Mr. & Mrs. Smith Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple finds out their marriage isn’t real, so they act like toddlers until they remember they’re supposed to be in love.

🍿 Mr. & Mrs. Smith: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Smiths’ Volatile Marriage

David and Ann Smith have a marriage defined by passionate love and frequent arguments. They have an established routine for resolving disputes, vowing not to leave their bedroom until reconciliation is achieved. One morning, Ann asks David if he would marry her again if given the chance.

The Legal Technicality

David answers Ann’s question honestly, stating he would not remarry her due to the impact on his personal freedom. That same day, a state official informs David that their marriage was never legally valid due to a boundary dispute. Unbeknownst to David, the same official visits Ann, creating a situation ripe for misunderstandings.

Ann’s Reaction and Separation

Ann is angered that David withholds the information and doesn’t immediately propose a second marriage. She throws him out and begins to embrace her newfound freedom. David soon realizes he regrets his initial response and actively seeks to win her back, while Ann starts dating Jefferson Custer, David’s law partner.

David’s Pursuit

Desperate to regain Ann’s affection, David follows her around town, sabotages her attempts to move on, and tries various schemes. He even feigns illness to gain her sympathy when she and Jeff are visiting Jeff’s parents at Lake Placid. The film follows David’s increasingly desperate and comical attempts to win Ann back.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ann Smith née Krausheimer (Carole Lombard): A strong-willed and independent woman who reconsiders her marriage after discovering it’s not legally binding.
• David Smith (Robert Montgomery): A somewhat immature but ultimately loving husband who must win back his wife after a marital technicality.
• Jeff Custer (Gene Raymond): David’s best friend and law partner, who becomes romantically involved with Ann during her separation.
• Chuck (Jack Carson): David’s carousing club friend who offers questionable advice and encouragement.
• Mr. Custer (Philip Merivale): Jeff’s father, who’s visiting with his wife to meet Ann for the first time.
• Mrs. Custer (Lucile Watson): Jeff’s mother, who’s also visiting with her husband to meet Ann for the first time.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ann: “If you had it to do all over again, would you marry me?” – Ann asks David a loaded question, setting off a series of events when he answers honestly that he wouldn’t.
• David: “I don’t think you can blame me for wanting a little illicit fun.” – David expresses his excitement about the possibility of premarital sex now that their marriage is technically invalid.
• Ann: “I can’t imagine anything hanging in the closet shrinking so much.” – Said when Ann tries to fit into the dress she wore on her wedding day.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Mr. & Mrs. Smith Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went into this movie expecting a Hitchcock thriller and was completely caught off guard by the comedy! Carole Lombard is absolutely magnetic, and I found myself laughing out loud at her antics. The whole premise is so ridiculous, but the movie just runs with it. The scene in the restaurant where Robert Montgomery tries to make her jealous is pure gold. It’s a lighthearted and fun movie. I wish they made more like this!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic screwball comedies”
  • “Admirers of Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery”
  • “Those interested in seeing a different side of Alfred Hitchcock”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild marital arguments”
  • “Suggestive situations”

Professional Reviews

• The Classic Film Critic: “A charming but not groundbreaking screwball comedy elevated by Lombard’s radiant presence. Hitchcock’s direction is competent but lacks his signature flair. The plot is a bit flimsy, but the witty dialogue and the chemistry between Lombard and Montgomery make it an enjoyable watch. The ending feels rushed but overall a fun movie experience.
• Modern Movie Analysis: “While ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ is a decent comedy, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the genre’s best. The premise is interesting, but the execution is somewhat uneven. Lombard and Montgomery are delightful, however the film drags in the third act. The attempts at physical comedy are a bit clumsy, and the plot feels stretched.

Audience Reactions

Carole Lombard’s performance is stellar and carries the whole film.: Viewers consistently praised Lombard’s comedic timing and charm, noting that she was the highlight of the movie.

The plot’s absurdity and screwball elements made it incredibly entertaining.: Many enjoyed the film’s silly premise and the resulting chaotic situations, finding it a fun and lighthearted experience.

Overall Consensus: A pleasant but not exceptional screwball comedy, elevated by strong performances, especially from Carole Lombard, but hampered by a somewhat weak plot and uneven pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Hitchcock directed this film as a favor to Carole Lombard, who had long expressed a desire to work with him. He admitted that he didn’t fully understand the screwball comedy genre.”
• “Carole Lombard had significant control over the production, including directing Alfred Hitchcock’s cameo appearance and demanding multiple takes until she was satisfied.”
• “This film is a departure from Hitchcock’s usual suspense thrillers and remains his only attempt at a straight-out comedy.”
• “Reportedly, Cary Grant was considered for the role of David Smith, but Robert Montgomery was ultimately cast.”
• “The film subtly touches on themes of female independence and the changing roles of women in the 1940s.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith?

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941) is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Check your local listings for streaming options on services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, or through rental services. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mr. & Mrs. Smith, you might like these similar films:

• The Awful Truth (1937): Shares a similar screwball comedy structure with a divorcing couple testing the boundaries of their relationship.
• Bringing Up Baby (1938): Features the same madcap humor and fast-paced dialogue typical of the screwball comedy era.
• His Girl Friday (1940): Quick-witted banter and a focus on the complexities of relationships are shared elements.
• Game Night (2018): Modern comedy that uses marital discord and extreme situations for comedic effect, in the spirit of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

🛒 Mr. & Mrs. Smith Related Products

• Mr. & Mrs. Smith [Blu-ray]: Experience the classic screwball comedy in high definition with restored picture and sound. Includes bonus features with insights into the making of the film and the careers of Carole Lombard and Alfred Hitchcock.
• Carole Lombard: The Quintessential Screwball Comedienne: A biography covering the remarkable life and career of Carole Lombard. Includes rare photos and detailed analysis of her best performances, including “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”. A valuable addition to any film history collection.
• Vintage Movie Poster: Mr. & Mrs. Smith: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the essence of the film’s style and charm. Perfect for decorating a home theater or adding to a vintage film collection.
• Screwball Comedy Collection (DVD): A collection featuring some of the best screwball comedies of the Golden Age of Hollywood, including ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’. Enjoy hours of laughter with timeless classics.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mr. & Mrs. Smith features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Sidewalks of New York” – performed by Charles Lawlor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) Bloopers Outtakes Gag Reel

Ever wonder what happens when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie mess up their lines? This gag reel is hilarious and shows how much fun they had making the movie; it definitely made me laugh!

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Premiere

See the stars of Mr. & Mrs. Smith walk the red carpet and give exclusive interviews! It’s cool to hear their thoughts right when the movie was released; you get a real sense of the excitement around the film.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith — How to Break Screenwriting Rules

Want to know what makes Mr. & Mrs. Smith stand out from other action rom-coms? This video breaks down how the writers bent the rules to create something unique and memorable. I never thought about it this way, but it makes so much sense!

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