Newspaperman, aspirant playwright Jerry Corbett (Fredric March) is somewhat of a charming alcoholic who tends to run late after a few drinks. He meets an heiress (Sylvia Sidney) who falls for his charm and excuses and they marry. His career takes off as a playwright but drunk he remains and much to suffering Sylvia's chagrin they separate with unfinished business.
Prohibition was still in effect in 32 but you'd never know it from the barrage of drunks and partying going on in "Merrily." Directed in distracted fashion by Dorothy Arzner, it's a movable feast of imbibing for Corbett and his coterie of drinking buddies as they stumble from one speak easy and house party to the next and unlike the patient Sydney it wears thin fast for the viewer.
March looks like he's in training for his Star is Born role. A touch more subdued than Norman Main, his intoxication less flamboyant but annoying nonetheless. Sidney is much too forgiving to sympathize with when she along with Corbett could benefit from a good shaking and strong talking to or at least seek therapy. The melodramatic pile-up at the end is uneven and smacks of cop out in this film that never really sobers up.
Prohibition was still in effect in 32 but you'd never know it from the barrage of drunks and partying going on in "Merrily." Directed in distracted fashion by Dorothy Arzner, it's a movable feast of imbibing for Corbett and his coterie of drinking buddies as they stumble from one speak easy and house party to the next and unlike the patient Sydney it wears thin fast for the viewer.
March looks like he's in training for his Star is Born role. A touch more subdued than Norman Main, his intoxication less flamboyant but annoying nonetheless. Sidney is much too forgiving to sympathize with when she along with Corbett could benefit from a good shaking and strong talking to or at least seek therapy. The melodramatic pile-up at the end is uneven and smacks of cop out in this film that never really sobers up.