You Belong to Me

BARBARA STANWYCK and HENRY FONDA give their all to this worthless little romantic comedy that gives the jealousy angle a workout, with millionaire Fonda becoming insanely jealous of his wife's contact with her male patients while he does virtually nothing for a living.

It's supposed to be hilarious but more often than not it hits a sour note. Fonda is not too likable as a magnificent dope and underplays his role with his usual combination of humility and straightforwardness. His role is so absurd you wish the writers had thought of a more realistic jealousy angle for most of the movie.

RUTH DONNELLY does nicely as a loyal friend, as does EDGAR BUCHANAN as the gardener who speaks words of wisdom. Too bad wisdom isn't more characteristic of the script.

Despite the floundering script, Stanwyck and Fonda make the whole thing look better than it actually is. They have good chemistry together and make the most of whatever humor there is.

A good word too for MELVILLE COOPER as the stuffy butler. But all of them are really wasting their time in this silly romantic comedy.

Barbara Stanwyck is an ambitious physician and surgeon. Henry Fonda is rich but idle. He crashes at her feet on the ski slope then woos her shamelessly while laid up in the lodge. For no particular reason, she allows herself to be talked into marrying him. From there, they move into his mansion, where she tries to continue her medical practice and he sits at home worrying about her male patients.

Yes, it is a silly plot. And it's not dated material so much as it just seems to lack any motivation for the lead characters to behave the way they do: Henry Fonda's character is an unimpressive whiner and Stanwyck's character is dumb enough to fall for him? I guess if anyone could make it work, seems like it might be Stanwyck and Fonda...but I have to say that the darn thing just isn't believable.

The generally disappointing script does include some snappy dialog as well as some good bits for supporting players. Stuffy butler Melville Cooper lords it over Fonda's household and offers slyly bemused commentary on his employer's habits and the upheaval in the household. Edgar Buchanan is good fun as the crusty old gardener who offers down-to-earth pearls of wisdom.

Overall, the cast makes it almost worth watching, and the production certainly looks good. There are some closeup shots of both Stanwyck and Fonda that are quite beautiful.

Man this was a painful watch. This one was almost as irritating as the original Out-of-Towners.

I can't say it enough, Peter Fonda can't do comedy. He is just dreadful in this. His character is so irritating and nauseating I just can't believe they let this one in theaters. As great as Barbara Stanwyck is she can't save this irritating mess. Know way in the world would a sane female/wife stay married to an over-jealous wreck like this character. I know this is suppose to be a romantic comedy but this one isn't even close to being credible.

Skip this one and be grateful that you did.

One of films so predictable than, except the actors, nothing could become interesting. the problem is not exactly the story or the vision of director or the cliches but the impression to discover, more and more, not the inspired choices. Henry Fonda is far to be credible as playboy/ rich man/ jealous husband . the story is for him a huge ice field in which each step is a fall. Barbara Stanwyck has great efforts for build a convincing character. but dr. Helen Hunt is just a sort of weather vane. Roger Clark looks for the right tone for his Vandemer. but the character is like a puzzle with too many lost peaces. the virtue ? it is a perfect film for the viewer who needs a refuge against blockbusters of the new milennium, familiar actors, easy stories and who real has low expectations.

Helen Hunt (Barbara Stanwyck) rescues wealthy fellow skier Peter Kirk (Henry Fonda). She's a doctor and he picks her over the arrogant male house doctor. She is often dismissed as a doctor by sexist attitudes. Kirk is completely taken with her and they get married. With her work taking up most of her time, he grows jealous of her male patients and causes chaos at her practice.

A jealous Henry Fonda is hilarious. These two stars have great chemistry. The story goes into problematic concepts which leaves me conflicted. I've never heard of any such issue although it might be one coming out of the depression. It's wrong-headed and detracts from the movie. It's also missing a third character for a true rom-com. Maybe one of her patients can be elevated. I still recommend this for the two stars but it is problematic.