Invitation to Happiness (1939)

Surprisingly effective story about bullheaded boxer (Fred MacMurray) and the society girl (Irene Dunne) who fall in love but then face some hard times.

The two stars are top-notch and turn in solid performances even when the material goes astray and the story turns soapy. Dunne is warm and gracious as always and makes the most of the comedy here; MacMurray is excellent as the goofy fighter determined to be world champ. His final fight scenes are among the best and most realistic I've seen.

Solid support from William Collier as Dunne's wise father and Charlie Ruggles as the wary fight manager. Billy Cook is the son, Marion Martin the the blonde, Virginia Brissac is the nurse, Oscar O'Shea is the judge.

But the stars here dominate this film. I've always been a big Irene Dunne fan but I must say I'm gaining a whole new vision of Fred MacMurray. Having grown up with "My Three Sons," it's amazing to see the young MacMurray in a variety of solid 30s roles (many with Carole Lombard).

Excellent film with something for everyone.