susan-nierenberg
I saw this as a child and never forgot it although it took years and repeated viewings to appreciate it. The story of a man approaching middle age ("50, the old age of youth, the youth of old age") who thinks he knows what he wants to rejuvenate himself and finds out, when given a choice, that he was wrong. There are three female figures in this film: the wife, calm, understanding and feisty (when she thinks he's been unfaithful she walks out and flies home from their vacation in the middle of the night), a muscial comedy star who is aggressively on the make for Peabody, and the Mermaid, docile, adoring and silent-and totally dependent. At one point Peabody says he wants a woman who "can't do much of anything", his mermaid, but when he gets her he doesn't really know what to do with her (and she almost drowns him at the end when she tries to take him to her underwater world). What he finds at the end is that the woman he really wants is his wife, who combines elements of the other two: loving without clinging, strong without being aggressive..I find this rather hopeful and a positive ending as opposed to those who find it bittersweet. The scenery, amazing photography, haunting music and dialogue are superb (special mention to Mary Field who hilariously tries to keep her composure and serve Mr Peabody in her "Wee Shop of Intimate Things" as he tries to buy first a sweater and then just a bikini top for his mermaid).And who would not want to spend the entire winter on St Hilda's island ("more than we could afford really, but it was all so beautiful, like heaven. And if you can find a little piece of heaven, who cares what it costs") where there's nothing to do but fish, swim, shop and have a party every night. A beautiful, magical film with William Powell a master. Get it on DVD!
vincentlynch-moonoi
I often like actors as they age, and I really liked William Powell during his prime. So I expected I would really enjoy this film. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it.It sounds like a fun movie -- a man in his 50-ish life crisis meeting a mermaid...and everyone else thinking he might be loony. I found it boring and -- although I can't put my finger on exactly why -- I think it really missed the mark.The cast is uninspiring -- not a name you'll recognize (except, perhaps, a mute Ann Blyth). Powell is...well, Powell. Usually that would be enough to carry a film, but here it's not enough to save the picture.Perhaps it's worth watching once. Perhaps.
moonspinner55
Rather mediocre comic fantasy has married William Powell consulting a psychiatrist after having an encounter with a mermaid (seems the Mrs. is the jealous type, and Powell's mermaid is interfering with their marriage!). Made back in the day when psychiatrists themselves were kooky gag-characters and Powell's uptight "Thin Man" panache was a surefire laugh-getter. Seen today, the film simply doesn't hold up, not even as '40s nostalgia. Talky and surprisingly unimaginative; the cast does try its best, however the colorless script just about sinks the actors in a sea of silly chatter. Production design is handsome, but film could have used more wit and more magic. ** from ****
Tom DeFelice
Funny. Thoughtful. Great script. Incredible dialog. Wonderfully cast.You might guess that I like this film. William Powell has never been as warm and funny. Ann Blyth is every man's unattainable beauty. And Nunnally Johnson has never written a better script. This is high comedy with a heart.I cannot imagine a more perfect cast. Even the minor roles hold their own.There are many movies we see when young that don't hold up as well as we get older. This one gets even better. If you can't find a copy of it, then petition AMC or TCM to broadcast it. You won't be sorry you did.
AD
