howardeisman
This is a late and modest entry into the screwball comedy genre. As such, all the performers are frenetic, histrionic, and act in broad, bold strokes. Performers falling into water is a running joke. There is no dry humor in this film. Unfortunately, no good lines either; it has a script of shtick patched together from older and better comedies.But the other woman here acts as an intelligent person and has a natural manner. Since it is Rita Hayworth herself, she is naturally beautiful. It suggests a script writers dilemma: other woman has to be less desirable than the female lead, but they have to be desirable enough for the male lead to be attracted by them. In this movie, Rita Hayworth is so much more appealing in every way than Merle Oberon that it renders the plot silly.The racial stereotypes are prominent here, with Hattie MacDanial and Butter McQueen doing routines they could have done in their sleep. Had they had sharp,incisive funny lines, we might have had a guilty laugh or two from these offensive stereotypes. As they were simply stereotypes to laugh at, it is now only offensive.
blanche-2
Dennis Morgan, Merle Oberon, Rita Hayworth, and Ralph Bellamy are "Affectionately Yours" in this 1941 comedy. Morgan is a newspaper reporter who travels constantly. His current amour is Malcolm (Hayworth), and he gives her the same story he's given all of them - his wife (Oberon) won't divorce him. However, he receives a telegram stating that she has, and he panics. He rushes home to New York, with Malcolm right behind him, and tries to woo her back. She's planning to marry Mr. Wright (Bellamy), who is more than disturbed by the fact that she still seems interested in her husband.This is a fairly trite comedy with some very funny slapstick and, of course, two of the screen's most beautiful women, Oberon and Hayworth. This film was made just before Hayworth broke through into big stardom, and she's delicious. She has the best role in the film. It always amuses me to see her so vivacious and talkative on screen. According to one of her biographers, when the kids from the old neighborhood saw her on screen for the first time, they were shocked at how much she was talking. She never talked as a young girl. Though she didn't really like movie stardom, the screen was where she could let herself go and be someone else. Morgan is attractive and just right as the errant husband. Bellamy is in his usual role as the man who doesn't get the girl, and he does beleaguered very well. Oberon lends sophistication and class to the film. Someone commented here that she looked plump. I don't know what they're talking about.This is a good movie to see for the stars. The story isn't much.
jann-6
For me the brightest spots of this movie are Rita Hayworth and Dennis Morgan. The love triangle, which also includes Merle Oberon, is complicated by interference from Ralph Bellamy and others (at times it's difficult to be sure whose side Rita is on.) Standing by are Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen, who are rooting for Morgan all the way. The backdrop of the newspaper business - as well as the presence of Ralph Bellamy - reminds one slightly of "His Girl Friday." Not a terrifically funny comedy, but worthwhile, especially for fans of any of the cast members.
steveareno
I absolutely loved this story!Rita Hayworth,Merle Oberon and Dennis Morgan are energetic and entertaining throughout this whole film.Ralph Bellamy doesn't get the girl,but he's great anyway.Merle Oberon once commented that she thought this movie "was a real dud..I hate it!"She conceded that her children did like it.I thought it was wonderful and I love when Dennis ties Merle's foot to something on the pier and after struggling to get away...can't budge!She falls over into the water and catches a cold...which leads to Morgan and Bellamy arguing over who gets Merle.You'll have to watch this film to find out what happens!
AD
