Margie Review
It seems that people who like Margie like it a LOT -- certainly far out of proportion to its actual worth as a movie. In fact, if looked at objectively and without the rosy glow of nostalgia and a willingness to forgive all in the name of innocence, Margie is a decidedly dull film. There's nothing in Margie that hasn't been seen before, and while originality of content is not always a requirement of a good film, originality of execution is. Fredrick Hugh Herbert's screenplay is content to simply present one well-worn situation after another, and director Henry King is content to simply film them as if they were fresh and newly-minted. This being a musical, of course, it's possible that the score might save the film, but most of Margie's songs are period pieces. Most are good, but so familiar that it would take a lively new interpretation or an intriguing new staging to make them interesting, and they get neither here. With all this going against it, Margie needs a dynamic, vivacious talent to anchor it and make it come to life. What it gets is Jeanne Crain, a most attractive woman and pleasant personality who simply doesn't have the dramatic talent or the personality required to light up the screen. Still, as noted before, there are some who don't care a bit about any of this; for them, Margie is a charming time capsule that takes them back to a simpler, happier time. If this doesn't sound like you, you are probably better advised to give Margie a pass. Craig Butler, Rovi
Great Film Moments:
- In Theaters
- This Week
- Coming Soon
- New on DVD
Browse More Movies:
