An American Comedy

The Times (London), July 12, 1943 page 8

The More the Merrier-- The shortage of accommodation in Washington to-day provides the excuse for a comedy which, so long as it can introduce bedrooms, is not particular where they may be. In form the film is like a theatrical farce, for the entire action could well take place within the tiny flat, half of which Connie (Miss Jean Arthur) decides to let. Connie does not think of putting up a notice "Single gentlemen only," for her mind is on single ladies, but the plot demands single gentlemen and an elderly industrialist (Mr. Charles Coburn), after storming his way in, sub-lets his half to a young engineer (Mr. Joel McCrea) whom he indulgently imagines will suit Connie's fancy. The first part of the film, which concentrates on the domestic contretemps that occur when two attempt to share what was plainly designed for one is amusing enough, and Mr. Coburn's eccentricity greatly helps the director's invention, but the maneuvering to get Miss Arthur and Mr. McCrea together is prolonged and not particularly edifying. Mr. George Stevens, the director, achieves many happy incidental touches but The More the Merrier is by no means another It Happened One Night, although it occasionally recalls that felicitous piece of nonsense.

© 1943 The Times

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