Cast
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Lucille Ball
as Ellen Grant
William Holden
as Dick Richmond
Janis Carter
as Peggy Donato
James Gleason
as Timothy Gleason
Gloria Henry
as Helen White
Frank McHugh
as Kilcoyne
George Cleveland
as Judge Grant
Stephen Dunne
as Ralph Winton
Wanda Perry
as Ruth (uncredited)
Roy Roberts
as Roberts - Construction Foreman (uncredited)
Will Wright
as Roscoe Johnson (uncredited)
Eddie Acuff
as Bus Driver (uncredited)
George Boyce
as Prospective Home Buyer (uncredited)
Peter Brocco
as Father of Triplets (uncredited)
Wanda Cantlon
as Peggy's Maid (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lloyd Bacon
Producer
- S. Sylvan Simon
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Miss Grant Takes Richmond represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Lloyd Bacon 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 1949, 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 Miss Grant Takes Richmond took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 445 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1949, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Miss Grant Takes Richmond shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Man Who Came to Dinner, which focuses more on action than character development, Miss Grant Takes Richmond offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Chasers and Carry On Loving explore similar territory, Miss Grant Takes Richmond 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: October 20, 1949
- Runtime: 1h 27m
