Up Goes Maisie

Up Goes Maisie is an engaging comedy-drama released in 1946, under the exquisite direction of Harry Beaumont. The film is the ninth instalment in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's ten-part series about the resourceful, independent character Maisie Ravier, played by Ann Sothern.

Ann Sothern, in her signature role, once again entranced audiences with her high-spirited charisma and comedic timing making the character Maisie Ravier an unforgettable heroine. Up Goes Maisie showcases the dynamism, wit, resilience and versatility of Maisie. Always seeking new ventures, in this film, Maisie takes on an entirely different venture that sets the tone for a roller coaster ride of laughs and drama.

The outstanding supporting cast includes George Murphy and Hillary Brooke. George Murphy, with his trademark charm, plays the role of an ambitious inventor Joseph Morton while Hillary Brooke stars as Barbara Nuboult, instigating a hearty love triangle. Both add depth to the movie as they give impressive performances, making existence worthy of the golden age of Hollywood.

At the core of Up Goes Maisie is a quote, "excellent acting and well-handled comedy that keeps viewers engrossed." The plot follows the candid, street-smart Maisie Ravier, who finds herself unemployed yet again. Instead of wallowing in adversity, she again uses her dismissal as an opportunity for change.

After bouncing back, Maisie enrolls in an aircraft school for flight mechanics. Aiming to break glass ceilings in this male-dominated industry, Maisie’s quest for knowledge and self-improvement leads her to an acquaintance with struggling inventor Joseph Morton, played by George Murphy. Morton dreams of establishing a helicopter airline service, an entirely revolutionary concept for the 1940s. His vision intrigues Maisie, fostering a unique friendship between them. However, their friendship, bound by a shared understanding and mutual respect, is threatened by a complicated love triangle and business mishaps.

The story proficiently explores the world of aviation, a modern wonder during the 1940s, providing a worthwhile backdrop for the engaging narrative. The film also encapsulates social issues of the time, namely gender roles, and barriers in male-dominated fields, fight for the environment, and industrial corruption. These elements highlight the depth and complexity of this comedy-drama set in the mid-20th century.

The screen translation of the story is beautifully encapsulated, with a careful balance between the rich narrative and intriguing character dynamics. The story engrosses the viewers with its charm, drama, and humor, making it a typical Hollywood Classic from the 1940s.

Up Goes Maisie is as much about the resilience of spirit and tenacious will of a woman as it is about the intermingling love stories and business robustness. By portraying Maisie as a strong and resilient woman ready to tackle the challenges head-on in the aviation world, the movie resonates vibrantly with the unconventional romantic plot, adding another layer to the narrative.

The screenplay, penned by Thelma Robinson and Wilson Collison, should be lauded for its wit and realism, allowing the characters to breathe and resonate with the audience. The screwball comedy keeps the viewers invested and entertained throughout the film.

The well-constructed scenes and smooth transitions transport audiences back to the era of World War II and post-war recovery while keeping them engrossed into the narrative with light-hearted humor, drama, and charm. The movie's convincingly created world with believable character trajectories is a testament to the filmmakers' robust storytelling capabilities.

In conclusion, Up Goes Maisie stands tall as a classic comedy-drama from the golden era of cinema. The film captures the spirit of the time, tantalizes the emotions and expands the horizon through its depiction of aviation advancements while maintaining the signature humor and charm of the Maisie series. With Ann Sothern's exemplary performance and the outstanding supporting cast, it's a classic one should not miss out on.