Easy to Wed {Romance, Comedy}

I haven't reviewed a vintage movie here on the blog for ages. Allow me to acquaint you with a recent find.

Easy to Wed is a film made in 1946 starring Van Johnson, Lucille Ball, Esther Williams and Keenan Wynn

When a newspaper mistakenly publishes a false story labeling a tycoon's daughter Connie Allenbury (Esther Williams) a husband stealer the paper is faced with a serious lawsuit that will only lead to the paper's doom. So, a countersuit must be created or the fictitious story must be executed. Naturally, Warren Haggerty (Keenan Wynn) chooses to concoct a scheme to prove the stories accuracy. 

Involved in his plot is his once enemy Bill Chandler (Van Johnson), who is given the task of not only becoming a married man but then allowing himself to become the object of Connie's eye and interest to create a scandal. Having now the husband, a wife is required. Of all people, the ever-sensitive Warren selects his own fiancee, Gladys Benton (Lucille Ball), to step into the role. Much to Gladys' irritation as Warren has been dodging their union and now to be swapped in as another man's wife. The nerve!

So the players are in place and the game commences. Using all of his charms Bill begins to become close to the aloof and standoffish Connie. Spinning tales of majestic duck hunts and aiding the Allenbury's in avoiding 'unsavory' society company are just a few of his talents. Using these and other expert abilities attained from previous experience as a ladies man, Bill works his way into Connie's good graces. However, that is after some time of wondering who is actually playing with whom. Then, of course, the mistake of sharing some honest truths about her is committed. This proves to be a dreadful error as that opens the door to admit real feelings of affection on both sides.

Oh me, oh my! What is to be done with a man who is wed to a woman who is actually his pal's gal and a girl perhaps too cool to overlook the truth that will surely be discovered?

Now, haha, behind all the flowery word I used to excite interest remains a movie that I found thoroughly and surprisingly delightful. The costumes are enviable (I think I may have said that before about costumes but as it's still true, I'll keep it), comedy that is clean, a scene that includes singing a musical scale while "quacking" (seriously had me laughing out loud. It's one of those scenes where you don't know how the actors kept their expressions neutral.), a haphazard hunting trip, a sweet romance, a rollicking romance, and of course a confusing but altogether happy ending.

Do tell me, have you seen Easy to Wed?

Yours truly,
Cordy