Post by petrolino on Sept 2, 2017 22:41:05 GMT
'The Cowboy And The Lady' is a romantic comedy and a western musical rolled into one. Bored socialite Mary Smith (Merle Oberon) is sent to stay at her father's luxury retreat, a mansion in Palm Beach, Florida. Her father Horace (Henry Kolker) is preparing to run for office and wary of bad headlines but her uncle Hannibal (Harry Davenport) realises young Mary is feeling increasingly restless. Mary persuades her fun-loving housemaids Katie (Patsy Kelly) and Elly (Mabel Todd) to take her to the rodeo for a blind triple-date with some cowboys. There she meets Big Stretch Willoughby (Gary Cooper) of Montana who's looking for a workhorse wife to help him raise a family.
'The Cowboy And The Lady' sets a beguiling mood with its ambling pace, cheery atmosphere and relaxed approach to living. If you allow yourself to be drawn into its story, it's hard to let go. The endearing screenplay by S.N. Behrman and Sonya Levien is based on a story by Frank Adams and comic filmmaker Leo McCarey. Director H.C. Potter works his magic by enhancing the awkwardness of every embarrassing moment, a disastrous chain of events instigated by Mary occasionally giving way to moments of love and understanding. Gary Cooper is laid-back as lanky mule skinner Stretch who's stumped by the new-fangled gadgetry of high living. Merle Oberon exercises her gift for dialogue exchange and works effortlessly with a range of different performers; one of my favourite scenes (which showcases Oberon's skills as a physical comedienne) is when Mary has to make her own bed. The supporting cast is wonderful.
There's a fine selection of songs in 'The Cowboy And The Lady' which rolls along gently to Alfred Newman's melodious music score. Treat yourself to a tender film with tears, laughter and song.
Merle Oberon & Gary Cooper
'The Cowboy And The Lady' sets a beguiling mood with its ambling pace, cheery atmosphere and relaxed approach to living. If you allow yourself to be drawn into its story, it's hard to let go. The endearing screenplay by S.N. Behrman and Sonya Levien is based on a story by Frank Adams and comic filmmaker Leo McCarey. Director H.C. Potter works his magic by enhancing the awkwardness of every embarrassing moment, a disastrous chain of events instigated by Mary occasionally giving way to moments of love and understanding. Gary Cooper is laid-back as lanky mule skinner Stretch who's stumped by the new-fangled gadgetry of high living. Merle Oberon exercises her gift for dialogue exchange and works effortlessly with a range of different performers; one of my favourite scenes (which showcases Oberon's skills as a physical comedienne) is when Mary has to make her own bed. The supporting cast is wonderful.
"You see, I don't go out with girls much, generally because I don't like the way they think. I joined this show because I thought maybe somewhere I'd run into one of them that didn't measure everything by how many men she kissed in a week. I guess that sounds funny to you. If you don't mind I think I'll get going. I kinda feel like I need a bath ... On second thought, I think you're the one who needs a bath."
'Break It To Me Gently' - Brenda Lee
There's a fine selection of songs in 'The Cowboy And The Lady' which rolls along gently to Alfred Newman's melodious music score. Treat yourself to a tender film with tears, laughter and song.
