The More the Merrier (1943)

 George Stevens' "The More the Merrier"


The 1943 romantic comedy "The More the Merrier" signaled an end to an era for both director George Stevens and lead actress Jean Arthur, who made the film to finalize their contract with Columbia Pictures. After making this comedy, George Stevens traveled to North Africa with the U.S. Army's combat photography unit. After returning from the war, he would never make another comedy again and instead would focus on dramas and westerns. As for Jean Arthur, who is the one who got the production for the film off the ground, finished her contract with Columbia and only made 4 more films after. She ended up retiring from film all together in 1953. 

The story centers on Jean Arthur's Connie Milligan, who agrees to rent part of her apartment to wealthy retiree, Benjamin Dingle, and soldier Joe Carter, due to the housing shortage in Washington D.C. in the middle of World War II. Although Connie is engaged to the unexciting Charles Pendergast, she becomes fond of Joe. When Dingle notices their interest in each other, he attempts to play matchmaker, but ends up causing problems for the entire apartment.

I felt as though the World War II housing crisis was going to be a major thematic component to the story. However, it was merely a backdrop. The real crux of the film is the romance between Connie and Joe, with comedic aspects coming from Dingle and his meddling. Because of this, I felt disinterested in the film. Despite this, it wasn't a total waste of time, as there were plenty of interesting moments and situations of comedy that made the film a mildly entertaining affair.



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