User Reviews

Leo MacCarey, who first rose to prominence as a director and supervising producer for Hal Roach in the 1920s -- he is one of the many people who claim to have come up with the idea of teaming Laurel and Hardy -- returns to the fold for this episode of Roach's TV anthology of the middle 1950s. This one is a comedy drama.

Peter Lawford and Nancy Gates are fine as a couple who separate and go through divorce proceedings and long-time cinematographer Alfred Gilks manages the camera in a superior manner for 1950s television -- there are some nice understated moving shots that TV cameras always called attention to in this period. If there are any weaknesses, I find that the ending is a bit abrupt and Frank Fay is showing the effects of the long-term alcoholism that afflicted him.

But these are minor issues in the face of Arthur Q. Bryan. Bryan is best remembered for doing the voice of Elmer Fudd for cartoons for twenty years, and here he is dynamite as the divorce court judge. Some of his routine is a reprise of Granville Bates' performance in MY FAVORITE WIFE, but Bryan takes such evident pleasure in the role that he makes this story a pleasure.

Screen Directors Playhouse: Tom and Jerry (1955)

** (out of 4)

Tom (Peter Lawford) and Jerry (Nancy Gates) are a couple on the verge of divorce due to the husband being seen with another woman. A priest (Frank Fay) tries to get them back together but it doesn't work and soon the two are in a court in Las Vegas waiting for a judge (Arthur Q. Bryan) to sign the papers. Considering some of the talent involved you can't help but consider this episode somewhat of a dud. It's meant to mix comedy and drama but it falls flat on its face in regards to both. This entire series was set up so that screen directors could do any story they wanted and it should be noted that Leo McCarey selected this one because it was written by his daughter and it turned out to be the only thing she'd every write. It's easy to see because there's really nothing good here as the story goes in and out in terms of going after laughs one second and then trying to be dramatic the next. The idea that the wife should "stand by her man" even though he has been unfaithful will probably sit wrong with some viewers and the sentimental ending is a major crash and burn because it simply doesn't work. Both Lawford and Gates fit their roles well enough but I'd be lying if I said either one was great. The one note worthy thing is that the judge was played by Arthur Q. Bryan who is best known for being the voice of Elmer Fudd. This was the first time I had ever seen him on screen and it was rather amazing at how much he really did sound like Fudd.

directed by Leo McCarey slapstick went from a nice Christmas scene to divorce--thanks to 'practical presents' and necklace for another woman (Lola)! Charles Lane--attorney--he was funny

Turner Classic Movies recently aired a few episodes of "Screen Directors Playhouse"--an anthology series from the 1950s that features teleplays from top directors. In the case of "Tom and Jerry", it was directed by the great Leo McCarey--the man responsible for such films as "The Awful Truth", "An Affair to Remember" and "Going My Way". Unfortunately, while McCarey was an excellent writer and director, however, this was not a particularly good installment of the show.

Peter Lawford and Nancy Gates star as Tom and Jerry Macy. It begins with a happy family on Christmas morning. However, after all is said and done, the wife, unexpectedly, knocks her loving husband down the steps! Why? Because she knew that he bought a nice necklace and THOUGHT she was going to get it, but instead he gave her a garbage disposal! Who got the necklace? His 'ladyfriend', Lola (Marie Windsor). The rest of the film consists of their priest and his lawyer trying to convince them not to get a divorce.

The message for this sweet little picture seems to be that men DO cheat and women should forgive and forget. And, it also seems to say that when they do, everything will work out just fine. Rather sad and jaded, if you ask me! This is an indifferently made and disappointing little film. It was supposed to be heartwarming and was full of schmaltz. Perhaps you'll enjoy it but I thought it was a bit bleak and nasty.