The Big Hangover

The Big Hangover is a black-and-white romantic comedy film that was released in 1950. It was directed by legendary filmmaker Norman Krasna, and its star-studded cast includes Van Johnson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Percy Waram. Although the film didn't receive the critical acclaim of some of its contemporaries, it is nonetheless considered to be a snapshot of some of the best performances from its leading actors.

The movie tells the story of David Muldon, played by Van Johnson. Muldon is a law graduate fresh from Harvard, who has a unique predicament - he is utterly and inexplicably allergic to alcohol. A single sip of this intoxicating substance is enough to make him unsteady, disoriented and dizzy. This peculiarity poses interesting conflicts with the social norms of the times, given that the consumption of alcohol was a common component of gatherings, celebrations and functions.

To add to Muldon’s predicament, he's just landed a job at a prestigious law firm that happens to be owned by the family of a renowned wine-making company. The patriarch of the family and Muldon's new boss, played by Percy Waram, is quite the wine connoisseur who enjoys coupling business meetings with wine tasting sessions. The bulk of the humor arises from the situations Muldon finds himself in his attempts to hide his bizarre aversion to alcohol and the often embarrassing outcomes of his encounters with it.

Next, the film introduces the alluring Elizabeth Taylor portraying Mary Belney, the daughter of Muldon’s boss. She’s radiant, vibrant, and full of life making her seemingly carefree and joyous persona a stark contrast to Muldon’s more serious and sobriety-bound character. When their two worlds collide, there is much humorous friction, and a sprightly romantic subplot begins to take form. The mismatch of their personalities and the electricity they generate on the screen keeps the audience on tenterhooks as to how their relationship will progress.

While the overarching theme of the film is comedy, The Big Hangover intelligently delves deeper, painting an engaging commentary on societal pressures and expectations - particularly associated with drinking. Despite the time period in which it was produced, the film's exploration of alcohol-related issues and the nuances can resonate with modern audiences as well, making it a timeless piece of cinema.

Van Johnson shines in his role as the earnest, well-meaning, but perpetually suffering protagonist. His comedic timing and ability to portray a wide range of emotions make his performance one of the highlights of the movie. Percy Waram gives a charming and persuasive performance as the sophisticated, wine-loving lawyer and father. But it's perhaps the young Elizabeth Taylor who steals the show. This movie marks one of her early leading roles, and it's a credit to her natural acting talent that she holds her own admirably alongside her more experienced co-stars.

The Big Hangover is pulled together with a thoughtfully constructed script and meticulous direction. The use of subtlety and irony to tackle serious topics helps the film maintain its lighthearted atmosphere while still making an impact on the viewer. The comedy may be grounded in the 1950s style of humor, but it's timeless enough to still entertain today's audiences.

In conclusion, The Big Hangover is an engaging and entertaining film that uses humor and romance to cleverly tread around challenging societal themes. The performances of Van Johnson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Percy Waram are noteworthy and form the backbone of the film. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, interested in the beginnings of Elizabeth Taylor's illustrious career, or simply looking for an enjoyable and humorous film experience, The Big Hangover is a must-see.