Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941): Dir: Alfred Hitchcock / Cast: Robert Montgomery, Carole Lombard, Gene Raymond, Jack Carson, Philip Merivale: Director Alfred Hitchcock tackles marriage issues in this romantic comedy break from his usual thrillers. Robert Montgomery and Carole Lombard play Mr. and Mrs. Smith who learn that their three year marriage is not valid. This news reaches them in the aftermath of an argument. She await for him to re-marry her but soon he is kicked out of the apartment and they play juvenile mind games throughout that arrive at a rather bleak conclusion. As Mr. Smith Robert Montgomery realizes his mistakes and attempts to win her back. As Mrs. Smith Carole Lombard uses counter tactics to get a jealousy reaction. In comical supporting roles is Gene Raymond as Mr. Smith's law partner who offers to talk to Mrs. Smith but ends up representing her and even dating her. There is another colleague whom he confides in while in a steam room, which leads to a very awkward double date. Not typical Hitchcock especially after the acclaim Rebecca the previous year but it does contain the director's signature humour. Theme regards the conflicts of marriage and the process of healing that is required. The results are not as funny as advertizements seem to indicate but it does present the possibility of solution when the bickering ceases. Score: 8 / 10
Review of Mr. & Mrs. Smith
