Thelma Ritter stars as the titular marriage broker, a no-nonsense yet sensitive woman who helps plain Janes and shy fellows find love. When she meets the titular model, Jeanne Craine, on the brink of a romantic disaster, she can't help but give her a nudge in the right direction. They accidentally swap purses, and Thelma finds a love letter written from Jeanne's married lover. Thelma uses compassion, wisdom, and common sense to try and persuade Jeanne to leave him. "I know all about those characters that go around telling a girl, 'You know what I am? I'm a heel.' You know what they are? Heels."
There are some sadder moments in this movie, but most of it is extremely comical and charming. When Thelma helps the lonelyhearts, it's often very funny and true to life. One woman lies about her age, and when she finally reveals the real number, Thelma quips that she'd already written that number down on her registration form. Another client has trouble holding onto a girlfriend, so Thelma has to tell him exactly what to do at all times. She's truly a wonderful woman who, despite her own single status, puts her heart and soul into helping others find love. Sure, she gets a commission whenever there's a wedding, but she continually goes above and beyond the call of duty even when money's not involved. She hosts a Sunday meet-and-greet at her house every week, bakes treats, supplies a warm fire and entertainment, hoping the folks who are shy or unattractive can find someone who sees beneath all that.
For me, the only flies in the ointment are the ending (about which I'm very forgiving) and the romance between Jeanne and Scott Brady. Scott is a former client who jilted his fiancé at the altar because he wasn't ready for a commitment. Within days, Thelma has set him up with Jeanne; they're both clearly rebounding, and Scott rushes Jeanne into the bedroom so quickly, it's hard to see a difference between him and her married fellow. But the rest of the movie is such a gem, it's easy to overlook those little flaws. It has a wonderful message, adorable music, and a very sweet character beautifully portrayed by Thelma Ritter. Plus, as a bonus, western character actor Jay C. Flippen gets to put on a new hat as a Romeo! This delightful, heartwarming comedy inspires love and kindness, and shows there's a little marriage broker in all of us.
For me, the only flies in the ointment are the ending (about which I'm very forgiving) and the romance between Jeanne and Scott Brady. Scott is a former client who jilted his fiancé at the altar because he wasn't ready for a commitment. Within days, Thelma has set him up with Jeanne; they're both clearly rebounding, and Scott rushes Jeanne into the bedroom so quickly, it's hard to see a difference between him and her married fellow. But the rest of the movie is such a gem, it's easy to overlook those little flaws. It has a wonderful message, adorable music, and a very sweet character beautifully portrayed by Thelma Ritter. Plus, as a bonus, western character actor Jay C. Flippen gets to put on a new hat as a Romeo! This delightful, heartwarming comedy inspires love and kindness, and shows there's a little marriage broker in all of us.