NR | 1h 27m | Comedy, Romance | 1948
Shortly before “Mr. Soft Touch,” he starred opposite Keyes in “The Mating of Millie.” Ford portrays an everyman character thrust into extraordinary circumstances, a role that became his signature as his career gained momentum during the 1940s.
Keyes plays the titular Millie McGonigle, a dedicated department store executive in Los Angeles, who manages a predominantly female workforce. Despite her professional success, Millie finds herself constantly surrounded by her younger, marriage-minded colleagues, who often talk about their various family plans for the future.
While excelling in her career and earning recognition for her hard work, Millie’s dedication to her job has left little room for personal relationships. This aspect of her character reflects modern trends, as many women have chosen to pursue careers in large numbers. Despite their accomplishments in the workplace, they often struggle with feelings of loneliness while navigating the complexities of balancing career ambitions with familial and relationship aspirations.
Ford enters the picture as mild-mannered bus driver (and World War II veteran) Doug Andrews, who, unlike Millie, faces dissatisfaction at his work. In a humorous exchange, Doug is reprimanded by his boss for complaints about his demeanor on the job. When confronted about an incident involving an elderly passenger and her umbrella, Doug responds wryly, “If there’s one thing I don’t need, it’s an umbrella in my eye.” Doug’s future as a bus driver for the company looks to be precarious.
One day, Millie catches the bus that Doug happens to be driving and realizes that her life may not be all that bad when she witnesses Doug being inadvertently prodded and poked by various objects that passengers carry.
She also beholds Doug’s rather cool-headed “I’ve had enough” moment, where he calmly parks the bus, announces his resignation, and walks away from his job into the bustling city streets. Impressed by Doug’s independence and resilience, Millie catches up to him and extends an offer for employment at her department store.
Trouble arises when one of Millie’s neighbors at her apartment complex passes away, leaving behind an adorable young boy named Tommy Bassett (Jimmy Hunt) as an orphan. These scenes emphasize the importance of men and women in sharing the responsibilities and joys associated with parenting, rather than women attempting to manage everything themselves, which is often much more challenging (not to mention tougher on kids).
When Doug arrives to follow up on her job proposal, Millie seizes the opportunity to enlist him for other tasks, leading to comedic situations. Despite its seemingly breezy romantic comedy setup, this film delves into complex themes during its nearly hour and a half running time.
Great Chemistry
However, Millie’s behavior could also be interpreted as her wanting to see if he considers her to be worthy of romance and marriage in a general sense. The nuanced performances of Ford and Keyes add to this multifaceted spectacle, which lends ambiguity to the proceedings.The undeniable chemistry between these two exceptional actors shines through in this delightful romantic story. Their sharp banter and comedic timing, skillfully guided by director Henry Levin, elevate the film to a must-watch for anyone seeking a refreshing take on the rom-com formula.
Additionally, the film delivers wholesome messages about aiding those in need, as well as the significance of a supportive family environment with both parents present, a timeless (and traditional) theme that adds depth to this ‘40s gem.
“The Mating of Millie” is a delightful classic romantic comedy, brimming with engaging characters and a thought-provoking narrative that strikes the perfect balance between entertainment and substance. It avoids feeling preachy or overly melodramatic, offering an enjoyable viewing experience for audiences of all ages.
