The plot of "Once More, My Darling" is one of the goofiest of any movie I've ever seen. It has a cleverly disguised role reversal subtly woven into the script. I didn't realize it fully until a second viewing. And then, I discovered even more wit and humor in third and fourth viewings. This film contains some marvelously subtle pokes and jabs at various aspects of life, and things and people. And above all, its a wonderfully clever social satire that packs much humor in the reversal of roles of male and female, pursuer and pursued. The very plot makes it hard to catch everything. The situations are so outlandish and funny, that it's easy for one to miss some of the many sidesteps in the dialog. Thus, more viewings mean more laughter.
To some extent this film is dated. A few of the references may not register with younger viewers today, unless they know history very well. But for the most part, the humor in this film should delight audiences of the 21st century, just as it did those in the mid-20th century. It's a wonderful zany comedy and subtle satire of many things from the Army to culture and custom, and from the legal profession to the stage.
The stars of this film seemed to be having a ball. In more than a couple of places it looked as though they were about to break out with laughter. I can imagine that happened and that it took a number of takes for some scenes.
The cast of characters is a riot in itself. All the players do superb jobs in their roles. Robert Montgomery is attorney playboy Collie Laing, an actor wannabe and World War II Army MP officer. Ann Blyth is Marita Connell, daughter of a reclusive and strict tycoon. She overpowers people with her overdose of perfume and with her non-stop zany talking. She goes by the nickname on her T-shirt, "Killer." Jane Cowl is Collie's very witty attorney mother, Mrs. Laing. Taylor Holmes is Jed Connell, the crabby father of Killer. His hobby is painting, because he "admires Winston Churchill." Charles McGraw is Herman Schmelz, chauffeur to the Connells and self-appointed protector of Killer. He was seven times a contender for the Middleweight title (boxing). Roland Winters is Colonel Head, Collie's active Army CO. John Ridgely is Burke, a G-man who's hot on the trail of a WW II jewel thief from Europe.
Only by the wildest stretch of one's imagination could all these characters and more be brought together. But Robert Carson's screenplay does just that. And, this plot with its smaller interwoven plots, makes for one zany, hilarious movie. Here are some of the riotous lines.
Mrs. Laing, "Don't you ever long for the patter of little feet?" Collie, "Patter of little feet? You mean mice?" Mrs. Laing, "Children also have little feet." Collie, "Madam, don't tell me that at your age you're thinking of marriage again?" Mrs. Laing, "Yes, I am. Not for myself, for you."
Collie, "The War Department is obviously plotting my ruin. They won't be satisfied until they blow Taps over me."
Receptionist, "Captain Laing is here, colonel." Colonel, "Have him come in." Receptionist, "You may go in." Collie, "I will not go in without my mother." Receptionist, "He won't come in without his mother." Colonel Head, "Uhh
send them in."
Mrs. Laing, "The truth of the matter is, Colonel, my client thinks you have a perfectly splendid Army; but just this once he'd like to be excused."
Mr. Burke, "We certainly know how to pick 'em. He's the prettiest military policeman I ever saw."
Colonel Head, "Captain Laing, there's an old German family in Upper Bavaria called Margradeyshillingsfosthengschweiller." Collie, "Oh, I'm not surprised."
Colonel Head, "He's an extremely violent personality
I tell you there is nothing to worry about. By the way, do you have a gun?"
Killer, "Herman, are you with me or against me?" Herman, "I'm with you, Killer. No funny stuff." Collie, "You can depend on me, Herman." Herman, "Oh, I'm not worried about you."
Collie, "I may appear a little priggish, but if I gave in too easily to you, I might do the same thing for some other girl, and you wouldn't like that, would you?" Killer, "Gosh no, you're a nice boy, Collier. I honor you for it. But look out for me tonight."
Killer, "Mrs. Laing, did you know that Collie was a romantic dreamer? Emotional, impulsive, quick to embrace life?" Mrs. Laing, "Well, that side of his nature has been hidden from me."
Killer, "Why, the moment we met, we threw caution to the wind."
Killer, "I hope you'll all forgive me for going on like this, but when a girl is facing the natural fulfillment of her aspirations
when she finds herself a part of a scheme of boy meets girl and the inevitable happens
" Collie, "Uh, good night."
Mamie, "Mr. Collie, you've never had a girl like that before." Collie, "I take no credit for it personally. It could've happened to anyone."
Killer, "Collie, do you think your mother was impressed?" Collie, "There must be a stronger word."
Killer, "Darling, I suppose you've always dreamed of a big church wedding with your mother and all your friends there?" Collie, "Well, yes. It is the most important day in a man's life. He gets to wear a cutaway, and striped trousers, and then there are the presents."
Killer, "There's nothing to be afraid of, dear. I'll be awfully gentle and tender."
Mrs. Laing, "I'm not going to let you be the victim of a deranged siren in night wear
I'll have you declared mentally incompetent. Say you were drugged by that perfume."
Collie, "Good night, man's best friend." Mrs. Laing, "Boy's best friend. Man's best friend is his dog."
