Over the Moon

Over the Moon is an enchanting and nostalgic British romantic-comedy film produced by London Films and released in 1939. Co-written by Robert E. Sherwood and Lajos Bíró, it stars the luminescent Merle Oberon, the suave Rex Harrison, and the entertaining Ursula Jeans, directed under the expert hand of legendary filmmaker Thornton Freeland. Over the Moon is an actual treasure trove of pre-war charm, wit, and allure, and the film is an intriguing exploration of the intersection of wealth, love, and ambition in a subtler era of cinema.

At the heart of the story, Merle Oberon convincingly portrays Jane Benson, an unassuming English country girl who inherits an unexpected fortune. Jane's life takes a dramatic turn when a quick road to wealth leads her to dizzying levels of society that she has never experienced before. The character study of Jane's transformation and adjustment to a new wealth-ridden reality makes for one of the fascinating aspects of the movie. It's an innocent yet pivotal journey that captivates the viewer, testing the timeless notion that money can't buy happiness.

Rex Harrison breathes life into the role of Dr. Freddie Jarvis, a doctor who is blithely unaware of Jane’s blossoming affections towards him. Harrison's portrayal is full of subtleties that help sustain the humor and charm integral to the narrative. His careful weighting of the character's ignorance of Jane's infatuation brings the right amount of confusion, frustration, and laughter to the plot.

Ursula Jeans plays the supporting role of Clarissa, a likeable but scheming society lady who manages to create ripples in Jane's life. Jeans steals the scenes she is in with her artful portrayal of Clarissa’s sharp wit and captivating presence. The dynamic between the three characters forms the cornerstone of this engaging story.

One of the most remarkable things about Over the Moon is the mesmerizing cinematography by Mutz Greenbaum. The bustling streets of London, the serene countryside, and the lush luxury of the upper-class society are captured in a way that transports the audience back to the end of the 1930s. The transitions between these varied environments form an autobiographical representation of Jane's life, echoing her transition from a simple country girl to a high society lady.

The screenplay is packed with lively dialogue and situational humour that accentuates the film's comedic aspects, mixing it well with its dramatic undertones. Robert E. Sherwood and Lajos Bíró use dialogue and character engagement to maneuver the story's twists and turns without sacrificing the natural flow.

The film’s score, provided by Miklós Rózsa, complements the narrative perfectly. The score complements the film's timeless charm and underpins each scene - from Jane's elation at her newly found wealth to her deep longings for Dr. Jarvis's affection, to the moment when the dream-like world of money and privilege starts to lose its lustre before her eyes.

Over the Moon also sees an ensemble cast including Robert Douglas, David Tree, and Ethel Griffies providing character-packed performances that supplement the central trio. They weave together the film's overall narrative, adding little touches of drama, humour, and intrigue. These characters serve as the perfect foil to the central characters and amplify the overall viewing experience.

The film is a captivating blend of romance, comedy, drama, and a dash of social commentary, making it a classic source of entertainment. While maintaining the film's light-hearted nature, it subtly explores themes such as the cost of sudden wealth, class dynamics, superficiality, and the importance of finding genuine emotion amid false pretenses.

Over the Moon is not just a film – it's an experience that takes the audience back to a simpler time, reminding them of the charm and elegance of classical cinema. The nuanced performances of Merle Oberon, Rex Harrison, and Ursula Jeans, combined with a well-rounded supporting cast, sharp dialogue, compelling cinematography, and timeless score, makes Over the Moon a cinematic pleasure that remains appealing to this day.