Merrily We Live (1938) User Reviews

Under-appreciated comedy

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 22 March 2006]

Brian Aherne is a hobo taken in by Billie Burke to be a family chauffeur in "Merrily We Live," also starring Constance Bennett, Alan Mowbray, Bonita Granville, Tom Brown, and Clarence Kolb. The film is basically the same story as "My Man Godfrey" but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it's funnier, though "Godfrey" had the serious undertones (and William Powell) that this movie completely lacks. Unfortunately for "Merrily We Live," it came out at a time when the screwball comedy had had its day. It's so interesting now to see these true gems that suffered from bad timing. "Bringing Up Baby," regarded today as a classic, also suffered at the box office.

The family Aherne comes to work for is never boring. The matriarch, Emily (Billie Burke), is bonkers. She's constantly picking up hobos and hiring them. In the first scene, the last bum in residence has stolen all of the silverware so the family is using all kinds of devices as utensils in order to get through breakfast. The younger daughter Marian (Bonita Granville) spends most of her time fooling around with the chimes so that when the harried butler Grosvenor (Mowbray) tries to ring them, they fall apart. Grosvenor, by the way, keeps his bags packed and ready to go at all times and leaves in disgust at least once a day. When Marian isn't making Grosvenor's life miserable, she's hitting people up for money in exchange for information. Mr. Kilbourne (Kolb) drinks to escape. Jerry, the older daughter (Bennett, who is 19 years older than Granville) seems to be the one who keeps things together. Then she falls for Aherne.

The last scene in this film should be regarded as the ultimate in screwball. It's one of those things you laugh out loud at even when you're alone.

It was commented that Bennett was too old for the role - 34. She definitely was playing a woman in her twenties, but given that Burke was 53, Tom Brown (the son) was 25, and Granville was 15, the ages work out, and those age gaps exist in families. In those days, it was not uncommon, as in my own family, for a woman to have 9 pregnancies and only have three living children spread far apart. Bennett didn't have the best role but she was believable and beautiful. She was almost at the end of her "A" picture leads by 1938. Tom Brown doesn't have much to do but is very good. Mowbray is terrific, as is Kolb, as a man who knows more about what's going on than he pretends. Patsy Kelly plays one of the house staff, and she gives a stagy and loud performance. She's seen to better advantage elsewhere. Burke is a delightful dingbat. Granville is energetic bordering on hyper, as she always was, and she's perfect as the mischievous daughter.

Aherne is very handsome and makes not only a great hobo but a great butler. This was definitely one of his finest roles, and he handles it elegantly.

"Merrily We Live" is a real treat, another lost treasure of the '30s.

pleasant surprise

[mukava991 · 8/10 · 15 July 2007]

Considering the obscurity of this film, it's a big surprise to see how well made, visually rich and entertaining it is, despite, as others have noted, its unoriginal premise. The dialogue is frequently funny but not up to the standard of MY MAN GODFREY - too much of the eccentricity seems to be forced and a bit cutesy but the cast overcomes all. Clarence Kolb steals the film with his masterful slapstick but he's first rate whether playing stern-and- sober, falling-down drunk or warmly empathetic. Though Billie Burke was Oscar nominated as the ditzy society matron mother, her performance here is no better than it was the year before in TOPPER or five years before in DINNER AT EIGHT (now THAT was an award-worthy turn!). Perhaps because this particular role was as over-the-top ditzy as such roles get, Hollywood decided it was time to honor it. What a splendid cast: Constance Bennett in fine form; Brian Aherne at his best - called upon to be elegant, dashing and charming, he accomplishes all three. Cary Grant would have given the character more oomph, but Aherne's reserve works here. Then we have the inimitable Patsy Kelly as a kitchen maid, the underused Ann Dvorak as a predatory Senator's daughter who lusts after Aherne, Bonita Granville as a wild, irrepresible teenage daughter, and last but not least Alan Mobray as the snooty butler being undermined by one indignity after another; his double takes are hilarious. Near the beginning there is an accomplished scene in which Aherne's wheezing jalopy rolls for what seems like a mile down a mountainside until it's totalled: no editing tricks here. Being a Hal Roach film there are of course generous helpings of slapstick, but they're brilliantly staged and expertly carried out by actors who are also capable of delivering deft overall performances. Every actor has at least one extended scene of well staged physical comedy. The opening credits are fun and welcoming: the whole cast is walking through the gates of the property with arms linked, singing the swingy title song. So, even though the concept of this film is derivative, its execution is fresh and alive.

Cute, charming, and very funny, but am I the only one to notice....

[75groucho · 7/10 · 30 August 2005]

...that it's basically a remake of "MY MAN GODFREY"? I can't be the only person to have noticed this. It's a screwball comedy about a hobo taken in as butler for a wealthy but eccentric family. There's the exasperated father, airhead mother, two daughters each with ulterior motives, wisecracking other servants, and the handsome young man who seems a little too polished to be a tramp. Even right down to the closing water-splashing payoff involving the leading man and the ingénue.

But to this film's credit, it's worthy of viewing in its own right. The gags are clever, the dialogue is sharp, and the plot is well-structured and fast paced. Solid screwball comedy with a great cast: Constance Bennett, Billie Burke, Alan Mowbray, Patsy Kelly, and young Bonita Granville. It's a forgotten classic only because people remember MY MAN GODFREY better.

Help, please release to DVD

[vic7077 · 10/10 · 21 January 2005]

Extraordinarily funny and is one of the BEST romantic screwball comedies from the 1930's. This film is comparable and stands the test of time such as"It Happened One Night". Quirky characters and a delightful cast including Billie Burke and Constance Bennett. They don't make 'em like they used to is an appropriate phrase concerning this film. Listen closely as the quick-witted writing shines through. The name of the two dogs,"Get off the rug" and "You too", are as creativity at its best. The individuality of each character's quirkiness as they interact with one another with acceptance is fantastic. I first viewed this movie 20 plus years ago and have not forgotten its quality and humanity factor. Waiting for a DVD release date and hoping for the powers that be to produce this fabulous film in DVD format just cannot be too much to ask.

Charming screwball comedy suffers only in that it has too much going on

[dbborroughs · 7/10 · 14 February 2007]

Screwball comedy directed by Norman Z McLeod the man behind several Marx Brothers and WC Fields films is pure silliness. The plot has a family of semi-crazies taking on a man they think is a hobo to be their chauffeur. He is actually a writer of some renowned. As he navigates the waters of the familial home romance and madness blossom.

I stumbled upon this on Turner Classic Movies and was amused from the very start. Very much akin to My Man Godfrey this film takes things into territory that one would expect from the under appreciated McLeod who always managed to produce a unique form of madness akin to the Warner Brother Cartoons. There are some wonderful set pieces such as the much too late arrivals of everyone in the family, each not wanting to wake the rest of the house,or the fainting at the end both of which produce genuine laughter. Its a pleasure to be hold. I love that the film is populated with a bunch of great characters that you care about and stick with you after the movie ends. This is a wonderful and unsung and seemingly rarely seen movie.

If I have any complaints its perhaps that the film has too many things going on at once. This is a film that easily could have gone for twice its length and not felt forced (a rarity with comedies).

This is a movie to keep an eye out for. Turner Classic movies would be well served to get this into the rotation more frequently or better yet to simply get it out on DVD so everyone can enjoy it.

A Very Merry Movie

[Ron Oliver · 10/10 · 26 May 2004]

A highly intelligent ‘tramp' is hired to become chauffeur for an eccentric, wealthy family.

MERRILY WE LIVE is a prime example of a tremendously funny screwball comedy which has become undeservedly obscure with the passage of time. Bright & breezy, with snappy dialogue and some wonderful performances, it is a complete delight. The production values are excellent and the film's free spirit is perfectly encapsulated by the opening shot in which the principal cast marches arm-in-arm along the estate's long driveway while the credits and title song role.

Suave, sophisticated and just a wee bit naughty, British Brian Aherne is the perfect match for crisply cool blonde Constance Bennett. Their growing attraction to each other, hidden behind a rivalry for intellectual dominance, is great fun to watch. This ‘hobo' has much to teach the rich girl about life & love.

A very fine supporting cast offers much to the film's enjoyment. In one of her best roles, dithering Billie Burke, as Miss Bennett's utterly out-of-touch mother, is a complete joy. Alan Mowbray plays the proper English butler who experiences frequent bouts of emotional distress. Ensconced in the kitchen, tough-talking Patsy Kelly is the family's cook with a strong yen to stir-up some romance with handsome Aherne.

Impressively agile Clarence Kolb is Miss Burke's grumpy husband. Tom Brown & Bonita Granville are their two younger, spoiled children. Philip Reed plays a bullying society Lothario interested in Miss Bennett. Ann Dvorak is a senator's headstrong daughter who usually gets what she wants and what she wants now is Aherne.

Even the smaller character roles can be fun: watch for Sidney Bracey as a sour-faced temporary butler & Willie Best as a very frightened country store janitor.

Not original but well done pleasant viewing

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 28 November 2010]

This was a feature film of the screwball comedy variety produced by Hal Roach studios. As others have said, the plot bears a striking resemblance to "My Man Godfrey", but with enough changes in the plot to make it worth watching. Dizzy but well-meaning socialite Emily Kilbourne (Billie Burke) has a mission in life in trying to reform Depression era "forgotten men". However, all of them so far have managed to violate her trust by running off with some of the family's valuable possessions in the middle of the night. Shabbily dressed Wade Rawlins (Brian Aherne), whose car has just rolled backwards of a cliff, shows up at the Kilbourne estate just wanting to use the phone but ends up Mrs. Kilbourne's latest project. Before he can protest or explain his situation, she makes him a sandwich and makes him the chauffeur. However, this guy is not your typical tramp as he is quite articulate and well mannered. Emily's oldest daughter Jerry (Constance Bennett) first dislikes Rawlins as she feels he is just using her mother like the others, but later she finds herself falling for him as he earns her trust and her friendship.

Unlike "My Man Godfrey" there is no evil member of the Kilbourne family trying to set up or blackmail Rawlins in order to get rid of him and Rawlins seems to have no inner demons as did Godfrey. Instead Rawlins has the upper hand in every situation and seems to be enjoying the show that is the dysfunctional Kilbourne family. Plus the audience is as clueless as the Kilbournes as to who Rawlins' true identity is up to the last five minutes or so. However, it does seem strange that no member of the family ever wonders what this guy's story really is enough to look into it or even question him about it.

Since this is a Hal Roach production, there is plenty of slapstick and sight gags, including a running gag of the dinner chimes that keep falling apart every time the butler rings them and the family trying to use ladles as eating utensils after Rawlins' predecessor has run off with the family silverware.

If you have 90 minutes to kill and want to watch a movie that's lots of fun and has little conflict and no bad guys, I'd recommend this one.

American cinema once again staring down the depression with glamour and masterful comedy.

[gulfandgotham · 9/10 · 8 July 2007]

As has been noted before (often), this is a brilliant screwball comedy and yet somehow "a lost movie." How do such things happen? Fate, I suppose - which is no answer at all.

Do, however,seek out this film when you can find it. I saw it on Turner Classic Movies (God Bless Them), and I will make it my business to gather a crowd when viewing its next showing.

Considering how across-the-board dazzling the film is, I hate to single out anyone, but Clarence Kolb, who plays the always exasperated "pater familias," and whom we have all seen in dozens of movies, here displays a mastery of physical comedy that is singularly impressive and downright hilarious.

Shades of Godfrey

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 10 November 2019]

This was a film I never thought I would see. Not out on DVD it apparently wasn't shown for years. That's a pity because any film with 5 Oscar nods including Best Supporting Actress for Billie Burke should not be lost.

If it looks familiar that's because producer Hal Roach took a lot of themes from My Man Godfrey. The Kilbournes here look a lot like the Bullocks there. Irascible father Clarence Kolb who likes a toot every now and then, scatterbrained mother Billie Burke and three spoiled children. Constance Bennett, Tom Brown, and Bonita Granville.

Brian Aherne is driving along one day and stops to get some water for an overheating engine and the brake slips and his vehicle plunges down a canyon. He walks and looks somewhat disheveled when he arrives at the Kilbourne country home looking for help.

Billie Burke who takes care of tramps as a hobby sizes up Aherne as one and hires him as a chauffeur. If you saw My Man Godfrey I think you have a fair idea where this is going.

Hal Roach impeccably cast this film and some additional ones here are Ann Dvorak as a predatory society girl, Alan Mowbray as a stuffy butler and Patsy Kelly as a down to earth maid. I'm in complete agreement with another reviewer when he says he was impressed by Clarence Kolb's gift for physical comedy.

Sadly the reason that this film was not shown on TV for years was Willie Best at his shufflebutt worst. It was really offensive.

Merrily We Live is an undiscovered gem.

One of the funniest movies of it's time.

[swongy · 10/10 · 8 July 2007]

I really enjoyed "Merrily We Live", because it really made me laugh. It's light hearted and the ending really had me in stitches... It's so refreshing to watch these old movies and not see the violence and bad language that seems to be a must in the movies of today.. The Kilbourn family might not be typical, but they sure do remind us that all families have their own problems. Jerry and Marian make a great sister act and Tom Brown that plays their brother, holds his own too. And let's not forget the one and only Billie Burke, she goes on to play Glinda the good witch in the Wizart of OZ. The cast seems like they had a good time making this movies and Hal Roach had a knack for producing these almost slap stick movies, with just enough flare to keep them funny and not stupid, as so many are in the 90's and 2000's. I would highly recommend this move for family watching..

A healthy child born to the classic "My Man Godfrey". As merry as its title, rather, damn too crazy and humourous.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 25 March 2022]

Merrily We Live (1936) : Brief Review -

A healthy child born to the classic "My Man Godfrey". As merry as its title, rather, damn too crazy and humourous. I believe the 30s were the time when the best comedies were born. Watching William Powell and Carole Lombard's evergreen "My Man Godfrey" (1936) has taught me so much about real good comedies that we have been missing in the last eight decades. Lava's chauffeur was too intelligent, whereas Norman McLeod's tramp is too charming. I'd like to avoid the comparisons here, but yes, Godfrey is a better film by far. Merrily We Live isn't as great as My Man Godfrey, but it is definitely the best after that. If Godfrey is a father, then Merrily is a healthy child born to him, even though he didn't beget it. Matron of the dizzy society Emily Kilbourne has a habit of hiring ex-cons and hobos as servants. Her latest find is a handsome "tramp" who shows up at her doorstep and soon ends up in a chauffeur's uniform. He also catches the eye of her pretty Geraldine with his charm, but she isn't the only one who wants him. The film has fantastic crazy humour throughout the runtime, and it will please all age groups because it isn't intelligent. It's just funny, and that's what it's supposed to be. Did I tell you how hilariously funny the dialogues are? What a freaking one-liner it has got. Complete madness and definitely gag material. "You can't desert until after dessert." The names of the dogs, the queer family, the crazy mother, the dinner table discussion, that phone conversation, the party scene, the sweet flirting, bla bla. The list goes on. That's how good the writing is, and the screenplay supports it very well. Brian Aherne is no William Powell, but he's pretty nice as the Tramp, Wade. Constance Bennett looks gorgeous and carries the glamour along with the madness nicely. I have seen some of McLeod's much talked about and well known films, but I don't understand how this one has remained so underrated. Come on, hype it up, fellas.

RATING - 7.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

My Man Topper

[1930s_Time_Machine · 5/10 · 19 July 2023]

Although based on the same book as MY MAN GODFREY, this reminds me more of the TOPPER films in its humour, probably because it's a Hal Roach film, it's got the same writers, got a lot of the same cast and also directed by the same Norman McLeod. There's also a bit of THREE CORNERED MOON thrown in for good measure.

Compared with them, this is neither as interesting nor as funny. It's ok, it's reasonably watchable (thus the 5 out of 10 score) but nothing memorable.

Even MY MAN GODFRY (which I didn't like too much either) had a bit of social commentary in it but this misses a trick in just going for laughs. Without finding out who the characters are and what makes them tick, you can't empathise with them which is ok in a really funny, zany comedy but when there's an actual story going on like in this, you need a little more, you need the characters to be real people.

The cinematography in this bizarrely was Oscar nominated - I can't think why - I thought it was awful. Even though this is not in any way, derived from a play (it's derived from another film!) it is filmed in a very stagey way as though they only had one camera and its wheels on it had got jammed and to compensate Norman McLeod just had everyone run around a lot; not his best work. Watch TOPPER instead!

Constance Bennett, Brian Aherne and Billie Burke

[drednm · 2 September 2005]

A quickie knock-off of My Man Godrey (1936) and reunion of director Norman McLeod with several Topper (1937) stars, Merrily We Live is an OK comedy with bursts of brilliance thanks to a top-notch cast. I'm not sure why McLeod directed so many comedies; he never seems to gets the pacing right. In this film as well as the first two Topper films, there always seem to be those long dull stretches while you just wait for someone to do something.

Constance Bennett stars as the rich girl who lives with her daffy parents--Billie Burke and Clarence Kolb--along with her siblings--Bonita Granville and Tom Brown-- and some servants--Alan Mowbray, Patsy Kelly, and Marjorie Kane.

The mother is always taking in tramps (forgotten men) and making them butlers or chauffeurs. Along comes Brian Aherne, whom she assumes is a bum and makes her chauffeur. Of course the sparks fly between Bennett and Aherne, especially when a dinner guest drops out (leaving 13) and Aherne filling in at the table. Far too many similarities between this film and My Man Godfrey, including a cold-water dowsing of the female star.

Merrily We Live boasts some really good performances by the entire cast. especially Billie Burke (Oscar nomination), Kolb, Mowbray, Granville, and Brian Aherne. Late in the film, Ann Dvorak and Marjorie Rambeau show up at the dinner party, as does Willie Best in a very tacked-on scene. Philip Reed is the rejected boyfriend.

Despite 5 Oscar nominations, I had always heard this film was a flop. Hard to say. Bennett is loose and funny and was still a major star, and she gets top billing alone. Certainly worth a look just to see Billie Burke as her silliest!

A Screwball Comedy More Physical Than Most

[tonstant viewer · 6/10 · 26 September 2005]

Somebody at Hal Roach Studios saw "My Man Godfrey" and decided to cash in. A grumpy captain of industry, a ditsy society dame, a house servant who is more than he seems, and a confused blonde heroine who falls madly in love are the pillars of this "me too" movie.

The difference is in the emphasis. The dialog here is notably flat and predictable, distinctly lacking in the wit and polish of the finest screwball comedies. The cast seems a little defensive about their threadbare lines, with uncharacteristic mugging from Constance Bennett, a disoriented Brian Aherne, and Alan Mowbray dangerously close to the limit. Billie Burke struggles valiantly with dialog that would have worked better on Gracie Allen. Ann Dvorak is unrecognizable (whatever happened to her here?), and Patsy Kelly knows what to do but isn't given enough of it. Willie Best is good at what he does, but we wish he weren't asked to do that.

I know Norman Z. McLeod can direct actors better than this - "Horse Feathers," "It's a Gift" and "Topper" are all priceless, must see's, and much better remembrances of what this man was capable of.

Norbert Brodine's cinematography is, as usual, too silky for the occasion. But what is most valuable about this movie is the physical humor. The Hal Roach studios, the folks that gave us Harold Lloyd and Laurel and Hardy, set up and deliver some genuinely astonishing and successful slapstick, with 64-year-old Clarence Kolb coming close to stealing the picture with his drunken encounter with a staircase and a nicely evolved battle with a kitchen door.

Don't expect Ben Hecht- or George Oppenheimer-level dialog here. When all is said and done, the pratfalls are what you will remember from this film.

Great forgotten comedy

[preppy-3 · 10/10 · 3 March 2006]

Rich, scatterbrained Emily Kilbourne (Billie Burke) has the habit of bringing in down-on-their-luck, homeless men to help them much to the disgust of her husband and children. They usually rob her blind and leave. Then Wade Rawlins (Brian Aherne) who just LOOKS down and out enters her life and she invites him in and he starts to change the whole family...for the better.

The plot IS predictable but this is still a very funny screwball comedy. The script is great with one liners flying fast and furious. The entire cast is up for it--Burke is just great and received an Oscar nomination for her performance; Aherne is just OK; Constance Bennett is wonderful as Jerry who falls for Rawlins and Alan Mowbray has some very funny sequences as the family butler. Catchy title tune too (also nominated for an Oscar).

The romance between Bennett is Aherne is a bit too predictable and there's a very rushed ending. Also an offensive black stereotype is thrown in at the end. Still this is a fast, funny, wonderful film that deserves to be better known. Recommended.

Good luck finding a good print--the only one available is in terrible condition.

Crazy Family 101....or....just like your family?

[nomoons11 · 7/10 · 15 December 2012]

I always like to see these films where the whole family is a tad...let's say different.

A wealthy family of oddballs lives in a nice house and the wife, played by Billy Burke, has a habit of taking "forgotten men" into their home and trying to rehabilitate them. One leaves and decides to steal all the silverware in the house and she just about decided to never bring anther one in her house. Along comes a guy who's car happens to break down and then proceeds to roll backwards into a gorge. He goes to their house for the intended purpose of using their phone to call someone about the mishap with the car. Of course, he can't get a word in edge wise and she decides he's a "forgotten man" and promptly gives him a job as the chauffeur. The 2 daughters, Constance Bennett and Bonita Granville both have a crush on him. The oldest one grows to like him and he notices her not so subtle advances. Will they fall in love? Will they realize who he actually is?

In between there's lots of fun and clever dialog. Big credits for the casting in this. Each character gets to shine and leaves a memorable footprint in your brain. This was Bonita Granville's high mark playing the spoiled brat role she did so well. Unfortunately this film gets paired off with "My Man Godfrey" but it's really not the same film. This one is total comedy and the story is a smidge different. Mentioning Godfrey, you should get an idea of what it's like but trust me, it stands on it's own.

Are they just a nutty well-to-do family or are they just like your family? Be prepared to laugh and judge for yourself.

In Praise of Clarence Kolb

[lolarites-68701 · 9/10 · 27 May 2018]

I absolutely love this screwball. I don't care if it's a Godfrey remake or not. It's full of heavy hitters from Patsy Kelly to Alan Mowbray (who was in Godfrey) to Constance Bennett and Billie Burke. It seems no screwball can be without Billie in it. However, to me, it's Clarence that makes it all worthwhile. He can't do anything without making me laugh. His attempts at trying to rein in his family alway make things worse. He does this spectacular pratfall in the kitchen that had me howling. He was obviously very athletic and coordinated to pull it off. I wonder how many takes it took. I loved him on Margie and every time he would bellow "Albright, you're fired!" I would laugh, but this is really his show. I wish we had wonderful character actors like him around now, but sadly they are all gone. I love the way the two great Danes played him too. He played the stooge to everyone. I suspect Preston Sturges had something to do with this, but there is no mention of him. It's so unfortunate how some gems like this one get buried and forgotten when they could be making so many people happy.

Lesser Known "My Man Godfrey"

[evanston_dad · 7/10 · 25 February 2019]

"Merrily We Live" is a lesser-known screwball comedy that shares much in common with "My Man Godfrey." Rich society family takes in bum and finds out he's not who they think he is. This one starts out with verve and energy, sags a bit in the middle, and then rebounds at the end with some truly funny physical comedy.

Brian Aherne stars as the "bum" and Constance Bennett as the oldest daughter and love interest, but it's Billie Burke (Oscar nominated as the ditzy matriarch) and Clarence Kolb as the dad who get the lion's share of the film's laughs. Kolb especially is deft at pratfalls.

"Merrily We Live" received a lot of attention from the Academy. In addition to its Best Supporting Actress nomination for Burke, the film scored noms for its art direction, cinematography, sound recording, and its warbly title song, none of which is remarkable. But these were the days of up to a dozen nominees per category and studios were allowed to put forward films for guaranteed nominations, so they're not necessarily indicative of quality.

Grade: B+

Hysterically funny!

[poealexan · 8/10 · 29 August 2005]

Unlike "Ninotchka" (1939), with its witty innuendos and tight screenplay, "Merrily We Live" is a wacky, completely irreverent screwball comedy, similar to the style of "Philadelphia Story" (1940)or "Bringing Up Baby" (1938). I laughed through the whole movie, sometimes so hard I couldn't even breathe! It is a tongue-in-cheek look at philanthropy, and thoroughly joyous. Billie Burke is brilliant, Brian Aherne a handsome and charming rogue, and Constance Bennett lovely and amusing. I too wonder why this has not been released on DVD. After all, it did garner five Academy Award nominations (but won nothing). What does it take to get MGM to release this on DVD?

Merrily or Silly Live We **1/2

[edwagreen · 6/10 · 27 February 2006]

Very familiar plot to "My Man Godfrey" regarding butlers in upper class society.

Oscar nominee Billie Burke is a complete ditz in this film. As an upper class matron, she can't remember much and cracks such lines as to the chauffeur: "Do you drive?" To a U.S. senator: "The last time I visited Washington it was for a coronation."

Her eldest daughter played with a sexy sarcasm, by Constance Bennett appears much older than her 2 movie siblings-Bonita Granville and Tom Brown. In most scenes, she looks like their parents!

The plot really gets going when the butler, who is about to be fired (Brian Aherne) is mistaken for one of the dinner guests and becomes romantically entangled with the visiting senator's daughter. This gets Bennett jealous.

Patsy Kelly's comedic gifts are not taken to full advantage here. Some funny moments but the plot and outcome are so predictable.

Bringing Up the Chauffeur

[JohnHowardReid · 9/10 · 4 August 2012]

Copyright 28 February 1938 by Loew's Inc. New York opening at the Capitol: 17 March 1938 (ran one week). The VintageFilmBuff DVD runs 86 minutes.

NOTES: The stage play on which the movie is allegedly based, "They All Want Something", opened on Broadway at Wallack's on 12 October 1926 and ran 63 performances. Tennis ace, Bill Tilden, played a young millionaire who masquerades as a tramp.

The movie was nominated for no less than five of Hollywood's most prestigious awards: Best Supporting Actress, Billie Burke (won by Fay Bainter in Jezebel); Best Photography (won by Joseph Ruttenberg for The Great Waltz); Best Art Direction (won by Carl J. Weyl for The Adventures of Robin Hood); Best Sound Recording, Elmer Raguse (won by Thomas Moulton for The Cowboy and the Lady); Best Song (won by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin for Thanks for the Memory). Oddly, the clever screenplay with its wacky but believable situations and engagingly witty dialogue did not receive any nominations.

COMMENT: Here we have a well-loved movie, beautifully made by some of Hollywood's best talents – both in front of and behind the camera – that still holds up well in 2012. In other words, it offers grand entertainment thanks to its amusing script, the charisma of its players and the stylish, punchy direction. On the other hand, the film just missed out on Hollywood's premier awards, is rarely broadcast on TV, and is no longer available on DVD. A pity! I regard this as by far Brian Aherne's best performance. For once he has a role that not only suits his personality right down to the ground, but that he can play with flair. Despite the best efforts of such accomplished scene stealers as Billie Burke and Alan Mowbray, Aherne dominates the movie with seemingly effortless ease and even manages to transcend the fleeting impression of a photographed stage play that some of the other players – particularly Clarence Kolb – give us from time to time. (Mind you, although Kolb overplays the role, he still delivers at least one really astonishing surprise). As usual in a 1930s movie, the support cast, led by the delightfully obnoxious Phillip Reed and the wonderfully pained Sidney Bracey – and not to forget the super-lovely Ann Dvorak – also gain their share of our admiring attention.

Defines "SCREWBALL COMEDY" !!!

[cshep · 7/10 · 12 February 2007]

If you can take such a HIGH level of over the top offness and mayhem, then you will totally enjoy the blend of Hijinx and Antics that continually stir the Screwball plot !!!

The bulk of the story takes place at stately Kilbourne Manor where Mrs. Emily Kilbourne (Billie Burke, pre Wizard of Oz) has the nasty habit of taking in ne'er do wells that are victims of their own fate, and leech off of the fortune of others. The Kilbourne family children , hip to this fact, do everything to dissuade dear mother from her misguided philanthropic ways. Enter incognito Novelist E.Wade Rawlins(Brian Aherne), whose jalopy has met an unfortunate fate traveling thru the hills . He stumbles upon the Kilbourne family. There in lies the story. Mix in the stern stubborn grouchy patriarch Henry Kilbourne(Clarence Kolb), precocious daughters Jerry(Constance Bennett) and Marian (Bonita Granville),and son Kane(Tom Brown) Kilbourne. The voice of reason and the common denominator is deftly played by Alan Mowbray, the butler Grosvenor, who is always being pushed into a state of angst.

Aherne displays a terrific range of his acting ability. Billie Burke plays the screwball matriarch to the 9's.Pasty Kelly is charming as the maid. So if you enjoy a look at high class oddballs 1930's style then try this film. I gave it a 7. A little lower than "Arsenic and Old Lace " in anxiety levels.

The subtle moments barely register amidst all the noise...

[moonspinner55 · 4/10 · 22 November 2008]

Although uncredited, "Merrily We Live" was based upon Courtenay Savage's play "They All Want Something" (by way of E. J. Rath's book "The Dark Chapter") and it has been directed as such, with stage-left to stage-right action, swinging doors and pratfalls, and kooky behavior designed to reach the back rows. Billie Burke plays a wealthy wife and mother of three who has a history of taking in hobos in order to reform them. She mistakes novelist Brian Aherne for a homeless tramp and hires him to be the family's chauffeur; he's happy to do it since that means flirting with Burke's eldest daughter, Constance Bennett. Subtle moments in this household, such as a heart-to-heart chat between father and daughter, get trampled by the frenetic screwball, though there's a funny butler who keeps threatening to quit, a sassy kid sis, and some amusing lines (mostly between the staff). The plot is just a throwaway--it seems written around the wisecracks--however Aherne and Bennett have good chemistry (he leans heavily on his slick charm, while her blithe performance helps disguise the fact her character never makes much sense). There's no narrative flow at work, and the scenes are designed as set-pieces--each with its own sight-gag. It's certainly fast-paced...and it slides right out of the memory just as quickly. ** from ****

A great comedy, to be treasured

[lor_ · 13 October 2023]

It's always a thrill to find a movie, unheralded and not subjected to a ton of hype, that outshines most popular films and certainly current pictures. "Merrily We Live" is such a discovery, confidently written, directed and performed with verve and freshness (even though its 85 years old!) yet as skillfully constructed as a Swiss watch.

While stars like Billie Burke, Constance Bennett, Alan Mowbray and Brian Aherne command one's attention, the supporting roles are just as fine, especially Clarence Kolb (who I grew up with on "My Little Margie") holding things together as the partriarch/straignt man, until he performs slapstick pratfalls brilliantly in the busy, change-of-pace final reel.