Edmund Gwenn and Charles Coburn were both wonderful character actors who enhanced many, many films with their charming presence. However, normally a Hollywood film of their era only featured one cute or grouchy old man...and that is why I love "Louisa" as it has a double dose of these guys with BOTH Gwenn and Coburn.
When the film begins, Hal Norton (Ronald Reagan) has come home with great news. However, he's very annoyed to see that instead of celebrating with him, his wife is in a tizzy because Hal's mother, Louisa (Spring Byington) is bored...and when she has nothing to do, Louisa sticks her big nose into everyone's business. So, after Hal talks to her, she decides she needs to get a life of her own outside this home. Soon, she begins dating...first with Mr. Hammond (Gwenn) and later with Hal's boss, Mr. Burnside (Coburn). Both men are absolutely infatuated with her and soon begin to make total fools of themselves...like a couple love-sick 16 year-olds! And as for Hal, he seems to be having a serious Oedipal fixation, as he's really hot and bothered that these men want his mommy.
Overall, this is a silly, fun and light-hearted film...the sort that they just don't make any more...but should. Cute and enjoyable from start to finish.
