In order to become the richest girl in America, a heiress must marry in haste.In order to become the richest girl in America, a heiress must marry in haste.In order to become the richest girl in America, a heiress must marry in haste.
Photos
Jack Albertson
- Reporter
- (unconfirmed)
Eddie Acuff
- Gas Station Attendant
- (uncredited)
Joseph E. Bernard
- Man Watering Lawn
- (uncredited)
Stanley Blystone
- Police Radio Announcer
- (uncredited)
Hal Craig
- Cop with Summons
- (uncredited)
Ralph Dunn
- Kennel Guard
- (uncredited)
Dick Elliott
- Henry
- (uncredited)
Billy Franey
- Hobo Witness at End
- (uncredited)
Gus Glassmire
- Man
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis is the first feature film in which Lucille Ball received top billing. In less than 20 years she would own RKO, the studio that made this picture.
- GoofsAlthough a good portion of the film takes place driving between New York City and Reno, Nevada, a lot of the time they are obviously driving through the extensive orange groves of southern California.
- Quotes
Anthony Joseph 'Tony' Anthony: I guess ham just brings out the poetry in me. In some people poetry brings out the ham.
- SoundtracksThe Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond
(ca 1745) (uncredited)
Lyrics by Robert Burns
Hummed, whistled and sung by James Ellison with modified lyrics
Featured review
The plot to "Next Time I Marry" could have worked really well. However, whoever wrote the film really missed the mark when it came to Lucille Ball's character, Nancy. It strongly impacted how I liked the film...especially since it's supposed to be a romantic comedy.
When the story begins, Nancy stops at the side of the road and begins offering various men $500! Anthony (James Ellison) could use the money and he accepts...especially when she raises the money to $1000! So what does he need to do for the money? Marry her...a woman he just met!! Why would she do this? Apparently, she's an heiress but can only collect the money if she marries!
As I said, this idea could have worked. But the writer made Nancy unredeemingly selfish and cruel...to the point where it sure wasn't very funny. First, after marrying, she asks him to go get her some cigarettes in a store...and then drives away without him! Second, when he finally learns who he's married and where she lives, he shows up and she tells him to get lost....with no explanation why she did any of this!! To make it worse, Anthony had a dog in the car with her and she just dumped the animal at a kennel. When asked where, she basically said it wasn't important and she couldn't recall the place's name!! But it gets worse. Friends saw her being whisked away by Anthony (after he wants his dog!) and call the police. When the cops see the car and stops them, she claims she was kidnapped and he almost went to jail. But he is able to prove she's his wife....and the police let him go. Then, because she's angry at him and doesn't want to go with him (although he's done nothing wrong), she lights his trailer on fire!!! Why?? All this just makes Nancy seem evil and completely self-centered....and you really feel sorry for her poor husband. Can the film get better and overcome this huge problem as Anthony drives this 'lady' to Reno for a divorce?
This is an odd film and it reminds me of another Lucille Ball film where she played the most vicious person..."The Big Street". In it, she might have even been meaner and more self-centered! I am a person who can like her other films or TVs but still admit she made a few stinkers....and I can't see how either film would help her image with fans. However, I noticed that reviewers for both films totally ignored her nastiness and loved the films. I honestly feel as if they are more affirming their love of Ms. Ball than the films themselves because a rom-com simply is ineffective if you late the leading lady! Had they softened her characters in both, it would have helped tremendously.
So despite its faults is it worth seeing? Yes, but only as a time-passer. Had they softened Nancy more and made her change of heart less abrupt and inexplicable, I could have seen giving it a 6 or 7. As it is, a 4 seems reasonable.
By the way, I saw several reviews that talk about the racism in the film. I just didn't see it this way. Yes, Mantan Moreland plays a chauffer....so what?! Are they suggesting there should be no black characters in the film? I am just very confused by this...especially since, sadly, back in 1938 a job like this or a maid was pretty common for black Americans.
When the story begins, Nancy stops at the side of the road and begins offering various men $500! Anthony (James Ellison) could use the money and he accepts...especially when she raises the money to $1000! So what does he need to do for the money? Marry her...a woman he just met!! Why would she do this? Apparently, she's an heiress but can only collect the money if she marries!
As I said, this idea could have worked. But the writer made Nancy unredeemingly selfish and cruel...to the point where it sure wasn't very funny. First, after marrying, she asks him to go get her some cigarettes in a store...and then drives away without him! Second, when he finally learns who he's married and where she lives, he shows up and she tells him to get lost....with no explanation why she did any of this!! To make it worse, Anthony had a dog in the car with her and she just dumped the animal at a kennel. When asked where, she basically said it wasn't important and she couldn't recall the place's name!! But it gets worse. Friends saw her being whisked away by Anthony (after he wants his dog!) and call the police. When the cops see the car and stops them, she claims she was kidnapped and he almost went to jail. But he is able to prove she's his wife....and the police let him go. Then, because she's angry at him and doesn't want to go with him (although he's done nothing wrong), she lights his trailer on fire!!! Why?? All this just makes Nancy seem evil and completely self-centered....and you really feel sorry for her poor husband. Can the film get better and overcome this huge problem as Anthony drives this 'lady' to Reno for a divorce?
This is an odd film and it reminds me of another Lucille Ball film where she played the most vicious person..."The Big Street". In it, she might have even been meaner and more self-centered! I am a person who can like her other films or TVs but still admit she made a few stinkers....and I can't see how either film would help her image with fans. However, I noticed that reviewers for both films totally ignored her nastiness and loved the films. I honestly feel as if they are more affirming their love of Ms. Ball than the films themselves because a rom-com simply is ineffective if you late the leading lady! Had they softened her characters in both, it would have helped tremendously.
So despite its faults is it worth seeing? Yes, but only as a time-passer. Had they softened Nancy more and made her change of heart less abrupt and inexplicable, I could have seen giving it a 6 or 7. As it is, a 4 seems reasonable.
By the way, I saw several reviews that talk about the racism in the film. I just didn't see it this way. Yes, Mantan Moreland plays a chauffer....so what?! Are they suggesting there should be no black characters in the film? I am just very confused by this...especially since, sadly, back in 1938 a job like this or a maid was pretty common for black Americans.
- planktonrules
- Oct 15, 2021
- Permalink
Details
- Runtime1 hour 5 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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