It's always a thrill to find a movie, unheralded and not subjected to a ton of hype, that outshines most popular films and certainly current pictures. "Merrily We Live" is such a discovery, confidently written, directed and performed with verve and freshness (even though its 85 years old!) yet as skillfully constructed as a Swiss watch.
While stars like Billie Burke, Constance Bennett, Alan Mowbray and Brian Aherne command one's attention, the supporting roles are just as fine, especially Clarence Kolb (who I grew up with on "My Little Margie") holding things together as the partriarch/straignt man, until he performs slapstick pratfalls brilliantly in the busy, change-of-pace final reel.
While stars like Billie Burke, Constance Bennett, Alan Mowbray and Brian Aherne command one's attention, the supporting roles are just as fine, especially Clarence Kolb (who I grew up with on "My Little Margie") holding things together as the partriarch/straignt man, until he performs slapstick pratfalls brilliantly in the busy, change-of-pace final reel.