The Mating of Millie

In this likable movie yes: He is. And also cast against type is the title character. Evelyn Keyes wrote one of the very first racy autobiographies and was married numerous times, to exciting men. Yet here she is a stern businesswoman. And her nickname is Butch! The title itself sounds like the title of a monograph my for an animal husbandry course. It couldn't be less romantic. Indeed, Millie's reason for wanting to be -- well, mated is originally not romantic at all. She wants to adopt a neighbor's child.

She thinks Ford would be a good husband, which she learns she must have. But she finds two other suitors. They seem quite unlikely, as cast.

The movie is fun and stylish. Keyes is fitted out in the most unrevealing clothes imaginable. This is true even when she is glamorized. They're pretty but look like slimmed-down versions of clothing Margaret Dumont might have worn.

Enjoyed this great entertaining film with Glenn Ford,(Doug Andrews) who is looking for a job after being in the Army and goes to the personnel department of a large department store and meets the store personnel manager, Millie McGonigle,(Evelyn Keyes). Millie interviews Doug and finds out he would like to be a floor walker in this department store. Doug notices that Millie is very concerned with a young boy she is fond of and wants to adopt, however, she needs a husband and so Doug tries to help her find a husband who likes children and is attracted to Millie. This is a very funny film with all kinds of funny situations between Evelyn Keyes and Glenn Ford. Evelyn Keyes had a nice role in "Gone With The Wind" and after this film Glenn Ford went on to make many great films which brought him to great fame on the silver screen. Enjoy.

After giving Evelyn Keyes the star treatment in JOLSON STORY, her studio failed to promote her in anything but some innocuous follow-up films with the exception of one or two films. This is one of the better ones.

THE MATING OF MILLIE is a frolic that was probably turned down by Rita Hayworth and given to GLENN FORD and EVELYN KEYES. Whatever, it ignites real sparks as a comedy, telling a story about a woman who must find a husband if she wants to adopt a little boy. The screenwriters find a number of amusing situations for Glenn and Evelyn and they make the most of their rather offbeat roles.

It's their flair for comedy that makes the simple plot so enjoyable. WILLARD PARKER is excellent as a bachelor friend who never notices Keyes until she gets some "warm-up" advice from Ford about how to catch a man. Before you know it, he's on her doorstep asking to borrow a cup of sugar.

RON RANDELL is the head of an orphanage who also has designs on Keyes but is a realist about the situation. The predictable happy ending is in sight long before it actually happens, but it's given a charming treatment. Movie buffs will recognize MABEL PAIGE as Keyes' friendly elderly neighbor.

As predictable as it is, it's still a charmer.

It's like "Auntie Mame" (1958), if Mame were a straightlaced business woman instead of a partier. It's like Mame with less comedy and more schmaltz.

F "Auntie Mame" were a black and white film, in which Mame was required to find a husband and be a career woman before Patrick could come live with her, this would be it. And I love "Auntie Mame", so naturally I like this.

Best part: the Alaska synchronicity, which shows destiny is always at work in our lives, even when we think it's just us.

Worst part: that weird kiss thing the kid does! Just a simple peck on the check would have sufficed- little guy!

Overall though, good movie!

A simple story admirable presented. A young woman, married with her job, a bus driver at the end of his patience, a kid changing their life and a noble cause served by many small events. The basic virtue of film - to give all the flavors of old fashion cinema, from the smart construction of story to the delicate humor and romance . Short, delightful.