THE BIG HANGOVER
US, 1959, 82 minutes, Black and white.
Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Fay Holden, Leon Ames, Edgar Buchanan.
Directed by Norman Krasna.
The Big Hangover is a slight but pleasant MGM comedy of 1950. It was written, produced and directed by playwright Norman Krasna, better known for his screenplays than direction (Ambassador's Daughter, Indiscreet). Van Johnson is amiable in the central role of a World War Two veteran who has had a traumatic experience with brandy and is set off alcoholically by a whiff. The young Elizabeth Taylor is somewhat stiff and serious in this film - it was the period of The Father of the Bride and her emergence as an adult star. There is a sympathetic performance by Leon Ames as a District Attorney.
There are comic touches, romance - and some strong moralising about political, legal and financial corruption as well as racism towards Chinese Americans.
1. Entertaining comedy? Romance? Social message?
2. Black and white photography, the stars? Musical score?
3. The title and its focus? David's story about the war, the brandy, the death of his best friend, the alcoholic experiences? The final telling the truth and his recovery?
4. David as the central focus, his war background, study, law, motivation for studying and the memory of the death of his best friend? His story about the war? His work in the firm after being top of his class? The encounter with the boss and his promotion? Meeting Mary and attracted towards her? The party and the discovery of his dilemma? His uncle at home and the sharing of the bottle of brandy? His aunt and her strictness? The celebrations, Mary trying to help him and the therapy? Her parents and their observation? Meeting the District Attorney, the situation of the Chinese doctor, his intervening? Packford and the staff meeting and their ploys against the doctor? The banquet, Packford putting alcohol in his meal, his singing behaviour, Mary's reaction? The importance of his speaking out against the DA and the company? His telling the truth, listening to Belcamp and the apology? His resignation? The previous practice of his speech and his friend's letter, his final speech - his future, Mary?
5. Mary as the boss's daughter, Elizabeth Taylor in the role, seriousness, concern about David, trying to help him, the meal, his telling the truth, their future?
6. His uncle and his wiles of getting past his wife, drinking the brandy, his being drunk, the aunt's concern?
7. The boss, the legal firm, manipulation, money deals, ousting the Chinese doctor, Belcamp and his interest in the firm, playing up to the firm? The role of Packford and his prejudice? The banquet, making David drunk? Packford acting like a child?
8. Belcamp and his background, his devotion to his wife and the meal with David and Mary? His ideals? Friendship with the law firm? Trying to support the doctor? His joining the firm at the banquet? David's attack on him? His explanation, his sense of integrity, his admission of wanting to be liked? The role of the public servant, the minimum salary? A persuasive speech about legal firms, corruption and favours?
9. The blend of the comic and the serious? 1950s style? Impact now?
