NR | 1h 32m | Comedy, Drama, Romance | 1939
Getting married after knowing someone for only a short time might sound terribly romantic. Their friends and relatives might have different opinions, though, especially when the happy couple has barely discussed other practical concerns.
Director John Cromwell’s “Made for Each Other” brings James Stewart and Carole Lombard together as two people who’ve acted on one such romantic impulse. Their youthful enthusiasm is appealing, despite the opinions of everyone around them about such a big decision. Marriage, as they discover, can demand considerably more than a couple of wedding rings and the best of intentions.
Other Plans
Harriet Mason (Lucile Watson) has a good idea of whom her son, John (Stewart), should marry. So does Judge Joseph Doolittle (Charles Coburn), John’s boss at a New York City law firm; he has a daughter (Ruth Weston) he’d like to see become Mrs. Mason.
Unfortunately for their plans, John returns from a business trip with a wife of his own choosing. Jane (Lombard) and John have known each other for roughly 24 hours. The marriage announcement horrifies Harriet, although that doesn’t stop her from accepting the couple’s invitation to move into their new apartment.
Then, there’s John’s career. After Doolittle calls him back from his honeymoon to handle a trial, John hopes to become a partner at the firm. Jane arranges a dinner to help him make a good impression on his boss.
With his mother’s constant interference and household expenses beginning to pile up, John could certainly use some good news. Instead, Doolittle does something that leaves the Masons struggling to afford their growing family’s needs. Jane begins looking for work, while the newlyweds’ disagreements become increasingly difficult to overlook.
Fine Acting
While Lombard had already been in numerous screwball comedies, this film allowed her to show off her dramatic chops. She handles Jane’s growing frustration convincingly, especially when dealing with her insufferable mother-in-law.
Stewart’s character has trouble asserting himself, particularly around his employer. Watching John repeatedly surrender to Doolittle’s demands might leave some viewers wishing they could reach through the screen and give the poor guy a little advice. He’s a lawyer, after all, and ought to know how to argue his own case.
Watson is wonderfully irritating as Harriet, whose sour expressions and snide remarks could rain on anyone’s parade. Her presence is akin to a dark cloud looming ominously overhead.
Coburn is amusing as the cantankerous judge, a man who considers his employees’ personal lives part of his business. The supporting cast also includes Louise Beavers as Lily, the Masons’ housekeeper, whose good-natured presence provides some welcome relief from all the household bickering.
Cromwell handles the domestic scenes well, particularly the New Year’s Eve celebration, where the crowded party provides an uncomfortable setting for the couple’s marital struggles.
The movie eventually ventures into some fairly extravagant melodrama, complete with a dangerous flight through a snowstorm. Producer David O. Selznick reportedly expanded that sequence after an unsuccessful preview screening, basing it on a similar real-life situation with his brother.
It’s understandable that some viewers might find the developments a little disjointed. The sudden switch-up in tone almost feels like another picture wandered into the proceedings.
Still, Stewart and Lombard are enjoyable company, and the narrative has some amusing observations about the difficulties of living with relatives and trying to make ends meet.
The Masons might have saved themselves considerable aggravation by thinking twice before jumping into marriage so soon. “Made for Each Other” offers a good message about the value of even a little bit of planning for such a grand enterprise.
“Made for Each Other” is available on GJW+
‘Made for Each Other’
Director: John Cromwell
Starring: Carole Lombard, James Stewart, Charles Coburn
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Release Date: Feb. 10, 1939
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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