If you have never seen a black and white era movie that you liked, you should try watching Monkey Business [1952]. I would argue that this movie is an early example of dry comedy. The jokes are subtle and clever. This movie is much funnier than many comedies from the 50s and also has great cinematography and acting.
This movie is also arguably Marylin Monroe's best acting role. The director really handled the actors and actresses well, [although it is an all star cast in the first place].
The movie begins with B role footage of Cary Grant trying to open the door twice and the director saying "Not yet Cary". It's a funny quirky behind the scenes moment. Keep in mind this was before blooper reels were at the end of movies. [This moment starts the theme of dry humor in the movie].
When Cary Grant [playing Dr. Barnaby] opens the door, we are revealed to his wife Mrs. Edwina [Ginger Rodgers]. Cary and Ginger have amazing chemistry together [talk about a power couple] . When you watch this movie, it's easy to get lost in the fantasy that they are actually married. Cary Grant nails the spaced out genius nerd character perfectly. It's a very subtle and realistic comedy character, especially for the era.
The whole movie on one level is sort of a Freudian exploration of sexuality, relationships, marriage, cheating, jealousy etc. The first scene after the introduction is a friend of the couple coming over. He wants them to come to the dance, but is clearly hitting on Mrs. Fulton. "Well I can only tell you Mrs. Fulton, if you had only been smart enough to marry me instead of ... this ... you wouldn't be in a kitchen cooking. [Hugh Marlowe does a great job as the asshole best friend who doesn't realize how rude he is who missed out on the beautiful wife].
There are some very heavy themes in this movie. However, the heavy themes are dealt with in really fun and silly ways. This movie is NOT a dramatic comedy. It's insanely silly. Mr. Fulton burns his tongue on the soup, which triggers him to realize that "ordinary heat" could help him with "the formula" that he is working on at work. In a way, the writer of this movie was probably roasting other movies of the time. This movie is like a very subtle version of Young Frankenstein.
When you think of Marilyn Monroe in a movie, you might think of a lame cameo or an overly sexualized role. In reality, the directory used her well and she really shines as an actress here. This is NOT a Marilyn Monroe movie. She is one of the main actresses, but she plays a character, not herself. It's easy to believe she is really a secretary and she does a surprisingly good job escaping her real persona.
This movie is fairly racy for the 1950's. I assume this would be considered an "adult" movie. A child would certainly not enjoy the subtle writing and dry humor.
There is a theme of duality in this movie in the sense that there are sort of two movies going at once. The male emotions and the female emotions. First they show who Mrs. fulton would cheat with and then they show who Mr. Fulton would fall for. These two scenes are back to back. The pacing in general is fast for an older movie, which makes it very easy to watch.
Charles Coburn does a great job playing the overly enthusiastic company head: Who thinks he can throw money at any problem and that science knows no bounds. "B-4 ... as in before and after ... emphasizes the youth angle! Mr. Oliver is also a bit of a pig and a complete idiot. He tells Marilyn Monroe's character [Miss Laurel] to find somebody to type up a document. He then says "anyone can type" when she leaves the room [after staring at her ass when she leaves]. Then he calls Dr. Lenton "Dr. Lentil" over the phone. When he hangs up he completely forgets his name and calls him "Dr. Whachamacallit".
Remember how I said this movie is Freudian? It's called Monkey Business and it's literally about scientific experimentation on monkeys. On a subtle level it's also a critique about the dangers of "monkeying around" with science. [Probably the reason for the title]. Monkey business is ABOUT the slang term "monkey business".
The movie does a great job showing how intelligent monkeys are. "Esther" opens the lock on the cage, sits down in the laboratory chair and starts pouring chemicals together. It's all done in a single shot with no close ups.
As previously stated, this movie is all about the "animalistic" nature of humanity. Cheating is used as an allegory for this animalism. These serious topics are overlaid by silly potty humor and humorous overacting. Watch your head, I'll watch everything else.
The cinematography in this movie is quality. There are some great location shots. The public pool, the roller rink, the car lot. There is one green screen shot of them driving, but it's professionally done. For an older movie, there are lots of locations.
The movie takes a sharp turn into goofyness when people start taking the "B-4" drug. You have to wonder if this movie is really about LSD, especially considering Cary Grant's alleged experimentation with that drug ... which begs the question: Did Cary Grant ghost write this movie on any level? I'd guess yes or possibly the writer also experimented.
This movie is a classic "nothing really happened" comedy. The end of the movie is the beginning. They end up in love with each other like they were in the beginning. There is a bit of character development, but it was all because of the drug and they didn't really end up cheating on each other. There was no intense drama. I would call this movie a "pure" comedy [not a dramatic comedy].
I am going to rate this movie a 8/10 because it's written better than many "genius" comedies of the last 10 years. The writing is very subtle and the movie contains many jokes most people will miss. Even scatological humor. The movie has an all star cast for 1952. It would be hard to find an example of a modern comedy this star studded. The movie is well directed with great cinematography.
