Step into the zany world of 1950s romantic comedy with “A Millionaire for Christy,” a delightful screwball romp from 1951, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by George Marshall, delivers a perfect blend of romance, misunderstandings, and madcap adventures as it follows a cash-strapped secretary’s attempt to land a newly-minted millionaire. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Golden Age Hollywood’s lighter fare, this HD download brings a star-studded piece of cinematic history to your screen.
Christabel “Christy” Sloane (Eleanor Parker) is a struggling legal secretary in San Francisco, desperately in need of financial stability. When she’s tasked with informing radio personality Peter Ulysses Lockwood (Fred MacMurray) that he’s inherited $2 million, she sees an opportunity to change her fortunes. Encouraged by her coworker Patsy (Una Merkel), Christy decides to win Peter’s heart before revealing his newfound wealth.
Unbeknownst to Christy, Peter is “the Sunshine Man,” a saccharine radio host about to marry wealthy heiress June Chandler. Christy’s arrival on Peter’s wedding day sets off a chain of comic misunderstandings, with Peter believing her to be mentally unstable and his psychiatrist friend, Dr. Roland “Doc” Cook (Richard Carlson), assuming Peter is having one last fling.
As Christy tries to explain her mission and win Peter’s affections, the film takes viewers on a whirlwind of misadventures. From a botched wedding to a car stranded on a beach, from tequila-fueled nights with Mexican railroad workers to faked illnesses, the story unfolds in true screwball fashion. Along the way, Peter and Christy genuinely fall for each other, complicating matters further.
The film culminates in a series of hilarious twists, including Peter unknowingly giving away his entire inheritance and a madcap chase through a train station. In the end, love triumphs as Peter and Christy escape together, leaving behind a trail of confusion and laughter.
“A Millionaire for Christy” boasts a talented ensemble:
Fred MacMurray as Peter Ulysses Lockwood
Eleanor Parker as Christabel “Christy” Sloane
Richard Carlson as Dr. Roland “Doc” Cook
Una Merkel as Patsy Clifford
Kay Buckley as June Chandler
Chris-Pin Martin as Manolo
Douglass Dumbrille as A.K. Thompson
“A Millionaire for Christy” is a classic screwball comedy, blending elements of romantic comedy with farcical situations and rapid-fire dialogue. Its mix of mistaken identities, comic misunderstandings, and unlikely romantic pairings makes it a quintessential example of the genre popular in Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Released in 1951, “A Millionaire for Christy” came towards the end of Hollywood’s great screwball comedy era, which had begun in the 1930s. These films, characterized by their fast-paced dialogue, farcical situations, and often featuring a battle of the sexes, provided much-needed escapism and laughter during the Great Depression and World War II years.
By the early 1950s, the genre was evolving, but still retained its popularity with audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment. “A Millionaire for Christy” represents this later period of screwball comedies, blending the classic elements of the genre with the polished production values of 1950s Hollywood.
This colorized version of “A Millionaire for Christy” has been meticulously restored using state-of-the-art digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the characters and settings.
The colorization enhances the visual appeal of the film, from the elegant costumes to the varied settings of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the California coast. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s production design and costume work, which contribute to its charm and period authenticity.
Director: George Marshall
Screenplay: Ken Englund, Robert Harari
Based on: a story by Robert Harari
Cinematography: Milton R. Krasner
Edited by: James B. Clark
Music by: Victor Young
Production Company: Thor Productions
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Runtime: 91 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
While “A Millionaire for Christy” may not have achieved the same level of critical acclaim as some of the earlier screwball classics, it has been appreciated for its charming performances and light-hearted humor. The chemistry between Fred MacMurray and Eleanor Parker, both skilled comedic actors, is particularly praised.
The film showcases Eleanor Parker’s versatility, allowing her to display her comedic chops in contrast to her more dramatic roles. For Fred MacMurray, it represents another entry in his impressive roster of romantic comedies, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men in the genre.
Today, “A Millionaire for Christy” is enjoyed as a delightful example of 1950s romantic comedy, offering modern viewers a glimpse into the wit and charm of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Q: Is “A Millionaire for Christy” based on a true story?
A: No, it’s a fictional romantic comedy, though it draws on common themes and situations popular in screwball comedies of the era.
Q: How does the colorized version enhance the viewing experience?
A: The colorization brings new vibrancy to the film’s settings and costumes, helping modern viewers better appreciate its visual style.
Q: Who are the main stars of “A Millionaire for Christy”?
A: The film stars Fred MacMurray as Peter Lockwood and Eleanor Parker as Christy Sloane.
Q: What is a screwball comedy?
A: Screwball comedy is a subgenre of romantic comedy characterized by fast-paced dialogue, farcical situations, and often featuring a battle of the sexes or class conflicts.
Q: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime is 91 minutes.
Experience the Laughter and Romance of “A Millionaire for Christy” Today!