Nice and easy. The novel upon which this film was based was very funny and timely. This movie suffered a bit in the translation to the screen, but it still had more than enough humor to make it a hit. This was the third duet for Grant and Loy, and a triangular plot-turn with Douglas was
written in to add some spice. Jim and Muriel Blandings are married Manhattanites who must give up their apartment and find new lodgings for themselves and their daughters (Moffett and Marshall). Jim in particular is seduced by the dream of owning a suburban home in the greenery of the country.
Dreaming, though, is much easier than building.
Timely in 1948 in light of postwar housing problems, BLANDINGS survives now primarily by the grace of its cast. Loy proves that she didn't need William Powell to be the "perfect wife", and she has two wonderful moments telling off her jealous husband and explaining the color scheme for her house
to a laconic painter. Grant handles more of the film's farcical elements, yet he still retains the warm sophistication he's so justly famous for. Douglas is as wry as ever, and the fine supporting cast includes gems from Denny and Shannon. There's little originality here--gags are borrowed from
radio's "Fibber McGee and Molly", and much here would be reprised on TV's "Green Acres," but serve up the "Wham" anyway, Gussie! leave a comment
