How stupid must people think I am to believe that this is a good movie? What, you think I was born yesterday?
That bad pun was probably more jokey than all of George Cukor’s “Born Yesterday” actually is. After seeing a handful of his movies now, including “Adam’s Rib” just over a week ago, I realize Cukor’s films feel less like comedies full of punch lines, screwball situations or witty jabs and are slighter in their straight presentation of socially awkward dialogue. There’s an audience for that sort of thing (and this movie surely has its defenders), and it typically makes for pleasant movies.
The difference however is that the main characters in “Born Yesterday” are strikingly unlikable and idiotic to the point that it has to soapbox the ideas of morality and intelligence in society.
It feels a little like a “My Fair Lady” (also directed by Cukor) story mixed with, for whatever reason it comes to mind, “Legally Blonde.” A ditzy blonde learns about the government and life from a good looking journalist; and she wears glasses! How kooky is that? Continue reading “Rapid Response: Born Yesterday (1950)”