The only reasons to see "Orchestra Wives" is to see and hear some great musical acts. Unfortunately, this film sinks when it comes to the plot and is not especially enjoyable overall.
The film is about a fictional band led by Gene Morrison. Why they called the guy Gene Morrison is beyond me, as the guy was actually Glenn Miller. Why not just say this is Glenn Miller?! Plus, I loved being able to not only see and hear Miller and his music but also see him act. Unfortunately, despite being billed third, he was really only a supporting actor--in support of a very weak story. In addition to seeing him, I was THRILLED to see the Nicholas Brothers near the end-- and the film is worth seeing just for them. They were, perhaps, the greatest tap dancers ever--and when you see them, at first, you might not believe it. Just watch--as the routine heats up, their acrobatics become INSANE!!
As for the story,..well, it stank. One the band members (George Montgomery) meets and marries a woman (Ann Rutherford) he barely even knows. However, soon he dumps her back home with the other orchestra wives and the catty wives do their best to make the wife doubt her new husband's faithfulness--and they do a great job of it. However, she really DID have reason to suspect him, as the hubby seemed like a total jerk. Yet, after she catches him in a hotel room with another woman, HE behaves as is SHE is a nagging wife and should have trusted him. It makes absolutely no sense at all--and infuriated me. He was hopelessly unlikable and frankly the whole notion of 'love at first sight' is pretty stupid. As a retired psychotherapist, I must point out that marriages based on this are generally doomed!
All in all, a sticky story that seemed pretty unimportant and poorly written. But at least the music was very nice. And, if you do choose to see the film, look for Jackie Gleason, Caesar Romero, Harry Morgan and Dale Evans in various supporting roles.
The film is about a fictional band led by Gene Morrison. Why they called the guy Gene Morrison is beyond me, as the guy was actually Glenn Miller. Why not just say this is Glenn Miller?! Plus, I loved being able to not only see and hear Miller and his music but also see him act. Unfortunately, despite being billed third, he was really only a supporting actor--in support of a very weak story. In addition to seeing him, I was THRILLED to see the Nicholas Brothers near the end-- and the film is worth seeing just for them. They were, perhaps, the greatest tap dancers ever--and when you see them, at first, you might not believe it. Just watch--as the routine heats up, their acrobatics become INSANE!!
As for the story,..well, it stank. One the band members (George Montgomery) meets and marries a woman (Ann Rutherford) he barely even knows. However, soon he dumps her back home with the other orchestra wives and the catty wives do their best to make the wife doubt her new husband's faithfulness--and they do a great job of it. However, she really DID have reason to suspect him, as the hubby seemed like a total jerk. Yet, after she catches him in a hotel room with another woman, HE behaves as is SHE is a nagging wife and should have trusted him. It makes absolutely no sense at all--and infuriated me. He was hopelessly unlikable and frankly the whole notion of 'love at first sight' is pretty stupid. As a retired psychotherapist, I must point out that marriages based on this are generally doomed!
All in all, a sticky story that seemed pretty unimportant and poorly written. But at least the music was very nice. And, if you do choose to see the film, look for Jackie Gleason, Caesar Romero, Harry Morgan and Dale Evans in various supporting roles.