Darling, How Could You!

Darling, How Could You! is a charming 1951 comedy film starring the renowned Joan Fontaine and John Lund. Born from the combined genius of playwright James M. Barrie and director Mitchell Leisen, this film provides a delightful balance of humor and drama.

Set in the heart of Panama during the time of the Canal's construction, the film paints a vivid picture of the period's social milieu. We are introduced to the wealthy yet somewhat unconventional Dunstan family, headed by Dr. Robert Allison (Lund) and his wife Alice Grey (Fontaine). The couple are shown to be absorbed in their luxurious lifestyle, with their everyday frivolities often threatening to overshadow their responsibilities towards their three children - Amy, Cosmo, and young sensation Sybil (played by Mona Freeman, David Stollery, and Peter Hanson respectively).

Caught up in the relentless whirl of social events, parties, and indulgent pastimes, the Dunstan family hardly recognizes their own children. Their absence is primarily felt when the parents return to New York after an extended stay in Panama, with their children understandably feeling estranged. They find their children changed, both in looks and behavior. The subtlety of this transformation and the parents' reaction to it adds significantly to the humor and emotional depth of the film.

The story takes an interesting turn when their daughter Amy, in her desperate attempts to gain attention, befriends the theatrical John Tanner, a man known for his flamboyant spirit and influence over the children. Meanwhile, Alice Dunstan, played superbly by the always elegant Joan Fontaine, finds herself entangled in a web of deception and misunderstanding, much to the amusement of the audience.

The film brilliantly explores the convoluted dynamics of family relationships, society and parenthood, but it doesn't neglect the core essence of a satire - it's packed with clever, laugh-out-loud moments that help lift the film beyond simple family drama. The screenplay is crafted with an astute sense of character development and narrative pace, allowing the audience to witness the slow, yet highly satisfying evolution of the Dunstan family.

Joan Fontaine, winner of the Academy Award for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion, delivers an outstanding performance as Alice Dunstan. She brings to life the affluent and somewhat inattentive mother with a remarkable degree of subtlety and charm, while also showing the nuances of a woman trying to reconnect with her estranged children. John Lund, known for his likability and warm screen presence, perfectly complements Fontaine as her spouse, delivering a performance that is both compassionate and comical. Their chemistry on screen is both believable and enjoyable to watch as it moves the narrative forward seamlessly.

One of the standout performances comes from young star Mona Freeman, whose portrayal of the neglected child Amy is filled with authenticity and touching innocence. Her friendship with John Tanner adds an element of intrigue, humor, and emotional undercurrent to the narrative.

Directed by Mitchell Leisen, whose flair for combining whimsical elements with in-depth character studies is well-known, Darling, How Could You! is a treat for fans of classic cinema, offering an array of humor, emotions, and an intriguing narrative. The movie is based on the 1903 play "Alice Sit-By-The-Fire" by James M. Barrie, who is more famously known as the creator of Peter Pan. Leisen, along with screenwriters Dodie Smith and Lesser Samuels adapt the play with a natural understanding of cinema, bringing the story to life vibrantly on the big screen.

In conclusion, the 1951 comedy film Darling, How Could You! is a masterpiece in its unique display of character development and blending of comedy with societal themes. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or simply looking for a light-hearted viewing experience, this film promises to leave you with an unforgettable cinematic experience.