A Brilliant Conflict

A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Perfect example of the screwball comedy of the 1930s and 1940s is "Affectionately Yours."Ralph Bellamy seemed to be stuck in the part of the prospective bridegroom who never quite makes it down the aisle to matrimonial bliss. The film also gave Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly Queen the opportunity to work again 2 years after the memorable "Gone With the Wind." Sadly, their talents were basically wasted here. McDaniel again is cunning and sly as a maid but she is given little material to work with. Ditto for McQueen who reminded me in "Mildred Pierce" of introducing all guests coming into the house. She is forever crying and after all, she isn't exactly burping those babies as she did 2 years before.The film would have been better had there been some international intrigue as the Dennis Morgan part was that of a foreign reporter. Here we have wife Merle Oberon divorcing Dennis because he is rarely around. The picture is devoted to Morgan trying to woo wife Merle back. Bellamy is her new beau and Rita Hayworth plays a reporter with designs on Morgan as well. James Gleason is Morgan's boss who only sees breaking up the latter with his wife so that he can get the most out of him work-wise.The ending is almost slapstick-like and not much appreciated.

As a fan of Rita Hayworth, this is the only reason I wanted to watch this movie. She is in fine form, as are the all the actors. It's just such an insipid story that it bored me. I could not wait for it to be over.I didn't like Rickey (Morgan) since he is such a womanizer. I wondered why would Rita want him after discovering what a player he is. I also wondered why Sue (Oberon) would want him again. I guess it's me: I just don't see why those two smart women would each want a man like that.It's always fun to watch Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen, but they too often played the same roles over and over and over. Anyway, view for it Rita, but don't expect a great movie. Check your brain at the door.

Dennis Morgan had experience in light comedy. Merle Oberon did some sophisticated comedy. But Rita walks away with this.She looks ravishing -- as beautiful as in "Gilda," though in business clothes (which she wears dazzlingly) She is sensational as a woman of the world with a wry sense of humor.The movie itself is mildly amusing.Merle Oberon is very beautiful, as always, but she looks a bit plump.Everyone does the things that were acceptable then but aren't now: The characters smoke a lot, they drink and it is supposed to be hilarious when they get drunk.An American plays a Turk, using pidgin English. And, oh, it is racist: Every time Butterfly McQueen appears, the score picks up a leitmotif based on "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen."

For me the brightest spots of this movie are Rita Hayworth and Dennis Morgan. The love triangle, which also includes Merle Oberon, is complicated by interference from Ralph Bellamy and others (at times it's difficult to be sure whose side Rita is on.) Standing by are Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen, who are rooting for Morgan all the way. The backdrop of the newspaper business - as well as the presence of Ralph Bellamy - reminds one slightly of "His Girl Friday." Not a terrifically funny comedy, but worthwhile, especially for fans of any of the cast members.