Made for Each Other (1939)

After a whirlwind romance, young lawyer John Mason (Jimmy Stewart) returns to New York with new bride Jane (Carole Lombard) and the film then follows the ups-and-downs of their first couple of years together. The movie starts out as a screwball comedy (a genre for which Lombard was known), as a stammering John prevaricates while telling his domineering mother the news, followed by an awkward dinner party with the boss (made worse by the first of Jane's unhelpful, obnoxious cooks). After a somewhat unsurprising (to us) surprise (to them) at dinner, the movie teeters back and forth between drama and comedy John's legal career stalls, before diving into straight melodrama involving an aerial race against time, through a blizzard, to bring medicine to a dying child. I didn't find the movie to really shine at any level, there didn't seem to be much 'chemistry' between the romantic leads and the race to save the child was contrived and not particularly compelling. As always, Stewart was good playing his usual 'everyman' and Lombard was fine playing standard characters (the chipper bride, the concerned wife, the frightened mother). Not a standout in either Stewart's long career or Lombard's tragically short one.

What makes a film great? A great cast? Well, this picture has one -- James Stewart as the husband-lawyer, Carole Lombard as the wife, Charles Coburn as the grumpy head of the law firm where Stewart works, and Lucile Watson as the mother-in-law. Okay, so far, so good.And then we need a good plot that is perhaps just a little unique. Well, for much of the film, that's missing here. It's not a bad story, but pretty typical fare as a young couple struggle through acceptance by mother, not enough money, a sick baby...in other words -- life. In some ways, this film is reminiscent of "Penny Serendade" with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne, which was made 2 years later. But there are other films which are also similar. This one is watchable because of the good chemistry among the primary stars. But it's not an exceptional film...but it is good...and worth watching. However, considering I'd heard of the film and its reputation, I was a little let down.There are two high points in this film. The first is when Lombard convinces Stewart to demand a raise and a promotion. What's good about this segment is that the director didn't stoop to the expected scenario where the wife is nagging about it. Instead, Lombard is creating in her husband confidence. What's bad about this segment is that you know exactly how it's going to work out...or pretty much how it will work out. No, he doesn't get fired, but he does take a 25% pay cut. By the way, I'm not sure Stewart plays drunk very well, but I am sure he was a skinny darned thing! The second high point of the film is when the baby comes down with pneumonia, and the only medicine that will save the child is in Salt Lake City in a blizzard. The gruff old boss divvies up the cash to fly the serum east, but the plane crashes. Meanwhile, Lombard and her mother-in-law come to a heart-rending truce. And ultimately, everyone -- including the baby -- lives happily ever after. But this is a dramatic part of the film, and makes watching the early part of the movie...where little happens that is unique...worth your time.Stewart is very good in this role (except for the drunk scene), as is Lombard. Charles Coburn is the blustery old buzzard...again...who redeems himself at the film's conclusion...though this is far from being his most memorable role. Lucile Watson will be mostly unappreciated here...her character isn't very likable. There are a number of wonderful supporting actors here, and although their roles are critical and they do well in them, they have little screen time -- Eddie Quillan, Louise Beavers, Harry Davenport, and Ward Bond.So yes, definitely watch this film, but considering its fame, you may be slightly disappointed.

Terrific comedy which soon falls into dramatic overtones with Jimmy Stewart, Carole Lombard and Lucille Watson providing great acting.Stewart marries Lombard after meeting her during a business trip. He brings her home and she is immediately disliked by mother-in-law Watson. Watson takes the role of the find-fault mother-in-law with relish and in comedy never lets Stewart forget that he could have married Charles Coburn's (the boss) daughter.The young couple can't seem to make it. When Stewart asks Coburn for a raise, Coburn beats him to it and tells that with hard times, everyone must take a 25% pay deduction. When the baby comes, everything seems to go downhill.Now, the picture takes on dramatic overtones with a new year's bout between Lombard and Watson. It looks like this marriage is going, going gone.With the baby's sudden illness, we see how people can come together in times of distress. The cooperating boss, the pilot flying the serum, the understanding maid, quite a difference from nasty Alma Kruger, who quit during a dinner party, and the couple that called the hospital when they came upon the collapsed pilot holding the serum. This sequence basically shows what America is all about.

Manhattan lawyer James Stewart (as John "Johnny" Mason) falls in love at first sight with beautiful Carole Lombard (as Jane), while obtaining a Boston deposition. The happy newlyweds return to New York, but receive a frosty reception from Mr. Stewart's hard-of-hearing boss Charles Coburn (as Joseph M. Doolittle) and his mother Lucile Watson (as Harriet). They had hoped Stewart would marry the boss' daughter, and live in reflective prosperity. While obviously "Made for Each Other", Stewart and Ms. Lombard have trouble making ends meet, especially after baby makes three.The struggling couple must also contend with complaining mother Watson, who moves in, and a series of ineffectual servants. With Lombard and Watson around the house, you have to accept that the "hired help" is around to impress Mr. Coburn and other dinner guests. Esther Dale (as Annie) and Renee Orsell (as Hilda) are funny maids. Louise Beavers (as Lily) offers some helpful advice about eating watermelon; and, she delivers fried chicken on holidays. Eventually, the frothy comedy turns to heavy melodrama. As usual, the David O. Selznick production values are excellent.******* Made for Each Other (2/10/39) John Cromwell ~ James Stewart, Carole Lombard, Charles Coburn, Lucile Watson