This, another in a long line of Howard Hawks comedies, centers around the absurd in every aspect, the wit and candor of other comedies of the era complacent to take a backseat to physical comedy and the antics of two youthful adults. The two main stars of the film are Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant. Rogers, famous for
the song and dance at MGM, does show off her pipes and happy feet but in a minimal sense. This film better showcases her acting abilities. Grant has already been placed in roles where he's either confused, or nerdy, or subject to public embarrassment. This film has them all in heaping amounts. The science behind the plot on the other hand is troubling. This formula is supposed to make you youthful and invigorated, but instead of changing you to look young, you act young. Now, there are a hundred ways in modern society that you can feel young without going to these lengths, so much of the plot just doesn't translate for modern audiences. This is a steep hill to climb, but it's when Grant and Rogers take said formula together that the film really works. They are both infantile, and their give and take as small children is actually really hilarious. Rogers truly does some of her best work in this film, without playing second fiddle to a certain unnamed dance partner. Also on the billing is legendary starlet Marilyn Monroe, who is far less than trivial to the film, and shows off an early rendition of her later persona as a bubble head with hidden dwellings of intelligence and wit. It's cute and quirky, with many monkeys to spare.
August 8, 2010
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