and ridiculousness of the situations and not take it too seriously I still find it hard to root for Sir Alfred’s happiness and don’t feel he deserved a positive outcome, Kruegers character Tony may not have been a good dancer in Daphnes eyes but at least he wasn’t thinking about killing her, with Sir Alfred being so quick to murder fantasies you’d still worry for her safety long-term. I also wondered why he didn’t just talk to his wife first? Why jump to dreaming about and eventually planning to brutally and horrifically murder her? It seems like he may have actually killed her in the end if things hadn’t gone wrong for him or maybe his daydream about giving her money and letting her go would indicate his conscience would intervene, even the Russian roulette scenario was intended to kill her, Daphne : “ I played Russian roulette all the time with my father” Sir Alfred : “ I doubt you played Russian roulette all the time with your father” haha. Linda Darnell was talented and versatile and it’s very tragic how her life ended, The first film I saw her in was either My Darling Clementine or The Mark of Zorro. Your discussion on Darnell’s wardrobe and it possibly being inspired by Swan Lake and how that may have helped add complexity to her character was really interesting and insightful, I’d bet on you being right especially with the use of Tchaikovsky in the film. I’m glad your excellent review inspired me to rewatch this film so I could be reminded how much I enjoy it. Have a great night, a great Super Weiselberry Sunday, an annual tradition. Have a great week and a happy Valentine’s Day. I almost went full Truman there, “ good afternoon, good evening and goodnight “ :) ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
"And in case I don't see ya..." :D Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the film! I totally agree about the comparison of Harrison with Cary Grant here. Also about the disturbing implications of Sir Alfred's fantasy and his strenuous efforts to put the plan into action. It's one of those things where, if you take it to its more logical conclusion, you probably can't enjoy the movie at all, haha. I think the Russian roulette dialogue must be some of the best lines, and, yes, that closet was so cool! :D
@@Weiselberry Happy \”””\ SUPER. |”””| \”””\. /“””/ \. \ /“””/ |. |. \. \ /. / \ \ /\ / / | |. \. /. \ \/ \/ /. |. | /. / \ \ \____/\____/ EISELBERRY BOWL SUNDAY 2024 🏈✖️. 🎥✔️ 💥💫✨ That closet really was cool! a closet from 1948 putting closets from 2024 to shame, I’m so odd haha. I saw a short video of a fridge from 1963 and it puts most modern fridges to shame too ru-vid.comZA12xtMPkto?si=JrztG76ZEuJU8D_A. The lazy Susan shelves would be so convenient and handy. Modern innovation needs to catch up with 40s closets and 60s fridges lol. Thank you again for giving me an excuse to see Unfaithfully Yours again because it’s so enjoyable and funny. :) ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
Wagner's Tannhauser Overture also figured in 'The Lady Eve' . ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-U3nWo59iBg8.html 0:19 - 1:35 where Henry Fonda's character decides to be 'noble' regarding his new brides past 'experience' -- the music switching to von Suppé's 'Poet and Peasant' Overture when he learns that his wife has had quite a multiplicity of pre-marital experiences.
A wonderful old recording of another part of 'Tannhauser' 1930 Fredrick Stock, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Wagner Tannhäuser Fest March ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jQLEGajj5v0.html
It's just the contrary for me, I grew up watching and rewatching the 1984 remake and when I learnt there was an original version of the story, I wondered if I wanted to see "another version", even if it was the original one. I will get to it eventually, I guess, but I always find something else to watch... I enjoyed your review very much, though 😊
I haven't commented in awhile though i am a regular viewer. I was especially happy to see this one as Preston Sturges is one of my favorite directors. This one is a bit different with a bitter edge, but the final sequence is a sidesplitter. You mentioned several of his that you did see my two favorites were not there. I hope one day you get around to seeing Hail The Conquering Hero and especially The Miracle of Morgan's Creek. You won't be disappointed. I'm looking forward to Godzilla Minus One even more so after you review. Bye.
It's nice to hear from you again! I thought I might have seen Hail the Conquering Hero, but its plot doesn't sound familiar after all. Thanks for the suggestions!
Love, love,love "Unfaithfully Yours". Sturges reminds we of Orson Welled in that at first they could do no wrong in the entertainment industry, and later couldn't get arrested. Hollywood lost interest in them both, but Sturges definitely had more successes. Maybe if they had only been screen writers or only been directors they would have survived. Obvious versatility and assuming too much power on a film must have made the studios uncomfortable.
JW, Thanks for your rich and entertaining review! 😄 I've seen UY just once, about a year ago. In light of your review, I need to revisit it with "fresh eyes." As for reboots, I'm totally with you! If the original is great, then what's the point??
Prob wouldn't see it unless I were in a great mood and watching it in an old movie theater. However, I think the current equivalent (to those classic comedies) might be Wes Anderson (dir. Bottle Rocket [1996], Rushmore [1997], etc. ..). Have you seen any of Anderson's films? Thank you for brightening my day.
Love this film. I also saw the remake first and really enjoyed it but the original is far and away the better film. A lot of this is down to Sturges allowing the second act to play out with almost no laughs so the final act can romp home in all its slapstick farcical glory. Would love to know how you rate his other films.
Well, I guess I will have to watch it to find out exactly what "stinking funny" is! For some reason the Three Stooges immediately came to mind. I wonder if "stinking funny" is something that only occurred in the 40s?
One minor correction to your otherwise excellent summary of the films written and/or directed by Preston Sturges - he *did* in fact direct "Christmas in July." That was the second of his writer/director efforts, following "The Great McGinty."
Hello ma’am! I’ve been following for years, I have always enjoyed your Jane Austen reviews, especially when you broke down each Pride and Prejudice version! I am looking to publish a book, do you know of any good and trusted publishers??
Hi! Nice to hear from you. I don't have any intel I can give you, but I know there are many sites and blogs out there offering advice about how to get published, including those written by people who have been successful. Good luck!
@@Weiselberry Thank you so very much for the response and advice! Amazing videos, I always look forward to listening to your articulate, intelligent critiques and reviews! This is the number one channel I’ve been going to for six years, whenever I need a film synopsis and/or analysis!
@@tessLizCroft Six years! Wow, thank you! I wish I had more advice to give. Maybe others in the comments could provide some input... I know trying to get published can be a discouraging process, but I hope you'll stick with it.
@@Weiselberry Thank you!! I am determined to get this published. The book is about my fiancé, falsely accused and in the worst prison in America, the Alcatraz of the Rockies. He taught Americans about our inalienable rights and it got him targeted by the FBI. I am desperately searching for some place to get the story out, I fear for his life. I’ve got no choice but to persist. Thank you for listening to me ma’am!
Those movies aren't familiar to me but I love your reviews! Btw, I found something on RU-vid you might like but I can't figure out how to post a link or send it to you. A while back, you reviewed "King Kong Escapes". I found some interviews with Linda Miller, who started in the movie and they're most fascinating!
Nice! You can try to post the link(s) in a reply here or in a comment on that video. It might get held up by the filter on my end, but I'll let it through if it comes in. Worth a try!
@@ronnieburton1312 It worked! Showed up in my held-for-review box and took a couple minutes to appear on the video after I approved it, but it's there now!
Great review of a film I really don’t like. You’re right about comedy. I just don’t like Preston Sturges. Although I like a few things in some of his films, there are just as many things that really annoy me. Some of the performances are fun, Veronica Lake in Sullivan’s Travels, for example is charming, but it has that stupid scene were all the chain gang workers are laughing uproariously at a Mickey Mouse cartoon. It’s totally fake and forced. The same is true with The Lady Eve. I like the cast, Henry Fonda and Barbara Stanwyck, but the whole thing just doesn’t ring true. Ball of Fire by Howard Hawks, which is similar is much better, even though Hawks is one of my favorite directors, I hate some of his comedies like Bringing Up Baby, Monkey Business and I Married a War Bride. But he could do comedy well, like His Girl Friday. But your review was very interesting and I like Rex Harrison in many films. I thought he was quite funny in A Flea in Her Ear, but I can understand how some people would hate that film. Like you say, comedy is subjective.
@@Weiselberry it is on RU-vid ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-j0sdNuzsaDU.htmlsi=9l-jgQTR65n3D1x8 the only reason it came to mind is that it has a cannon films remake starring Faye dunaway and I couldn't help do the compare and contrast thing. I wouldn't probably recommend the remake as it's almost word for word the exact same script but with added sex scenes and nudity, it's actually got a really good cast though including some Oscar winning actors... But it's a cannon film lol I would recommend the original though and Margaret Lockwood is magnificent and I think you may appreciate it. As a British film it has things in it that push the boundaries of the American Hayes code censorship era in my opinion that are surprising to see in a film of that era.
You think I just rattled off all those titles without consulting his filmography? Obviously when I was cross-checking, I missed that one. I own the mistake, but there's no need to get salty about it.
