The Matchmaker

The Matchmaker is a 1958 American film and a unique blend of comedy, romance, and drama, directed by popular film director Joseph Anthony. The film is an adaptation of the 1955 play with the same title written by Thornton Wilder. Right from the opening credits to the last scene, the film captivates the audience with its charm and light-heartedness. This quaint film has an airtight plot that throws us back to a simpler time, the late 19th century, that rings with genuine authenticity, offering a delightful viewing experience in the process.

Shirley Booth, the award-winning actress, brings to life the protagonist, Dolly 'Gallagher' Levi, a vibrant, independent, and a tad eccentric woman, quite advanced for her era. Dolly is a matchmaker by profession who helps lonely hearts find love, adding a sparkle to the movie with her exuberant charm and hypnotic charisma. However, there's more to Dolly than her quirks; she is a wise, observant, and intuitive woman, which makes her an endearing character hard to forget.

The plot revolves around the wealthy yet miserly Horace Vandergelder, portrayed skillfully by Paul Ford, who seeks to wed again after being a widower. Unable to find a suitable match, he seeks Dolly's expertise. However, his plans are not as straightforward as they seem, leading to a web of romantic and comedic mishaps.

Anthony Perkins, a well-known figure in Hollywood, embraces the role of Cornelius Hackl, an ardent employee of Vandergelder, equally fed up with his boss’s Scrooge-like demeanor as he is longing for love. His portrayal of Cornelius is engaging and heartfelt, providing the film with one of its primary romantic aspects. The besotted co-worker duo of Cornelius and Barnaby (portrayed by Perry Wilson), sneaking to the big city for unresolved business and romance, contribute significantly to the film's comic element.

The vibrant Shirley MacLaine, another significant character in this charismatic feature, plays Irene Molloy, a woman caught in an array of emotions and, quite unknowingly, the subject of Dolly's match-making pursuits. MacLaine's dynamic performance adds to the movie's appeal, her vivacity matching Booth's at every turn.

Adding more spice to this delightful mix is the ever-versatile Robert Morse, whose character, Ambrose, is a significant contributor to the narrative's unfolding series of events. Amidst the laughter and light-hearted exchanges, the characters in The Matchmaker deal with their share of heartbreaks, disappointments, and shattered illusions, making it a compelling watch.

The film is set in the picturesque town of Yonkers, New York, and its charming milieu adds a nostalgic feel to the narrative. Beautiful backdrops, along with the nuanced and detailed production design, mirror the world of its characters, while the keen-eyed cinematography by Harold Lipstein adds to the movie’s distinct visual appeal.

While the plot primarily revolves around romantic pursuits and the confusion that ensues from multiple romantic interests, The Matchmaker also ensures to highlight the ingrained patriarchal norms of the society during the time. The story, thus, becomes a subtle critique of societal expectations imposed upon women, particularly regarding marriage and related affairs— portrayed quite exquisitely by Booth's character Dolly Levi.

Joseph Anthony's direction and the screenplay adaptation by John Michael Hayes lend an effortless, seamless flow to the narrative that enhances the overall experience of the film. The movie also scores on the dialogues full of wit, humor, and wisdom that have their impact long after they have been spoken.

The Matchmaker, overall, is a joyous voyage into the past that creates a charming balance between humor, love, and societal norms, featuring a powerful leading lady at its helm. Its lively characterizations and their flawed but undeniably entertaining interactions make the film a nostalgic, laughter-filled, and heartwarming journey offering a slice of life from a bygone era.