Unfinished Businessis a 1941 Americanromantic comedy filmdirected byGregory La Cavaand starringIrene Dunne,Robert MontgomeryandPreston Foster.[1]It was produced and distributed byUniversal Pictures.
| Unfinished Business | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Gregory La Cava |
| Written by | Vicki Baum Eugene Thackrey |
| Produced by | Gregory La Cava |
| Starring | Irene Dunne Robert Montgomery Preston Foster |
| Cinematography | Joseph A. Valentine |
| Edited by | Russell Schoengarth |
| Music by | Franz Waxman |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editOn a train toNew York City,small-town singer Nancy Andrews meets and falls in love with sophisticated playboy Steve Duncan. However, Steve ignores her when they reach their destination.
Rejected following anoperaaudition, Nancy must take a job as atelephone operatorperformingsinging telegrams.NightclubimpresarioBilly Ross likes her voice and offers her a job. At the club, Steve's brother and attorney Tommy Duncan becomes inebriated and reveals that Steve is soon to marry another woman. Nancy, also drunk, agrees to escape with Tommy toSouth Carolinafor a quick elopement.
The following day, Tommy discovers that Nancy does not love him. After they return to New York and throw a party, Nancy kisses Steve, angering Steve's new wife and Tommy's old girlfriend. In his disappointment, Tommy enlists in the army and leaves for a year.
When Tommy returns, he punches Steve and prepares to grant Nancy her divorce. However, he learns that he and Nancy are parents of a baby boy and that she is overjoyed to know that Tommy still loves her.
Cast
edit- Irene Dunneas Nancy Andrews
- Robert Montgomeryas Tommy Duncan
- Preston Fosteras Steve Duncan
- Eugene Palletteas Elmer
- Dick Foranas Frank
- Esther Daleas Aunt Mathilda
- Walter Catlettas Billy Ross
- Richard Daviesas Richard
- Kathryn Adamsas Katy
- Samuel S. Hindsas Uncle
- June Clydeas Clarisse
- Phyllis Barryas Sheila
- Ferike Borosas Sarah, Nancy's Maid
- Chester Cluteas Mr. Beck
- Hugh Beaumontas Hugh, Bridegroom
- Mary Gordonas Miss Brady
- Helene Millardas Helen
- Norma Drury as Cousin Nell
- Renie Rianoas Ross's Secretary
- Yolande Donlanas Manicurist
- Fortunio Bonanovaas Impresario
- Virginia Brissacas Aunt
- Pierre Watkinas Lawyer
- Paul Fixas Reporter
- Dorothy Grangeras Woman
- Phyllis Kennedyas Woman
- Hillary Brookeas Woman
- Dolly Haasas Woman
Reception
editIn a contemporary review forThe New York Times,criticBosley Crowtherwrote:
Any picture which brings Irene Dunne and Robert Montgomery to a state of matrimony, with the directorial blessing of Gregory La Cava, must, perforce and in truth, have a great deal to recommend it. And a great deal of random charm and pleasantly caustic humor there is, without any dispute, in Universal's 'Unfinished Business,' which provides that denouement in a manner somewhat less than harmonious but sufficiently withal... But this oddly 'Unfinished Business,' in which they are so desperately involved, is something to tax the credulity of even the most lenient mind.... In brief. like many another picture, it makes a romantic plot but not much sense.... Mr. La Cava has done a lot to disguise a foolish script with glib action, but the trick doesn't quite come off. The unfinished business here lies dead in someone's typewriter.[2]
References
edit- ^Fetrow p.551
- ^"Irene Dunne and Robert Montgomery Pick Up 'Unfinished Business,' at the Rivoli".The New York Times.1941-09-02. p. 20.
Bibliography
edit- Fetrow, Alan G.Feature Films, 1940-1949: a United States Filmography.McFarland, 1994.
- Goble, Alan.The Complete Index to Literary Sources in Film.Walter de Gruyter, 1999.
External links
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