Sitting Pretty

Sitting Pretty is a delightful 1948 comedy film directed by Walter Lang, showcasing the talented performances of Robert Young, Maureen O'Hara and Clifton Webb. With comedic scenes sprinkled throughout the movie, the film humorously explores themes of social conventions, family dynamics, and unexpected friendships.

The film revolves around the Kerr family living in suburban America. The family is a classic representation of the post-war, middle-class American dream with Robert Young portraying Harry King, Maureen O'Hara as his wife, Tacey, and their three sprightly young sons. Harry is a hardworking lawyer who slaves away to provide an idyllic life for his family, while Tacey is a dedicated mother, attempting to balance her household duties and the energy of their rambunctious children.

The plot takes a humorous turn when the family suddenly finds themselves in desperate need of a live-in babysitter. The film often plays with the theme of mistaken identities, and in this instance, the Kerrs, expecting a dowdy older woman, are bewildered when Clifton Webb, in the character of Lynn Belvedere, shows up. Belvedere, a self-proclaimed genius with an aloof demeanor, boasts about his several skills which include childcare. Skeptical but desperate, Tacey inexplicably hires him.

Clifton Webb delivers a splendid performance as Mr. Belvedere. He manages to evoke laughter every time he appears on the screen and masterfully maintains the comic timing. His character provides a stark and humorous contrast to traditional, comfortable suburbia through his blunt remarks and non-conformity to societal norms. While initially considered peculiar, he gradually earns the family's respect with his various talents and his unique approach towards teaching and disciplining the children.

Maureen O'Hara's performance as a busy, anxious mother is equally laudable. She adeptly communicates the challenges and pressures of maintaining an orderly household with three energetic boys. Robert Young also does a fantastic job as the family patriarch. His subtle humor and amiable character, coupled with the struggles of balancing his professional and family life, add depth to the film.

Things escalate when the neighborhood starts buzzing with gossip about Tacey's unconventional babysitter. Misunderstandings arise, leading to funny scenes that highlight the stuffiness of upper-middle-class suburbia and its obsession with propriety and rumors. The film also addresses the struggles that come with differing parenting methods and questions societal norms about who is ‘qualified’ to care for children.

In its own unique way, Sitting Pretty critiques social rigidity and encourages individuality. It not only entertains but also prompts viewers to question societal roles and the unnecessary chaos caused by unfounded rumors. Moreover, it showcases the validity of unconventional methods in tackling conventional tasks, such as raising children.

The film includes a series of twist and turns, keeping the viewers engaged until the very end. The surprising revelations about Mr. Belvedere's past create interesting subplots and the relationships among the characters, whether it be in the form of friendships or conflicts, strike the right balance between humor and emotion.

Under the capable direction of Walter Lang, Sitting Pretty transcends the straightforward family comedy it initially appears to be and subtly delves into deeper socio-cultural themes. The expert screenplay by F. Hugh Herbert is rich with humor, while the occasional seriousness and the multi-layered characters make it a quality cinema viewing.

In conclusion, Sitting Pretty is a classic comedy with a fantastic cast, brilliantly timed comedic scenes and an underlying ripple of social commentary. It’s a delightful exploration of suburban life in the 1940s, with a narrative that prompts reflection on the societal norms of the era. This film, with its enriching combination of laughter and wisdom, is one you won’t want to miss.