Roughly Speaking (1945)

88% of users liked it
(49 ratings)

This odd combination of roughneck comedy and serious domestic drama was adapted by Louise Randall Pierson from her own autobiographical novel. Rosalind Russell is cast as young Louise Randall, the headstrong daughter of a New England merchant. Inheriting her father's business, Louise intends to… More This odd combination of roughneck comedy and serious domestic drama was adapted by Louise Randall Pierson from her own autobiographical novel. Rosalind Russell is cast as young Louise Randall, the headstrong daughter of a New England merchant. Inheriting her father's business, Louise intends to persevere in a "man's world," and to that ends takes business courses at Yale. Here she meets and marries banker's son Rodney Crane (Donald Woods), with whom she has four children. When wishy-washy Rodney runs off with another woman, Louise marries a second time to irresponsible but likable gambler Harold Pierson (Jack Carson) -- and gets pregnant again. Though Louise and Harold are as different as night and day, theirs is a lasting union, which remains solid despite whatever misfortunes come their way. The story ends at the outbreak of WW II, with Louise and Rodney bidding a tearful but hopeful goodbye to their three grown sons as the boys prepare to enter military service. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Michael Curtiz
Genres: Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 31, 1945 Wide
Studio: Warner Bros.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lanning :

Wow, Jack Carson in a starring role. He should have had more chances. He's excellent here, although he really only appears for the second half of the film. He and Russell have great chemistry. <p>You can tell we're dealing with Hollywood-izing of the story, however.… More
Wow, Jack Carson in a starring role. He should have had more chances. He's excellent here, although he really only appears for the second half of the film. He and Russell have great chemistry. <p>You can tell we're dealing with Hollywood-izing of the story, however. As a biopic based on the life story of Louise Randall Pierson, you know that the hard times are glossed over pretty smoothly. Polio, abandonment by divorce, and multiple bankruptcies are hardly ever this lightly overcome in the "real" world. Still, highly recommended for all you Carson and/or Russell fans.

Cast

            Ray Collins as Mr. Randall

            Kathleen Lockhart as Mrs. Randall

            Ann E. Todd as Louise Randall as a child

            Andy Clyde as Matt

            Arthur Shields as Minister

            Helene Thimig as Olga the Maid

            Greta Granstedt as Anna the Maid

            Rosalind Russell as Louise Randall Pierson

            Ann Doran as Alice Abbott

            Hobart Cavanaugh as Teacher

            Eily Malyon as The Dean

            Alan Hale as Mr. Morton

            Donald Woods as Rodney Crane

            Craig Stevens as Jack Leslie

            John Alvin as Lawton MacKall

            Mary Servoss as Rose

            Manart Kippen as Dr. Bowditch

            George Carleton as The Judge

            George Meader as The Professor

            Jack Carson as Harold Pierson

            Frank Puglia as Tony

            John Qualen as Svend Olsen

            Chester Clute as The Proprietor

            Irving Bacon as Customer in Music Shop

            Barbara Brown as Relief Worker

            Sig Arno as George

            Ann Lawrence as Barbara Age 9-11

            Mona Freeman as Barbara Age 15-20

            Andrea King as Barbara Age 21-29

            John Treul as John Age 14-19

            Robert Hutton as John Age 20-28

            Johnny Calkins as Rodney Age 6-9

            John Sheridan as Rodney Age 19-27

            Jo Ann Marlowe as Louise Jr. Age 5-6

            Patsy Lee Parsons as Louise Jr. Age 12-17

            Jean Sullivan as Louise Jr. Age 18-26

            Gregory Muradian as Frankie Age 3-4

            Johnny Sheffield as Frankie Age 9

            Robert Arthur as Frankie Age 17

            Marie Blake
            
            Charles Coleman
            
            Joyce Compton as Prissy Girl

            Jo Gilbert as Woman in Store

            Harry Harvey Jr. as Billy Winters

            Mickey Kuhn as John Age 7-10

            Claire Meade as Nurse

            Francis Pierlot as Dr. Lewis

            Emmett Vogan as Auctioneer

            Pierre Watkin
            
            Charles Anthony Hughes as Financiers
See full cast