Copyright 7 January 1944 by Paramount Pictures Inc. New York opening at Loew's Criterion: 22 February 1944. U.S. release: Not recorded. Australian release: 20 July 1944. Sydney opening at the Prince Edward: 7 July 1944 (ran 7 weeks). 7,496 feet. 83 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Unable to find accommodation in war-time Washington, a man and a young lady take jobs as servants.
NOTES: The More the Merrier was not released in Australia until 4 May 1944. Standing Room Only easily outgrossed the original, coming in 15th at Oz ticket windows for the year, whereas The More the Merrier rated nowhere.
COMMENT: Although rushed into production to cash in on the success of George Stevens' The More the Merrier, this comedy about Washington's war-time housing shortage is at least ten times funnier. It is one of those rare treats in which the first half-hour is as funny as the second, and the second is as funny as the third. Under Sidney Lanfield's polished, beautifully-timed direction, MacMurray, Goddard, Arnold and Young give the best performances of their careers!
The screenplay by Darrell Ware and Karl Tunberg abounds in witty lines and amusing situations. We laughed so much it hurt. I fell off my chair at least three times!
Charles Lang Jr's photography is bright and crisp, whilst the sets by art directors Hans Dreier and Earl Hedrick are pleasingly attractive. On a third viewing, this outstanding comedy seemed as fresh and vibrant as ever - maybe because I had forgotten most of it. Goddard, a delight. MacMurray, the perfect butt. Arnold and Kolb stand-out in support.
SYNOPSIS: Unable to find accommodation in war-time Washington, a man and a young lady take jobs as servants.
NOTES: The More the Merrier was not released in Australia until 4 May 1944. Standing Room Only easily outgrossed the original, coming in 15th at Oz ticket windows for the year, whereas The More the Merrier rated nowhere.
COMMENT: Although rushed into production to cash in on the success of George Stevens' The More the Merrier, this comedy about Washington's war-time housing shortage is at least ten times funnier. It is one of those rare treats in which the first half-hour is as funny as the second, and the second is as funny as the third. Under Sidney Lanfield's polished, beautifully-timed direction, MacMurray, Goddard, Arnold and Young give the best performances of their careers!
The screenplay by Darrell Ware and Karl Tunberg abounds in witty lines and amusing situations. We laughed so much it hurt. I fell off my chair at least three times!
Charles Lang Jr's photography is bright and crisp, whilst the sets by art directors Hans Dreier and Earl Hedrick are pleasingly attractive. On a third viewing, this outstanding comedy seemed as fresh and vibrant as ever - maybe because I had forgotten most of it. Goddard, a delight. MacMurray, the perfect butt. Arnold and Kolb stand-out in support.