Merrily We Live

Merrily We Live, a sparkling screwball comedy from 1938 magnificently showcases the talents of its brilliant cast including stars Constance Bennett, Brian Aherne, and Alan Mowbray. Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, this is a splendid film that beautifully captures the whimsy and vivacity of the screwball genre, while simultaneously offering a light-hearted critique of the American upper class of that era.

The film revolves around the exquisite Bennett as Mrs. Emily Kilbourne, a wealthy society woman with eccentric predilections, known especially for her penchant of hiring 'down-on-their-luck' drifters and ex-cons as her household employees. Her philanthropic antics are endearingly absurd, and incredibly frustrating for her exasperated family, comprising her long-suffering husband, their glamorous, yet sensible daughter Geraldine, and two younger children, Marion and Kane Kilbourne.

In line with their mother's eccentricities, the Kilbourne's mansion is as chaotically unpredictable as Mrs. Kilbourne herself, characterized by regular mishaps and constant resignations of their domestic help. However, Emily's indomitable spirit always leads her back to her next project – rescuing another individual destitute with misfortune.

This merry and lighthearted chaos takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of handsome and well-spoken wanderer, Wade Rawlins, portrayed by Brian Aherne. Mistaken for a tramp, Rawlins is rescued, rather forcefully, by Emily, and is hired as the new chauffeur after a series of hilarious misunderstandings. In the midst of all the ensuing hilarity, Geraldine, in a delightful performance by Bonita Granville, manages to strike up an unexpected camaraderie with the new chauffeur.

As the plot unfolds, it offers a sparkling array of comedic situations that capture the frivolous lifestyle and disconnected reality of the Kilbourne family. The witty script, peppered with humorous dialogues and fueled by the many silly circumstances, provides plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The chemistry between Bennett and Aherne, combined with a hilarious supporting cast that includes Billie Burke and Patsy Kelly, blends harmoniously to concoct a delightful theatrical brew.

Alan Mowbray shines as Grosvenor, the only sensible and long-lasting servant in the Kilbourne estate who charmingly despises the unending pandemonium, but is powerless to change it due to Mrs. Kilbourne's larger-than-life persona. The dynamic between him and Emily is hilariously intriguing, as he remains resigned to her whims yet manages to voice his dry, sardonic opinions at every opportunity.

The values of the film transcend just humor. For all its jocularity, Merrily We Live also paints an underlying picture of social disparities and the monumental gap between privileged lifestyles and the harsh realities of the world outside. The Kilbournes, despite their lovable idiosyncrasies, represent the wealthy elite who live in their fanciful bubble, while characters like Wade represent those who struggle in the real world yet strive to maintain their dignity. The movie subtly emphasizes that regardless of this socio-economic chasm, one's character should not be judged by the economic status they hold, but by their actions, moral, and ethics.

On the production end, Merrily We Live is a visual treat, with Oscar-nominated art direction and impeccable cinematography that seamlessly render the opulence of the Kilbourne mansion, the extravagant costumes, and 1930s Los Angeles. The film's taut pacing along with a buoyant score further escalates the comedy and keeps up the motion and energy, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

However, it's the performances that truly steer the film. Constance Bennett's comic timing is impeccable as she embodies the outrageous Mrs. Kilbourne with unwavering vigour. Brian Aherne plays his role with restrained sophistication, generating fantastic screen chemistry with Bennett. Meanwhile, the rest of the cast adds more flavor to this comic cocktail with their distinctive idiosyncrasies.

In conclusion, Merrily We Live is a classic 1930s romp that celebrates the eccentricities of its characters while providing generous doses of laughter. A superb satire of the American elite, set against a rich tapestry of opulent settings, it's a fine example of screwball comedy at its zenith. Warm, witty, and utterly entertaining, Merrily We Live is a timeless masterpiece that will charm both classic movie lovers and newcomers to this golden era of cinema alike.