"The Lady is Willing" Review

 

by Daniel White

In researching the Hollywood career of director Mitchell Leisen, I discovered that Billy Wilder had referred to him as a "stupid fairy." How disappointing that a man I respect so much could utter such a homophobic slur. Just because you are responsible for creating a masterpiece like Sunset Boulevard does not give you carte blanche to make an ugly comment like that.

And what was the reason Wilder felt compelled to expose himself as a bigot? Because he didn't like the way Leisen directed two of his screenplays, Midnight and Hold Back The Dawn. Which is ironic, because both films are highly regarded and considered classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The Lady is Willing (1942) may not be as highly regarded as those two gems but it is mighty entertaining. Marlene Dietrich plays Elizabeth Madden, a Broadway superstar who becomes the enthusiastic guardian of an abandoned baby. Eager to experience motherhood, yet clueless, she enlists the help of pediatrician Corey McBain (Fred MacMurray), which quickly leads to a marriage of convenience between the two.

A comic romance with screwball touches, the movie primarily serves as a showcase for La Dietrich, who handles the material like a pro. She started her career in Hollywood as a femme fatale, but here she demonstrates that she is an excellent farceur.

This is her only pairing with MacMurray, which is a shame, they work well together. The Continental Dietrich was always at her best when teamed with All-American actors (Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne), and Fred MacMurray is no exception. Something special happens on the screen when the sexy, sophisticated siren sparks with a straight-shooter like Fred.

Everything of quality in film starts with a solid screenplay, and The Lady is Willing has a clever one, by James Edward Grant (frequent writer of John Wayne movies!). Based on his original story and co-written by Albert McCleery, it's bubbly and light, never faltering even when the movie turns melodramatic. Decent script, exciting stars. What else does The Lady is Willing have? Oh yes, a talented, capable director who keeps everything humming along nicely- Mitchell Leisen.

Starting out as an art director and costume designer under Cecil B. DeMille, Leisen helmed most of his films for Paramount (he was a favorite of Carole Lombard's). After his movie career ended, he moved over to television, where he directed, among others, episodes of The Twilight Zone and The Girl From Uncle.

Mitchell Leisen must have been a very threatening guy to elicit the scorn of not one but two of Hollywood's most celebrated "autuers". After Leisen pruned his screenplay for Remember the Night, before directing it Preston Sturges disparagingly called him an "interior decorator" (code for you-know-what).

Screenplay, stars, and Mitchell Leisen, The Lady is Willing also has a supporting cast that is exquisite. Aline MacMahon, Stanley Ridges, Marietta Canty, and Arline Judge headline a group of players that help make The Lady is Willing winning entertainment.

Available on YouTube.