Watch Merrily We Live For Free

You won't be disappointed!

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I, too see a tremendous resemblance to Our Man Godfrey. Funny, wacky movie. Enjoy.

Starts off with a pleasant bouncy theme song. For those who remember the 1936 film "My Man Godfrey", this 1938 film will seem like deja vu. The many parallels are striking enough to consider it a remake. However, it's supposed to be a remake of the 1930 film "What a Man". The main male character even has the same name in both films. Thus, should "My Man Godfrey" also be considered a remake of "What a Man"? Officially, it was based on a novel, and would be remade under the same title in 1957. Obviously, the plot of one or more vagrants being adopted by an eccentric wealthy family had been recognized more than once for its comedic potential, as well as a possible vehicle for social commentary. Of these 4 films, I've only seen this one plus the '36 "My Man Godfrey" The details and personalities are sufficiently different to make both worthwhile watches. In comparing the respective actors of the two films, William Powell, as Godfrey, probably has a slight edge over Brian Aherne, as the vagrant Wade Rawlins. To me, Carol Lombard is more entertaining than Constance Bennett, as the older sister, who develops a crush on the vagabond. As the father, Clarence Kolb is very funny, more so than Eugene Palette, in "My Man Godfrey". Likewise, Billie Burke of the present film clearly is more entertaining as the mother than is Alice Brady of the prior film. Impish 15 y.o. Bonita Granville is very funny, more so than the other sister in "My Man Godfrey". The present film also sports 2 large dogs: 'Get off the rug' and 'You Too' who sometimes interact in the scene. There is one character, played by Willie Best, I wish had been left out. He epitomizes the stereotypical supremely lazy, superstitious, and empty headed image of African Americans that Hollywood sometimes promoted....Ann Dvorak plays the amorous daughter of the senator, who immediately corners the handsome butler/ chauffeur vagabond and serves as competition with the 2 sisters for his romantic attention. Inexplicably, she soon disappears from the story...Alan Mowbray served as the main Butler, and sometimes is funny. Patsy Kelly is the chief cook.I was very surprised to discover this charming romantic comedy at YouTube. I think it is much less remembered than "My Man Godfrey" because the latter film 'got there first', and because the two main characters of "My Man Godfrey" are somewhat more interesting, although most of the supporting actors are less interesting.See it, along with "My Man Godfrey", at YouTube.

I haven't written a review in a long time. But every once in a while there comes a movie for which I MUST write a review of my own! All I can say is WHY haven't I heard of this movie before? TCM has gracefully played it tonight but WHY oh WHY in the middle of the NIGHT? No one will get to know this utter gem that way! I have to tell you that at first I thought nothing of AHERN's presence in the movie, but eventually I warmed to his great style and demeanor.I haven't laughed at a movie like this in some time! Such great performances, scenes, scenery, and what great LINES! I gotta watch this again to get them all. Every character in this movie is priceless...each bringing their own special in-ZANY-ty to the movie! I recommend this VERY highly. And I promise not to type in CAPITAL letters in my next review! heheheh

Although uncredited, "Merrily We Live" was based upon Courtenay Savage's play "They All Want Something" (by way of E. J. Rath's book "The Dark Chapter") and it has been directed as such, with stage-left to stage-right action, swinging doors and pratfalls, and kooky behavior designed to reach the back rows. Billie Burke plays a wealthy wife and mother of three who has a history of taking in hobos in order to reform them. She mistakes novelist Brian Aherne for a homeless tramp and hires him to be the family's chauffeur; he's happy to do it since that means flirting with Burke's eldest daughter, Constance Bennett. Subtle moments in this household, such as a heart-to-heart chat between father and daughter, get trampled by the frenetic screwball, though there's a funny butler who keeps threatening to quit, a sassy kid sis, and some amusing lines (mostly between the staff). The plot is just a throwaway--it seems written around the wisecracks--however Aherne and Bennett have good chemistry (he leans heavily on his slick charm, while her blithe performance helps disguise the fact her character never makes much sense). There's no narrative flow at work, and the scenes are designed as set-pieces--each with its own sight-gag. It's certainly fast-paced...and it slides right out of the memory just as quickly. ** from ****