THE GILDED LILY a comedy, but it's also a two-character study. Despite the obstacles in their path, we know the characters played by Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray will end up as a romantic couple. In the beginning we're shown that they are good friends, though both still have a lot to learn about life and about themselves. The story isn't even that funny, to be honest. It's amusing, but nothing uproarious. Mostly we are drawn in because Miss Colbert has an easy rapport with Mr. MacMurray. They both have considerable respect for each other in their scenes, and that's gold. It's no wonder they'd make a total of seven motion pictures together.
The premise is simple. Colbert & MacMurray meet up each Thursday night on a New York City park bench to "watch the world go by." They discuss what's going on with their jobs-- he's a reporter, and she's a stenographer. Usually, this involves giving advice to each other, while munching on their favorite snack-- popped corn.
We are not told how they met or how long they've known each other. But we can be sure they're kindred souls. MacMurray is eager to move beyond the platonic nature of the relationship, but Colbert doesn't feel the same way about him, at least not now. She has fanciful notions of what it would be like to be swept off her feet. She soon meets a British aristocrat (Ray Milland) and falls for him, which causes angst for MacMurray though he still remains loyal as a pal.
The two lead stars are naturals with each other, and most of what transpires on screen works. There's a funny bit where they go for a drink at Luis Alberni's nightclub, and Colbert's character has had a little too much to drink. She slides off her seat, and crashes with a thud under the table.
There's also the part where it seems like she's been jilted by Milland. The idea of a working class gal catching the eye of British nobility then getting left behind is too much for MacMurray to resist, and he builds a series of articles around it. You might say he's exploiting their friendship, but he also has ulterior motives, which involves winning her for himself.
In the meantime, she gains notoriety, which he thinks they can play to their financial advantage. A short while later he gets her to perform in front of paying customers at the club. She awkwardly sings and dances, without much discernible talent, and lands in the lap of a V. I. P.
As I watched the film, it occurred to me how brave Miss Colbert is. She's not afraid to take risks with the material, continually testing her comfort level. Of course, she's dressed in the finest outfits, photographed from the best angles and given plenty of glamorous touches.
Something else I noticed-- Colbert is basically playing a good girl. But MacMurray's character manipulates her situation...so she is depicted in the press as a bad girl who says 'no' to everyone and puts on airs. He's constructing an image that will render her unattainable to any other man...since he wants her for himself.
Their mutual enjoyment of popcorn is cute. At various points in the story, we see them buy bags of the stuff. There is also a scene inside Colbert's apartment where they make a fresh batch, popping kernels by the fireplace. She pours it into a large bowl. He adds the butter and salt, and she stirs it with a wooden spoon. It is their ritual. And it makes them seem like real people, who do ordinary things, while trying to figure out what's important in life.
The premise is simple. Colbert & MacMurray meet up each Thursday night on a New York City park bench to "watch the world go by." They discuss what's going on with their jobs-- he's a reporter, and she's a stenographer. Usually, this involves giving advice to each other, while munching on their favorite snack-- popped corn.
We are not told how they met or how long they've known each other. But we can be sure they're kindred souls. MacMurray is eager to move beyond the platonic nature of the relationship, but Colbert doesn't feel the same way about him, at least not now. She has fanciful notions of what it would be like to be swept off her feet. She soon meets a British aristocrat (Ray Milland) and falls for him, which causes angst for MacMurray though he still remains loyal as a pal.
The two lead stars are naturals with each other, and most of what transpires on screen works. There's a funny bit where they go for a drink at Luis Alberni's nightclub, and Colbert's character has had a little too much to drink. She slides off her seat, and crashes with a thud under the table.
There's also the part where it seems like she's been jilted by Milland. The idea of a working class gal catching the eye of British nobility then getting left behind is too much for MacMurray to resist, and he builds a series of articles around it. You might say he's exploiting their friendship, but he also has ulterior motives, which involves winning her for himself.
In the meantime, she gains notoriety, which he thinks they can play to their financial advantage. A short while later he gets her to perform in front of paying customers at the club. She awkwardly sings and dances, without much discernible talent, and lands in the lap of a V. I. P.
As I watched the film, it occurred to me how brave Miss Colbert is. She's not afraid to take risks with the material, continually testing her comfort level. Of course, she's dressed in the finest outfits, photographed from the best angles and given plenty of glamorous touches.
Something else I noticed-- Colbert is basically playing a good girl. But MacMurray's character manipulates her situation...so she is depicted in the press as a bad girl who says 'no' to everyone and puts on airs. He's constructing an image that will render her unattainable to any other man...since he wants her for himself.
Their mutual enjoyment of popcorn is cute. At various points in the story, we see them buy bags of the stuff. There is also a scene inside Colbert's apartment where they make a fresh batch, popping kernels by the fireplace. She pours it into a large bowl. He adds the butter and salt, and she stirs it with a wooden spoon. It is their ritual. And it makes them seem like real people, who do ordinary things, while trying to figure out what's important in life.