Roughly Speaking (B or 3/4 stars)
'Roughly Speaking' is an odd title for this film, but then, this is also a delightfully odd movie is directed by Michael Curtiz & based on the true story of Louise Randall Pierson, an eccentric, headstrong, free-spirit who was ahead of her time. Louise went from a childhood of great privilege in the early 1900s to near-poverty after her beloved father died when she was young. Louise (now Rosalind Russell) pursues a "man's" career as a typist & joins a firm where no women had been previously employed. Her friendship with Alice brings her to New Haven, Connecticut where she meets & marries a banker's son, the genial Rodney Crane (Donald Woods). Things are swell for a while; even overcoming infantile paralysis that strikes their 4 children.
But wishy-washy Rodney eventually leaves her for a younger woman. At this point in her up-&-down life, she meets Harold Pierson (Jack Carson), a lovable lug of a guy who had BIG visions, but who ran into bad luck ... and some irresponsible behaviors, as well. Despite their differences, Louise & Harold were seemingly made for each another. Their love gets them through a plethora rough patches {many monetary failures, The Depression, sending her 3 sons off to WWII at the same time}, but they somehow manage to keep their never-say-die spirits high amid the adversity.
'Roughly Speaking' was originally 150 min. long because it spanned 40+ yrs. of a life, but it was eventually edited down to 117. I'm glad for that. That said, most of the proceedings feel a bit montage-y & episodic so as to keep things flowing from year-to-year or decade-to-decade, etc. Transitions felt abrupt. And the cliffhanger ending was a surprise, too. Those are my complaints of a film that I actually enjoyed quite a bit. The perpetually perky Louise & co. might irk some viewers. But I found this to be a heartwarming dramedy that has an epic feel thanks to the real life component to it.
I love Rosalind Russell, and now I have this film to gush about her in. Yes, we see some of the Auntie Mame-ness that she would bring to that titular film 13 yrs. later. But so what!? Her performance is exemplary; presenting Louise as tough, unapologetic, but also fiercely loving & protective of the ones she loves. I also enjoyed her chemistry with Jack Carson; who has his own appeal. Donald Woods, Ann Doran (as friend, Alice) & Ann Todd (as young Louise) also impress. And there are many memorable, affecting scenes throughout. One of my faves is set at night in the snow as Rodney dances with Louise & then proposes to her. This utterly bucolic scene could've been replicated as a New England wintry postcard; it's that lovely.
The production values in this film denote a larger budget ... and it WAS large. Good thing it received warm reviews & made good $$ during its run in 1945. You know, 'Roughly Speaking' is one of the most positive movies that came out of Hollywood in the 1940s because it shows us a determined woman with a big heart who rises above of what life keeps throwing at her. This film offers an enticing, enriching slice of Americana and the idea that overcoming adversity & putting in hard work can lead to great accomplishments. This film doesn't re-invent the wheel, but I highly recommend it as wholesome, grin-planted-on-your-face entertainment.
But wishy-washy Rodney eventually leaves her for a younger woman. At this point in her up-&-down life, she meets Harold Pierson (Jack Carson), a lovable lug of a guy who had BIG visions, but who ran into bad luck ... and some irresponsible behaviors, as well. Despite their differences, Louise & Harold were seemingly made for each another. Their love gets them through a plethora rough patches {many monetary failures, The Depression, sending her 3 sons off to WWII at the same time}, but they somehow manage to keep their never-say-die spirits high amid the adversity.
'Roughly Speaking' was originally 150 min. long because it spanned 40+ yrs. of a life, but it was eventually edited down to 117. I'm glad for that. That said, most of the proceedings feel a bit montage-y & episodic so as to keep things flowing from year-to-year or decade-to-decade, etc. Transitions felt abrupt. And the cliffhanger ending was a surprise, too. Those are my complaints of a film that I actually enjoyed quite a bit. The perpetually perky Louise & co. might irk some viewers. But I found this to be a heartwarming dramedy that has an epic feel thanks to the real life component to it.
I love Rosalind Russell, and now I have this film to gush about her in. Yes, we see some of the Auntie Mame-ness that she would bring to that titular film 13 yrs. later. But so what!? Her performance is exemplary; presenting Louise as tough, unapologetic, but also fiercely loving & protective of the ones she loves. I also enjoyed her chemistry with Jack Carson; who has his own appeal. Donald Woods, Ann Doran (as friend, Alice) & Ann Todd (as young Louise) also impress. And there are many memorable, affecting scenes throughout. One of my faves is set at night in the snow as Rodney dances with Louise & then proposes to her. This utterly bucolic scene could've been replicated as a New England wintry postcard; it's that lovely.
The production values in this film denote a larger budget ... and it WAS large. Good thing it received warm reviews & made good $$ during its run in 1945. You know, 'Roughly Speaking' is one of the most positive movies that came out of Hollywood in the 1940s because it shows us a determined woman with a big heart who rises above of what life keeps throwing at her. This film offers an enticing, enriching slice of Americana and the idea that overcoming adversity & putting in hard work can lead to great accomplishments. This film doesn't re-invent the wheel, but I highly recommend it as wholesome, grin-planted-on-your-face entertainment.