Married and in Love

This is the kind of ordinary chick flic that in the skillfully subversive hands of a Douglas Sirk or a John M. Stahl would sharply comment on the mores and morals of American WASP society, but in the standard issue mitts of John Farrow is, well, an ordinary chick flic. In other words, nothing much stands out here, neither a line of dialogue in S. K. Lauren's ladies bridge club style screenplay nor a performance from any of the four leads. The closest to memorable is Patrick Knowles' study in self pity as the jealous husband while the least has to be Barbara Read's inability to play drunkenness in any but the broadest of forms. However, the person who definitely comes through this dreary exercise with the least amount of professional integrity is director Farrow. I am beginning to think that Mia's dad and Ronan's grand dad's career resembles a baseball team with one slugger ("The Big Clock") and a whole lotta .240 hitters. Give it a C.

Married and in Love is based around the chance meeting of two former lovers Dr Leslie Yates (played by Alan Marshal) and Doris Wilding (Helen Vinson), and the impact of this on their lives and their respective spouses (played by Barbara Read and Patric Knowles).

Though fairly understated dramatically, it is has some interesting insights on love and relationships. At less than one hour long it also does not outstay its welcome. While none of its principals were major stars, they all do a good job, though Barbara Read's so nice character might be a bit grating for modern audiences.

I came across this movie when reading the RKO Story where it was described as "a brittle domestic drama that attracted good critical reports but minimal consumer interest." RKO made some of the more interesting and off beat Hollywood movies during its existence and I have a soft spot for their better efforts (they made their share of unwatchable stuff as well). Of interest also was the director being John Farrow who was behind some good movies such as Alias Nick Beal.

It took a little while to track a copy down (it is not commercial available but has been shown on AMC - I got my copy through ebay) but I found it well worth it.

"Married and in Love" is a B movie from 1940 starring Patric Knowles, Helen Vinson, Alan Marshal and Barbara Read. It is directed by John Farrow.

Dr. Leslie Yates (Marshal) is a successful professional with a book out on dieting; he runs into his ex-girlfriend, Doris (Vinson), a prominent magazine writer. It's obvious she wants to start something up again. He is still attracted to her, but he resists.

Leslie's wife is an unassuming woman, Helen (Barbara Read), who has been a wonderful partner and helpmate. The couple suffered through being broke, and a tragedy, and they got through it. She's excited that Doris has invited them to dinner. They have just recently moved to New York and she hasn't been out much. Leslie is upset that she accepted the invitation, but he goes anyway.

Doris won't leave Leslie alone, despite having a husband (Patric Knowles) herself. They don't seem happy, so it's possible - in fact, probable, that she's cheated with others in her writing studio. He doesn't even know where it is.

Leslie finally gives in and decides to tell Helen.

This is a predictable film, though short and well directed. I had a few problems. I'm an experienced old film watcher - I am betting a lot of people couldn't tell Knowles and Marshal apart. The casting was probably deliberate, to show that Doris never forgot Leslie, but I think it might have been confusing.

Second, maybe it's just me, but I didn't consider Doris this strikingly beautiful prize. Gail Patrick, whom I believe made films at RKO at that time, would have been perfect. Just my opinion.

And third, I felt that the story was foolish. If Leslie had a good marriage, and it seemed that he had, why couldn't he have said, "Look, I went out with this woman for one month x number of years ago. She wants to start something up - if we socialize with her, she'll think I'm encouraging her." But then, of course, one gets into - well, maybe he really did want to - more layers - which in an hour weren't as explored as they could have been.

Nevertheless, the acting is sincere and one does care about Helen, Leslie's wife. She's almost too good, too helpful, too sweet - as opposed to the selfish Doris -- but I liked her, a woman totally devoted to her husband. And it was obvious he loved her.

I liked the ending very much. A satisfying film, if not a classic.