Tonight's Movie: The Mating Season (1951)

Maggie (Gene Tierney) and Val (John Lund) marry after a whirlwind romance and are blissfully happy, even more so after they hire a wonderful cook, Ellen (Thelma Ritter). There's just one wrinkle -- unbeknownst to Maggie, Ellen is actually Val's mother! When Maggie's obnoxious mother Fran (Miriam Hopkins) comes for a visit, things really get complicated...

I won't try to explain more, but it all makes perfect sense if you watch the film (grin). This movie is great fun. Tierney is absolutely gorgeous (her wardrobe was designed by her then-husband, Oleg Cassini), and I've always had a bit of a soft spot for John Lund (among other films, he was in DUCHESS OF IDAHO and IF A MAN ANSWERS, reviewed here last year). Thelma Ritter was nominated for both the Oscar and the Golden Globe as Best Supporting Actress for her role as Ellen. The supporting cast includes Jan Sterling, Ellen Corby, and Larry Keating.

THE MATING SEASON was directed by Mitchell Leisen. Leisen's films include great screwball classics such as EASY LIVING and MIDNIGHT, as well as REMEMBER THE NIGHT, reviewed here last December. The film is in black and white and runs 101 minutes.

Sadly, this film does not appear to be available on either DVD or VHS. It richly deserves a DVD release.

THE MATING SEASON can be seen from time to time on Turner Classic Movies. The trailer can be seen here.