One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!!!***
81. My Favorite Wife (1940) Directed by Garson Kanin
The Movie: Nick Arden (Cary Grant) a handsome lawyer, is in court to have his wife, Ellen (Irene Dunne) declared dead. Ellen has been missing for years after her ship was lost at sea. Nick is planning on marrying Bianca (Gail Patrick) and can only due that once a judge declares Ellen dead.
The judge grants this request and Nick and Bianca are married and go on their honeymoon. Much to everyone’s surprise, Ellen returns home, and sees that her children do not remember her. Ellen goes inside and sees her mother-in law and explains that she was shipwrecked and has returned home. Ellen is informed that Nick has remarried and is on his honeymoon to woman he met while searching for Ellen.
Ellen is able to find Nick by flying to Yosemite and getting his attention in the hotel lobby. Nick leaves his new wife in their honeymoon suite and makes an excuse to go to the lobby. In the lobby Nick is flabbergasted that Ellen is alive. Nick books her a room across from his and Bianca’s so they can talk. Nick realizes that he needs to tell Bianca the news but can’t bring himself to do it.
Bianca and Nick decide to leave Yosemite by car. Ellen takes a plane and beats Nick home. She uses the extra time to spend with her kids. When Nick and Bianca return home, Ellen pretends to be an old friend from the south, Bianca is suspicious and notices the affection Ellen and Nick have for one another.
The situation gets further muddied when Nick learns that Ellen was not alone on the island but with a handsome gentleman named Stephen Burkett (Randolph Scott) and they called each other “Adam and Eve”. Ellen tells Nick that Stephen is a nerdy shoe salesman, but unbeknownst to Ellen, Nick already knows that Stephen is athletic and handsome. Stephen although never acted on his feelings for Ellen before, decides to tell her that he loves her when he learns Nick has remarried. This causes an argument between the two, leading Ellen to reject both of them.
Bianca confides in her psychiatrist that she is frustrated that she and Nick haven’t made their wedding “official” (wink, wink). Nick explains, poorly the reason for his behavior. They do not believe him. They change their tune when Nick is arrested for bigamy. At court, the judge annuls Bianca and NIck’s marriage. Ellen however, isn’t sure about Nick and his feelings towards her. Stephen, sensing an opportunity tells Ellen to marry him and they can return to their island oasis. Ellen turns Stephen down, telling him she still loves Nick.
Nick asks Ellen to accompany him and their children to their mountain home. Ellen agrees. At the mountain home, Ellen reconnects with her children and she and Nick reconcile their marriage and their feelings for one another.
Why I Love My Favorite Wife (1940): Every film that stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne is a winner. Their chemistry is undeniable and beautiful to watch. The premise of the film is silly but Dunne and Grant are up to the challenge.
My Favorite Wife doesn’t skimp on the heart as well. Seeing Ellen trying to reconnect with her children is nothing short of sweet and heartbreaking. Grant is irresistible in the film, One moment he is in love with Bianca, the next he is confused that his wife has seemingly returned from the grave, and then he is befuddled on how to tell his new wife that his previous wife is no longer “dead”.
The film is screwball comedy at its best. Scott should not be forgotten in this film. His Stephen is sincere and handsome. He is no pushover and is easy on the eyes making Ellen’s choice seem to be harder than it should be.
Although Grant was not a fan of director Garson Kanin, the filmmaker has a deft hand at handling the light moments, while at the same time making you cry in the tender moments.
My Favorite Wife is a showcase for its leads, and will have you laughing one moment and trying not to cry the next.