Has there ever been a Cupid more charming than Charles Coburn?
He smartens up the debonair Henry Van Cleve (Don Ameche), ensuring he doesn’t lose his lovely wife, Martha (Gene Tierney) in Heaven Can Wait (1943).
He pushes his widowed daughter-in-law (Irene Dunne) into frivolity and a new chance at love with sculptor George Corday (Charles Boyer) in Together Again (1944).
And in The More the Merrier (1943) he unites conservative Connie (Jean Arthur) and Joe (Joel McCrea), with machinations so wonderful and so amusing that they almost distract from his costars’ considerable chemistry.
There was a moment when I was watching him bustle around, trying to follow Connie’s morning schedule, that I realized I truly loved this man, was terribly envious of everyone encountering him. Connie may ultimately fall for Joe, but I think we all can see that those arrows have hit more than one target.
I defy anyone to spend time with someone this wise, this funny, this blunt–every time, in every film–and be able to resist him. No wonder he matches up so many couples, so many times. They fall for him first, and then even those most resistant to love begin to listen….
It’s funny: I’ve watched all those movies and yet never put it together that he was the one matchmaking in each of them. You’re right, and he’s so adorably irresistible, trying to help each couple be happy in spite of themselves.
Yes, it’s often not evident at first just how dominant his role is, as it’s easy to get distracted by the stars of the films. But he’s always working in the background, making things work for the couple (and the film):)
YES YES YES!! That scene with his pants in The More the Merrier, and when he’s explaining to her why he’s better than a woman roommate, oh my God. Thank God the Academy actually appreciated comedy back then and gave him an Oscar. And yes, Heaven Can Wait!! He’s the no-nonsense guy every couple needs when they’re acting dumb. Thank you for this fantastic tribute!!
Thank you. Oh the pants! And his flustered condition and then that practical explanation. I can’t believe it took me so long to see this movie. It’s wonderful. I wanted to replay it as soon as I’d finished.
BRILLIANT! I never thought about him as matchmaker, but clearly he is.
Thank you! Kind of wish we’d all had him around. He actually makes dating fun:)