Just This Once

I recorded this a week or two ago off of TCM and was in no particular hurry to watch it. Yesterday I felt in the mood for a romantic comedy that I'd never seen before. I love Janet Leigh and sometimes record films just to see if they're worth watching. "Just This Once" is one of those rare unexpected treats that come along occasionally and become an instant favorite.

Lawford and Leigh had terrific chemistry. Lewis Stone as the Judge and Richard Anderson as Leigh's fiancé add to a terrific supporting cast. I love how the office workers are involved in the relationship as the movie progresses.

There is a nice plot summary that gives the necessary details. However, "screen magic" is subjective and usually unexpected for me. This is one of those films that the only bad thing about is that now I've already seen it (although it will hold up well on repeat viewings for me and I'm sure for those who like to watch their favorites again and again). The other is that it's not on DVD. But I'll be keeping the recording as long as I can, and there is always hope it will be released:)

If you liked Holiday Affair, this film has a familiar ring. I wouldn't say I like it better, but I'd say I like it as well, and that one was a favorite right out of the gate for me. This is a fluffy piece of romantic comedy with a touch of screwball that is my favorite genre next to British Period Romances.

"Just This Once" moves way up my list of classic comedies as an instant favorite and unexpected treat that I'll look forward to seeing again and again.

What a waste of early Janet Leigh and Peter Lawford. The film is not short on good looks, but its script is tedious. The premise has a lawyer desperately trying to reign in a spoiled trust-fund playboy's spending, and his attempts to justify himself just add to how unlikeable he is, which undermines the whole film. It was a romance I was never pulling for, but confess the moment they have on the ferry, their eyes meeting while they listen to another couple profess their undying love for one another, was a fine one. Don't come expecting a lot of comedy though. The final line was amusing but that was about it for its 91 minutes.

Mark MacLene owes a lot of money to the Internal Revenue Service, banks and others. The problem is that his trust makes $1 million a year, but he spends $150,000 every month. Sam, his board of directors, attorneys and using savings terms hire the thrifty Lucille Duncan to manage Mark's finances. When he received thousands of dollars in gifts and expenses last night, he immediately cancelled his billing account and returned as many gifts as possible. Then Mark gives out a bonus of $50 a week, which is even more disturbing. In order to get rid of Lucy, Mark moved in with her and made sure that Tom was a great help to his boyfriend. Tom now thinks he is going to marry Lucy and lift his strict control.

Trust fund playboy Mark MacLene (Peter Lawford) is in debt to the IRS and others. Using the trust agreement, Judge Samuel Coulter assigns overzealous lawyer Lucy Duncan (Janet Leigh) to be a trustee to oversee the spending. She's a penny pincher and puts him on a tight budget. Her first lesson is to bring him to the Automat for lunch. Her boyfriend Tom grows jealous as she grows closer to Mark.

Janet Leigh is great although I don't always agree with her character's view on money. It's very protestant of her. Fans will enjoy her. I don't see enough difference between Mark and Tom. Certainly, these characters do change over time. Tom needs to be colder and stiffer so the comparison can be made with Mark. Nevertheless, I like the rom-com premise and structure. In general, I like these actors. I would like some minor changes to help with the rom-com chemistry.

Leigh is gorgeous and captivating. She gets to wear some nice outfits and shows a wide range of emotion.

The only problem is the script, which is about worse than a sixth grade reading level and is about as believable as the tooth fairy. The humor attempts fall flat at every turn. Peter Lawford is ok but doesn't have much to work with. Lewis Stone is good as always playing the familiar fatherly character he could have played in his sleep.