“Mrs. O’ Malley and Mr. Malone” on TCM
Mrs. O’ Malley and Mr. Malone is going to air on Turner Classic Movies on Thursday, April 17 at 1:00am EST.
By 1950, Ann Dvorak has been a freelance actress for 14 years and her days in Hollywood were winding down. During this later part of her career, Ann tended to have supporting roles, but she is usually pretty effective (A Life of Her Own, Our Very Own, Walls of Jericho). I have only sat through Mrs. O’ Malley and Mr. Malone once, and have never had the urge to revisit it. As I recall, Ann has very little to do and this role is not nearly as memorable as the aforementioned titles. Even though the film is only 69 minutes, this comedy/murder mystery set on a train feels much longer. If one is a fan of Marjorie Main or James Whitmore, then this is probably enjoyable enough, but from an Ann Dvorak standpoint, I recommend tuning into TCM the following day for Heat Lightning instead.
Interestingly, I just realized that Norma Taurog directed this film. He had directed Ann 17 years prior in 1933’s The Way to Love.
Oh, I beg to differ. Ann Dvorak was delightful in the movie “Mrs. O’Malley and Mr. Malone.” I love this movie!! It moves quickly and you love every character who walks in, even Fred Clark as antagonist to Whitmore. Ann Dvorak used all her dialogue to the fullest, she was a very good comedic actress, and reminds me of the great Lucille Ball in delivery of lines which seemed natural but highly amusing at the same time. And Marjorie Main is perfect. James Whitmore was very good. And Phyllis Kirk!! This is a movie that brings up my spirits and shows me that there are still movie gems to be discovered. The “B” movies always make me smile. The “A” movies make me think or cry, but “B” movies make me smile and laugh.