The Marrying Kind (1952)

60% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
60% of users liked it
(74 ratings)

A master blend of comedy, domestic drama and sudden tragedy, The Marrying Kind remains one of the best collaborations between star Judy Holliday, screenwriters Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon, and director George Cukor. The film begins at the end, with married couple Florence and Chet Keefer (Judy… More A master blend of comedy, domestic drama and sudden tragedy, The Marrying Kind remains one of the best collaborations between star Judy Holliday, screenwriters Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon, and director George Cukor. The film begins at the end, with married couple Florence and Chet Keefer (Judy Holliday and Aldo Ray) seeking a divorce. Both parties state their cases before understanding judge Carroll (Madge Kennedy)--whereupon the story of their marriage unfolds in a series of revelatory flashbacks. After an amusing recap of their courtship days, the film details the many major and minor trials and tribulations of married life. In the film's most unforgettable sequence, one of the couple's children dies by drowning while Florence and Chet are obliviously engaged in one of their petty squabbles. Throughout the testimony, the Judge gives equal time to both parties, and in so doing demonstrates that all aspects of marriage work both ways. In the final scenes, the Judge allows the Keefers to reconsider their impending divorce, but not before offering a few understanding and unobtrusive words of advice. Judy Holliday is in top form, while Aldo Ray delivers what may be his finest performance. Featured in the cast as Ray's sister-in-law is Peggy Cass in her film debut. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: George Cukor
Genres: Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 1, 1952 Wide
On DVD: Oct 21, 2003

Critic Reviews

Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Frighteningly grim story.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The acting of Judy Holliday (for which the part was written) and Aldo Ray is good, but what starts as a comedy changes to a melodrama that uncharacteristically of Cukor's work is condescending to the little people.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It never captured my imagination.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Immensely charming comedy-drama

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

An average romantic comedy for the fifties, with a predictable story and ending, it's not all that exciting or interesting except if you're a fan of someone in the cast.
jay n

Funny, sad and compelling drama featuring perhaps Judy's best performance.

Cast

            Judy Holliday as Florence Keefer

            Aldo Ray as Chet Keefer

            Madge Kennedy as Judge Anna Carroll

            Sheila Bond as Joan Shipley

            John Alexander as Howard Shipley

            Mickey Shaughnessy as Pat Bundy

            Rex Williams as George Bastian

            Phyllis Povah as Mrs. Derringer

            Peggy Cass as Emily Bundy

            Griff Barnett as Charley

            Barry Curtis as Joey (age 4)

            Elsie Holmes as Marian

            Larry J. Blake as Benny

            Charles Buchinsky as Eddie

            Patrick Butler as Boy

            Tommy Farrell as Cliff

            Frank Ferguson as Mr. Quinn

            Thomas Brown Henry as Mr. Jenner

            Gordon Jones as Steve

            Nancy Kulp as Edie

            Joe McGuinn as Bus Driver

            Christopher Olsen as Joey (age 6)

            Joan Shawlee as Dancer

            Richard H. Gordon as Lawyer

            Charles Brewer
            
            John Elliott as Minister

            Susan Hallaran
            
See full cast