Easy Living (1937)

I wish they still made movies like this!

This is a great little film that shows how clever and funny some of the old 39's and 40's movies can be. With a cast of actors that frequented movies by classy directors like Capra and Sturges, the movie has all the pieces to make a successful romp.

This is definitely slapstick, and if you get squeamish with scenes of total destruction, there will be a time or two when you will want to close your eyes! However, I am not a fan of that type of destruction, and I thought the movie was terrific. Jean Arthur is quite adorable and endearing in most of what she does, and I would have to say she lives up to that in "Easy Living" as well. Her character comes across as sincere and believable, and this allows her "antics" to succeed.

Ray Milland and Edward Arnold are also very good. They don't necessarily have momentous occasions, but they provide the solid acting that you would expect from them. Of course, William Demarest has his almost obligatory appearance in the movie, and he always adds a little spice. (He was in nearly every single big movie that Sturges was involved in.)

Anyway, if you like corny screwball/slapstick comedies that are funny and clever, try "Easy Living." This is great for when you want something that is relaxing and not too long. It's really hard to not smile/laugh during this film!
October 22, 2008

The bull of broad street... with a girl... in the sable-est sable coat they ever sabled!

Easy Living is a screwball adaptation on the classic fairy-tale of Cinderella, Jean Arthur style!

Luck smiles on Mary Smith(Jean Arthur) when the fanciest of all fur coats flies right into her lap, and the owner insists on her keeping it! To top it all off he buys her a brand new hat to go with it, and soon insanity follows!

Mary gets let go from her job and she's got nowhere to turn! At the automat she meets the handsome John Ball, Jr.(Ray Milland) whose eager to lend her a helping hand, that is until he too leaves his job for helping her! They both seem to be in a bit of trouble; that is until people start making guesses and think Mary is having an affair with J. B. Ball-The bull of Broad St!

A very enjoyable, classic 30's Paramount Feature! August 31, 2008

"Say What's The Big Deal Anyway?"

"Easy Living" is a light-hearted comedy romance ala '37 that is sure to provide an enjoyable diversion for anyone who loves the classic oldies. It's certainly not one of the more well-known feature films of that era but it still delivers the naïve and innocent charm that we all like to harken back to now and then.

Footnote: If you like foreign films you might want to pick-up a copy of 'Kis Kis Ki Kismat' a Hindi film released within the last couple of years. It's a remake of this one only Bollywood style starring the stunning Mallika Sherawat. August 10, 2008

Easing Living

Fun movie - enjoyed it greatly. What a fun way to spend a weekend morning, listening / seeing an older movie that was just a delightful escape. Glad I purchase it! August 9, 2008

Easy Living

Easy LIving is a fun and unconventional film that is typical of Jean Arthur. I love her. July 14, 2008

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