A domestic comedy from Columbia Pictures which provides an early role for future acting legend William Holden.
Meet the Stewarts' paper thin plot concerns the matrimonial problems of working class Mike Stewart (William Holden) and new bride Candy (Frances Dee). Juggling a limited budget and disapproving families, Candy is determined to prove herself a dutiful wife, without the help of Daddy's income.
At a youthful 23, William Holden seems a little young and lacking in gravitas to fully convince as the serious minded, working stiff husband. Frances Dee is better as the spoiled little rich girl, while the Wicked Witch of the West herself, Margaret Hamilton, makes a welcome appearance as a scatterbrained housemaid.
In fairness to the cast, none are given much to work with; Karen DeWolf's screenplay is heavy on dialogue, but, unfortunately little of it particularly clever or witty. At its best the movie is pleasant and mildly amusing. At its worst the ‘humour’ is sexist and woefully dated. Some unfortunate allusions to wife beating are particularly unfunny.
Alfred E Green's direction seems to involve little more than setting up the camera and letting the cast do their thing. A scrappily comic fist fight near the climax is neatly staged and is an obvious highlight. But, honestly, this provides the only big laugh in the entire movie.
Meet the Stewarts is passable entertainment. I have seen far worse movies but few comedies as stubbornly un-amusing. It is worth watching to catch an early performance from future star Holden and for a glimpse at Margaret Hamilton sans cloak and broomstick, but little else.
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