"Are Husbands Necessary?" is an unusual film from one standpoint - the title fits the plot just about perfectly. Ray Milland's George Cugat is almost a derelict. A bank vice president and happily married man, he seems to be completely irresponsible. The irony is that his wife, Mary Elizabeth is quite inept at paying the bills and running the household. Betty Field's character here is reminiscent some of those often played by Billie Burke or Spring Byington - somewhat scatter-brained, but nothing on the level of Burke. Yet, Mary Elizabeth has a charm and wits about her that endears her to her husband's boss and wife and others. And in this film, Mary Elizabeth saves George's can a number of times. It seems that each time they have some event planned that will have them socializing at the country club with the Atterbury's or clients, George goes off partying with old college friends - male and female, and gets crocked.
This film should probably be considered screwball comedy with its considerable number of wild and crazy deviations in the story that are hardly connected. But, it comes across as a number of sketches just thrown together using various members of the cast. The screenplay is real weak in that regard. Milland, who played some very good comedies with a number of top actresses of the day, is more of a dupe and scene filler in this film. The writers may have thought his part would be funny, but it's not very. Rather, Betty Field is the source of most of the humor.
The comedy here is mostly in situations with a small amount in the dialog. The supporting cast are familiar actors of the day - Eugene Pallette, Charles Dingle, Kathleen Lockhart and Cecil Kellaway have nice roles. Milland was probably okay for the part written for him; but a better script would have used his character better.
Paramount was probably the best studio of the golden era for masterful comedies; and those that weren't that good were at least very good. Yet, this film is one on a lower rung - again, mostly because of the weak screenplay. The film finished way down the list of movies for 1942 but it covered its budget with a U.S. box office of $3 million.
The film is based on a novel by Isabel Rorock - "Mr. and Ms. Cugat, the Record of a Happy Marriage." I don't know how good the book is or how well the film follows it, but the only thing that saves the movie from being a stinker is Betty Field. Her role as Mary Elizabeth Cugat is the heart of this picture, and she gives a superb performance. Without that, the six stars I give this film instead would be four or three.
Here are the best lines from this comedy.
Anna, "I dreamed of three black crows last night, just like I did before my brother-in-law got his stroke." Mary Elizabeth Cugat, on the telephone, "Dr. Buell, please - Mrs. Cugat. Yes, terribly important." She covers the phone with her hand and looks at Anna, "Did he get over it?" Anna, "He did. He's in jail now."
Mary Elizabeth Cugat, "But darling, if I lived what you call within my budget, we wouldn't even have a piano."
Mary Elizabeth Cugat, "By that time, you'll be vice president of the bank. George Cugat, "Who said?" Liz Cugat, "Why, you did." George, "I?" Liz Cugat: "You said that Corey said that Mr. Atterbury's secretary told him that Mr. Atterbury told her that when Mr. Greenfield bowed out, maybe you would step into his place."
George Cugat, "But darling, you can't plan your life on a rumor." Mary Elizabeth Cugat,, "If you heard a rumor the house was on fire, you wouldn't sit and wait until you found out for sure, would you?"
Mary Elizabeth Cugat, "You see, George, even with the best intentions, whiffling is a very dangerous policy."
Anna, "Now can we talk about dinner?" Mary Elizabeth Cugat, "Just cook me up some worms from the garden."
Mary Elizabeth Cugat, "If you haven't room for me and my two fatherless babies..." Mrs. Westwood, "Why darling, of course - as many as you like."
George, "No, Liz, please don't whiffle." Dr, Buell, "Whiffle?" Mary Elizabeth, "Whiffle is what George calls it when he thinks I'm exaggerating a bit." Dr. Buell, "Her mother used to say that Mary Elizabeth just had more imagination than most people."
Mary Elizabeth, "Oh, George. Sometimes I think you're my biggest whiffle come true."
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