Cast
View All
Marlene Dietrich
as Elizabeth Madden
Fred MacMurray
as Corey McBain
Aline MacMahon
as Buddy
Stanley Ridges
as Kenneth Hanline
Arline Judge
as Frances
Roger Clark
as Victor
Marietta Canty
as Mary Lou
David James
as Baby Corey
Ruth Ford
as Myrtle
Harvey Stephens
as Dr. Golding
Harry Shannon
as Barnes
Elisabeth Risdon
as Mrs. Cummings
Charles Lane
as K.K. Miller
Murray Alper
as Joe Quig
Kitty Kelly
as Nellie Quig
Crew
Director
- Mitchell Leisen
Producer
- Charles K. Feldman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Lady Is Willing represents a fascinating example of Romance/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Mitchell Leisen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1942, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Lady Is Willing took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 235 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1942, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Lady Is Willing shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Child of Manhattan, which focuses more on action than character development, The Lady Is Willing offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Rabbit Meat and Tish explore similar territory, The Lady Is Willing stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 12, 1942
- Runtime: 1h 32m
