Review of The Major and the Minor (1942) by Duane B — 27 Jan 2010
This film is Billy Wilder's directorial debut. It stars Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland. I think most people think of Ginger Rogers as a dancer in films with Fred Astair but her acting is showcased in this movie with only incidental dancing.
She was a greater actor than she got credit for or perhaps her dancing just over shadowed it. It this simple comedy film she excels playing a 12 yr old girl, a young woman in her 20s and her own mother and does it very believable.
In fact, she makes Ray Milland look and sound a little 'campy'. An interesting note on this film. is that her real mother was played by her -real- mother, Lela Rogers in her only film acting appearance.
She was known to always be on the set with her daughter and somehow was included in this film. She was pretty good and not awkward at all as one might think. Billy Wilder went on to bring us such great films as 'Double Indemnity', 'The Lost Weekend' and 'Stalag 17' to name only a few.
This is one of his best comedies and one of my favorites!
This review of The Major and the Minor (1942) was written by Duane B on 27 Jan 2010.
The Major and the Minor has generally received very positive reviews.
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