The Marrying Kind (1952)

TOMATOMETER

67%

——

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

61%

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Movie Info

A master blend of comedy, domestic drama and sudden tragedy, The Marrying Kind remains one of the best collaborations between star Judy Holliday, screenwriters Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon, and director George Cukor. The film begins at the end, with married couple Florence and Chet Keefer (Judy Holliday and Aldo Ray) seeking a divorce. Both parties state their cases before understanding judge Carroll (Madge Kennedy)--whereupon the story of their marriage unfolds in a series of revelatory flashbacks. After an amusing recap of their courtship days, the film details the many major and minor trials and tribulations of married life. In the film's most unforgettable sequence, one of the couple's children dies by drowning while Florence and Chet are obliviously engaged in one of their petty squabbles. Throughout the testimony, the Judge gives equal time to both parties, and in so doing demonstrates that all aspects of marriage work both ways. In the final scenes, the Judge allows the Keefers to reconsider their impending divorce, but not before offering a few understanding and unobtrusive words of advice. Judy Holliday is in top form, while Aldo Ray delivers what may be his finest performance. Featured in the cast as Ray's sister-in-law is Peggy Cass in her film debut.

Cast

Judy Holliday
as Florence Keefer
Aldo Ray
as Chet Keefer
Madge Kennedy
as Judge Carroll
Sheila Bond
as Joan Shipley
John Alexander
as Howard Shipley
Rex Williams
as George Bastian
Phyllis Povah
as Mrs. Derringer
Peggy Cass
as Emily Bundy
Mickey Shaughnessy
as Pat Bundy
Griff Barnett
as Charley
Susan Hallaran
as Ellen
Barry Curtis
as Joey (age 4)
Christopher Olsen
as Joey (age 6)
Wallace Acton
as Newhouse
Elsie Holmes
as Marian
Joan Shawlee
as Dancer
Thomas Browne Henry
as Mr. Jenner
Frank Ferguson
as Mr. Quinn
Don Mahin
as Roy
Larry J. Blake
as Benny
Tommy Farrell
as Cliff
Gordon Jones
as Steve
John Elliott
as Minister
Tom Browne Henry
as Mr. Jenner
Joe McGuinn
as Bus Driver
Richard H. Gordon
as Lawyer
Patrick Butler
as Child
Malan Mills
as Charlotte
Charles Bronson
as Eddie
Nancy Kulp
as Edie
Robert Hartley
as Musician
Charles Brewer
as Musician
Johnnie Kiado
as Musician
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Critic Reviews for The Marrying Kind

All Critics (6) | Top Critics (1)

Despite its buoyant tone and comic energy, George Cukor's drama of scenes from a marriage, as viewed in flashback by a couple in divorce court, is a scathing work of New York neorealism.

Aug 1, 2016 | Full Review…
New Yorker
Top Critic

Frighteningly grim story.

Aug 8, 2008 | Full Review…
Classic Film and Television

The acting of Judy Holliday (for which the part was written) and Aldo Ray is good, but what starts as a comedy changes to a melodrama that uncharacteristically of Cukor's work is condescending to the little people.

Dec 16, 2007 | Rating: B- | Full Review…
EmanuelLevy.Com

It never captured my imagination.

Jun 21, 2007 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Immensely charming comedy-drama

Oct 7, 2004 | Rating: 4/5
Kalamazoo Gazette
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Audience Reviews for The Marrying Kind

An average romantic comedy for the fifties, with a predictable story and ending, it's not all that exciting or interesting except if you're a fan of someone in the cast.

Aj V
Aj V

Super Reviewer

½

Funny, sad and compelling drama featuring perhaps Judy's best performance.

jay nixon
jay nixon

Super Reviewer

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