Jinchoge

There were enough movies produced in Japan of this type to warrant its own sub-genre. "Marriage arrangement comedies" would sum it up. In this case, the two eldest of four sisters remain stubbornly single, partly because they are professionals. One is a dentist and the other her assistant.

Why the eldest seems to have had no suitors is a puzzle. She is played by one of Japan's loveliest actresses, Machiko Kyo (Japan's answer to Elizabeth Taylor). But this factor only adds to the comedy and, at times, farce. Her mother and uncle hatch several schemes to find suitor, much to Kikuko's rightful consternation. As a result, a variety of apparently suitable men plead their cases.

It is mostly light and frothy fun, although the tactics of a dentist setting up a rival practice in the neighbourhood have a somewhat darker edge. Recommended.