The Model and the Marriage Broker

Thelma Ritter, in a rare leading role, is marriage broker Mae Swasey in New York City. The first scene is in her office with a gentleman (Frank Fontaine as a price fixated Swede) and a lady (Nancy Kulp as an overly tall tongue tied 40 year old who is getting on her sister-in-law's last nerve), in separate dilemmas of singlehood being counseled by Mae (Ritter) on how to match up with one of her other clients. I'll tell you this much - no they do not end up together. This scene tells you all you really need to know about Mae to understand most of what goes on during the rest of the film.

But there are questions. For example - How did she get into this business? If she thinks marriage is so important why is she not married? Why does she take such an interest in a random model (Jeanne Craine as Kitty) she has just met, as far as really trying to make sure she doesn't continue going with a married man who intends to break up his home to marry her? They are strangers after all. And who is this older woman whom Mae keeps trying to avoid?

Well, this is not a noir. Instead it is a very sweet romantic comedy about some very lonely homely people, and some that are not so plain but need a little push to overcome some preconceived notions. Thelma Ritter is something you don't see much of in modern films. She was 47 in her first credited film role, but you couldn't help but love her to death with her earthy wit and one liners.

How have things changed? In 1951 people still expected to meet a significant other in person or through friends. It was considered a bit of a scandal to have to pay somebody to find someone for you. Today matters are reversed. Everyone is expected to use dating apps, and don't you dare say something to somebody on the street. They could be wanted by the FBI!. Another minor matter was that TVs were so new people would become hypnotized by the tiny screens. Also, refrigerators were not so tall you needed to live in a cathedral to make one fit.

I'd just recommend this one, particularly since Valentine's day is coming up. It is a romantic feel good film that is not exactly packed with pretty faces. The casting call must have been interesting.