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Practically Yours
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Wikipedia article
'Practically Yours' is a 1944 comedic film made by Paramount Pictures, directed by Mitchell Leisen, written by Norman Krasna and starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray.
Plot
When a young pilot, Daniel Bellamy, is presumed dead after crash-bombing an enemy aircraft carrier, the footage of the crash and his presumably final reminiscence of walking in the park with 'Piggy' and kissing her on the nose is sent back home. A typographical error in transcribing his words becomes a tribute to heroism, while a girl who worked in his office, Peggy, is thought to be the object of his secret love. However, Dan returns home and in order to save embarrassment for both the girl and himself, he tries to maintain the pretense. Dan reveals that he was not speaking of a girl but of his dog. A series of comical mishaps ensue, leading to a resolution of the misunderstanding.
Cast
*Claudette Colbert as Peggy Martin
*Fred MacMurray as Daniel Bellamy
*Gil Lamb as Albert W. Beagell
*Cecil Kellaway as Marvin P. Meglin
*Robert Benchley as Judge Robert Simpson
*Tom Powers as Commander Harry Harpe
*Jane Frazee as Musical comedy star
*Rosemary DeCamp as Ellen Macy
*Isabel Randolph as Mrs. Meglin
*Mikhail Rasumny as LaCrosse
*Kitty Kelly as wife (uncredited)
Production
The film was based on an original story by Norman Krasna. He had written a film called 'Bachelor Party' that was produced by Buddy DeSylva, who had since become head of production at Paramount. In September 1943, Paramount bought 'Practically Yours' from Krasna.DRAMA AND FILM Los Angeles Times 7 Sep 1943: 14. He had written the story in his spare time while on duty for the armed services in Los Angeles.
In December 1943, Paramount announced the stars as Fred MacMurray and Paulette Goddard with George Marshall as director and Harry Tugend as producer.SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD: New York Times 22 Dec 1943: 26. In January 1944, Goddard left for an army camp tour and her role was taken by Claudette Colbert.SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOODD New York Times 22 Jan 1944: 9. Mitchell Leisen replaced Marshall as director. Filming started in January 1944.
Reception
The 'Los Angeles Times' said the film "maybe ... isn't quite big time, but it has the look."'Practically Yours' Diverting Comedy
Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (30 Mar 1945: 8.
In a contemporary review for 'The New York Times', critic Bosley Crowther called the film "a curiously thick-skinned little comedy" but with "the ugly contours of a most callous and inhuman jest." Crowther was uneasy with the film's premise given the state of the warring world at the time, writing: "[T]he crocodile-tearful provocation which Norman Krasna used for the yarn is decidedly tasteless and unworthy. This is no time to joke about grief."
Radio adaptation
'Practically Yours' was presented on 'Broadway Playhouse' December 3, 1952. The 30-minute adaptation starred Gloria DeHaven.
References
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