Bubbly. Energetic. Funny. Captivating.
Four words that can easily be used when describing what Jean Arthur brings to the screen. Let’s not forget beauty either.
Shane was probably my first viewing of a Jean Arthur performance but she was far from the reason I first watched this George Stevens classic. It was Alan Ladd vs. Jack Palance that captured my interest. Jean just happened to be little Joey’s Mother. She with the husky voice. Looking from our point of view it’s unthinkable that this was to be her final film!
Then came the earlier films like Mr. Deeds and Mr. Smith. From there she had me hooked. Hooked or not there are so many of her films I haven’t yet seen when one realizes that she has so many credits to her name before Mr. Deeds hit the screen in 1936.
Advertised as “The gal who took Mr. Deeds to town steps out again.”
Commanding first billing over the Duke in 1942.
“Gee whiz, you’re a great help. ”
If you haven’t seen The Devil and Miss Jones what are you waiting for? I love this comedy gem where she meets a wonderful match in Charles Coburn.
Jean with her choice of leading men. Who should she choose?
For another fun option check out Jean as she reteams with Charles Coburn in The More the Merrier.
Mike's Take On the Movies 