MR BELVEDERE RINGS THE BELL
US, 1951, 87 minutes, Colour.
Clifton Webb, Joanne Dru, Hugh Marlowe, Zero Mostel.
Directed by Henry Koster.
The third film to utilize the character of Lyn Belvedere, self-proclaimed genius, babysitter from the excellent domestic comedy Sitting Pretty, in the person of the acidic Clifton Webb. Mr Belvedere's character was so popular in the original that a sequel Mr Belvedere Goes to College was written and for this film a play called 'The Silver Whistle' was adapted to suit his character. It is quite entertaining American domestic comedy of 1950 with a special emphasis on the pathos of getting old as well as some optimism about feeling young. Joanne Drew is a most attractive heroine and Zero Mostel in an early role is the comic secretary-manager. Direction is by Henry Koster, a specialist in this kind of American domestic comedy.
1. The film as a Clifton Webb/Mr Belvedere vehicle? A sequel, comparisons with the original? The impact of Mr Belvedere's character, arrogant, vain? Likable yet disliked? His stories and their purpose? His imagination and living in a world of his own invention? A perfectionist? His lack of scruple in telling his stories and achieving them? The ironies of his character?
2. American domestic comedy 1950 style? Domestic situations, type, for example the Bishop, the Minister, the devoted Nurse, the old people, the pressurizing manager with an ulcer? The quality of the dialogue especially Mr Belvedere's wit and one-liners? A bit of spice to the comedy about old age? Sentiment?
3. Black and white photography, acts, the contrived atmosphere of the film and yet its basic entertainment?
4. The introduction to Mr Belvedere and his lecture tour, Emmett and his promotions? His lectures, Mr Belvedere's arrogance, his statements about not wanting to grow old after his encounter with the bickering elderly people? The encounter with the Bishop and his assuming the false identity with great aplomb? Introduction to the Reverend Watson, the meeting with Harriet and helping her, his taking over the meal table and telling stories, rousing the interest and the centre of attention? Mrs Hammond and her sardonic remarks? His treatment of Reverend Watson, trying to make him jealous with Harriet in the moonlight? Making people think young? The potion, the Tibetan stamps, the various ideas that he gave to the old people? Making them laugh? The picnic, the preparations for the bazaar, getting them going? How engaging was this kind of comedy especially with its focus on abandoned old people?
5. The presentation of the old people at the beginning of their moping, bickering, poverty, the derelict place? Mr Beeb and his lack of interests? The old man with no teeth, Mrs Hammond not getting any letters, the deaf old lady and her drinking, the twins? The meals, the angry exchanges? The humour in the presentation of old people?
6. Reverend Watson an the conventional good-willed minister but stuffy? Harriet and her obvious devotion, her clean uniform? The change in each? The fact that Reverend Watson knew Mr Belvedere's identity?
7. The comedy with Emmett and his ulcer, stealing the things for the bazaar, the court case?
8. The film's comment on journalists and their intrusion and ruining the old people's happiness? The claimants all coming back for their goods?
9. The effect of the disillusionment on the old people, their inability to cope, their being hurt like children, fearing that they wore made fun of? The quick reversal to old ways?
10. The change and Revered Watson learning from Mr Belvedere to achieve it? The final happiness?
11. A comedy fable of old age and Mr Belvedere declaring that he could face getting old when he say old people change so much?
