Marlene Dietrich has never been high on my list of actresses, although I did rather enjoy her performances in "Judgment at Nuremberg" and "Witness For The Prosecution". Now I can add a third film that I enjoyed her in -- "The Lady Is Willing". I guess for me she seemed just a little more "real", rather than "put on" in this film, and perhaps it's my imagination, but the accent seemed distinctly less strong here. And, her co-star is Fred MacMurray, one of the most currently underrated actors of his era. MacMurray turned in many enjoyable performances in his day, and this is one of them.
It's an odd plot -- an eccentric Broadway actress walks off with a baby she was holding for a police officer who had found the baby abandoned. Adoption isn't viable due to the actress not being married...so what better target to marry than a pediatrician -- Fred MacMurray. What begins as a marriage of convenience turns into love, but after a misunderstood situation that nearly tear the couple apart, the baby's health comes into play. MacMurray saves the baby and Dietrich realizes her husband should continue to be her husband.
While mostly a comedy, it has some swell romantic and dramatic scenes, as well.
In addition to fine performances by the two stars, a number of costars shine here, as well. Particularly noteworthy is Aline MacMahon, whom you'll instantly recognize, but whose name you probably won't know. She never disappoints.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable film, though it may not end up on your DVD shelf. But, then again, it just might.
It's an odd plot -- an eccentric Broadway actress walks off with a baby she was holding for a police officer who had found the baby abandoned. Adoption isn't viable due to the actress not being married...so what better target to marry than a pediatrician -- Fred MacMurray. What begins as a marriage of convenience turns into love, but after a misunderstood situation that nearly tear the couple apart, the baby's health comes into play. MacMurray saves the baby and Dietrich realizes her husband should continue to be her husband.
While mostly a comedy, it has some swell romantic and dramatic scenes, as well.
In addition to fine performances by the two stars, a number of costars shine here, as well. Particularly noteworthy is Aline MacMahon, whom you'll instantly recognize, but whose name you probably won't know. She never disappoints.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable film, though it may not end up on your DVD shelf. But, then again, it just might.