THE MORE THE MERRIER (1943)

During WW2, Washington, D.C. had a housing shortage, so Jean Arthur feels it's her patriotic duty to rent out the extra bedroom in her apartment. She intended on renting it to a female, but older gentleman Charles Coburn fast talks her and before she knows what's going on he's unpacking. Not knowing that she's engaged, Coburn decides to play Cupid and rents out half of his room to a military guy (Joel McCrea) who's about to be shipped overseas. Romantic hijinks ensue...with Arthur not Coburn.

The story is pretty standard stuff, but watching these three together is a delight.  McCrea and Coburn's chemistry together is a lot of fun to watch and Arthur is simply wonderful. If you're a classic movie fan then this is a must watch.  Highly recommended.

THE TALK OF THE TOWN (1942)

Cary Grant is a factory worker who's framed for a fire that killed a person. He's innocent, but the jury is out for blood, so he escapes and conveniently just happens to hide in the attic of a house Jean Arthur is preparing to rent to one of the greatest legal minds in America! I'm sure you can figure out the rest.

TTOTT is an alright film (mostly in part to Jean Arthur's performance), but the combination of serious drama and romantic comedy falls flat on both fronts.  The beginning of the film leans more towards the comedy with some moments even stepping into screwball territory (Arthur trying to hide Grant in the house) and those bits are very enjoyable, but then the drama takes over and everything slows way down. That's too bad because this film has the makings of a great comedy.  Director George Stevens and Jean Arthur would make up for it just a year later with the delightful THE MORE THE MERRIER.

As far as THE TALK OF THE TOWN goes, it's good for a single viewing, but that's about it. Overall, it's pretty forgettable.