Every Girl Should Be Married

Every Girl Should Be Married is a romantic comedy produced in 1948 that showcases the charm and elegance of Hollywood's golden era. The film stars the iconic Cary Grant, an actress with undeniable charisma, Betsy Drake, and the versatile Franchot Tone. Directed by Don Hartman, the movie takes viewers on an exciting journey, marked by laughter, emotions, and a fascinating display of old Hollywood glamour.

At the heart of the story is Anabel Sims (Betsy Drake), a salesgirl who becomes utterly obsessed with the idea of marriage. Anabel is the quintessential romantic girl-next-door, who believes in fairy tales and lives with the single-minded belief that every girl should be married, just as the title suggests. Her unwavering aim is to find her prince charming, her only problem is that she hasn’t found her perfect man yet.

This changes completely when she meets and falls head over heels for Dr. Madison Brown (Cary Grant), a dashing and successful pediatrician. He represents everything she dreams her future husband to be. However, Dr. Brown isn’t looking for a commitment and enjoys his bachelorhood just fine. Nevertheless, this doesn't discourage Anabel, as she hatches a series of hilarious and audacious strategies to make sure that Dr. Brown takes notice of her. She embarks on a comical pursuit, refusing to take no for an answer, and goes to great lengths to put herself in Dr. Brown's path.

The story thickens with the introduction of the third main character, Roger Sanford (Franchot Tone), a wealthy businessman, who also finds himself attracted to the bubbling enthusiasm of Anabel. This adds another layer of complexity to the film, as Anabel must now navigate her chase for Dr. Brown while evading Roger's attempts.

Offering an entertaining watch, the film incorporates elements of romance and humor in a balanced way. Betsy Drake's performance as the persistent and lovable Anabel is praiseworthy and her chemistry with Cary Grant is a delight to watch. Cary Grant, the silver screen’s epitome of suaveness, plays the desirable but nonchalant bachelor with ease. Meanwhile, Franchot Tone's portrayal of a man smitten by Anabel’s charm adds another dimension to the story.

The movie is peppered with charming dialogues, witty one-liners, and holds a touch of sophistication representative of the films of that era. It explores and presents the age-old theme of the pursuit of love but does so in an engaging, light-hearted, and often humorous manner. The cinematography by George Diskant is also exquisite, presenting audiences with visuals that are evocative of the splendor and magnificence of 1940s Hollywood.

The movie also provides a peek into the societal norms and the gender dynamics of the late '40s and serves as an intriguing way for modern audiences to revisit that period. At its core, Every Girl Should Be Married sets the stage for exploring the balances of love, aspirations, and courtship, and does so in a manner that is delightful and non-dismissive of its female protagonist’s desires.

In a nutshell, this film is certainly a treat for those who enjoy old-school romantic comedies, and it offers a fascinating exploration of themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. Every Girl Should Be Married is sure to leave you charmed, making it a must-watch for fans of tranquil narratives intertwined with affable humor, captivating performances, and uncomplicated yet earnest storytelling.