Mr. & Mrs. '55

What struck me most was how much Johnny Walker was an integral part of Guru Dutt's directorial ventures, none so much than this where he has almost as equal a part as any of the lead actors and one of the finest songs ('Jaane Kahan Mera Jigar Gaya') filmed on him.

The storyline is a simple comedy though it's a bit uneven. There is even a tangent at social messaging, but that will be best served in his later films( read: Pyaasa).

Songs are quite good and especially, 'Meri Duniya Loot Rahi Thi' showcases how a song can seamlessly blend into the storyline via it's lyrics. One doesn't necessarily need hundred people dancing in choreographed sequences to make a visual impact.

Lalita Pawar is remembered specially for her villainous role in Ramayana (TV), but her acting skills are rigorously shown here ( She did tons of films and did both shades of the character. In Anari 1959, she played quite a positive role).

One of my favorite films of the black&white era. For its time it starts off in a surprisingly modernistic spirit and tone. It is peppered with lighthearted dry humor and some witty dialogs (unusual for a Hindi movie). Madubala is delightful as ever, portraying naiveté and spiritedness - at the same time. There are all-round excellent performances by all, from the main characters to the supporting actors and sidekicks. The songs are classics in their own right.

It leaves you with a wholesome feeling and you are likely to recommend it to others. A more catchy title would have perhaps made this movie better known that it is.

The chemistry between Guru Dutt and Madhubala is fantastic. Johnny Walker proves once again that he is the best side-kick of all time. The tone of the movie is ambivalent in that it is very depressing and optimistic at the same time.The music is incomparable. Simply put: an excellent all around film.

Many parts are very-very progressive and really ahead of its time.

But there's no real representation of feminism - 1. It shows pseudo-feminism i.e. men haters. 2. A woman must get educated then marry the right man of 'her choice' & take care of household 'by choice'.

And they strongly encourage the second one by projecting first one as villain and claiming that serving the family is not equal to slavery. Correct. But are these the only options? Where's the idea to make use of that education and be independent? Financially as well as emotionally. Or both partners equally contributing to household and work outside as well? Be equal in every sense. And marriage should not be the criteria to have a fullfilled life.

I guess it is too much to expect from a 1955 film because even today only a few film manage to pass the Bechdel Test or Mako Mori Test.

This is a very enjoyable movie. It is about an unlikely pair, a poor sad-looking Guru Dutt, and a rich chirpy Madhubala. What you take away from this out-and-out comedy is ten O.P. Nayyar-helmed songs that you will always cherish. What I took away is one particular scene. Keep in mind, I was a school kid then. There is this serious monologue by Gurudutt. He speaks of the sad fate of people and that they don't have roti to eat. Madhubala listens too all this and then adds her two cents - If people don't have roti to eat, why don't they eat bread. I laughed and laughed.