Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid

source: Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid

Moviecut—Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid

Back in 1948 moviegoers who were into mermaids were spoilt for choice between Glynis Johns in Miranda (UK) and Ann Blyth as Lenore in Mr.Peabody And The Mermaid. Unless or until Miranda is released on DVD, screened by some outfit like the NFT/AFT or televised by TCM or Talking Pictures (as Mr. Peabody was recently) we have no way of comparing and/or contrasting them which leaves us only Mr. Peabody to discuss. The biggest thing in its favour is William Powell as the eponymous character and if Powell has ever turned in a bad performance I have yet to see it. I've never really cared for Ann Blyth but here she weighs in with a half decent performance possibly because she doesn't speak. It's gossamer of course but with a screenplay by Nunnally Johnson and a leading man like William Powell it's Industrial strength gossamer and will reward the average viewer.

I'm not normally a fan of old movies, especially the B&W variety, but being a lover and collector of mermaids, I decided to check this movie out on AMC. I found the story absolutely delightful. Wm. Powell is so gentle and earnest in the role of Mr. Peabody, and almost as sweet as the lovely young mermaid, Lenore. I found the set at the Peabody home with the fish pond and underwater grotoe where the mermaid lived to be much like the enchanted world I'd love to live in as my mermaid alter-ego, Sirena. I found myself wishing for a colorized version of the movie.

I wasn't expecting much from this rather obscure comedy, so I was surprised by how funny it was. The script sparkles at times, making this an under-the-radar gem. If you're curious and have 90 minutes to spare, check it out. You might be in for a treat. The vacationing Mr. Peabody (William Powell), struggling with middle age, takes in an enchanting young mermaid and finds himself in the middle of misunderstandings with his wife, his fellow residents, and the police. Powell is always great and he's joined by a very capable cast of lesser-known actors and actresses. Clinton Sundberg makes an impression as the dry-witted, cigarette-starved fellow American and Lumsden Hare is a hoot as a British soldier of the old school. Irene Hervey plays Powell's attractive wife, who never gives him the chance to set straight her mistaken notions. Ann Blyth (MILDRED PIERCE) is adorable with a tail fin.

There are lots of charming moments in Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid. I especially enjoyed the scene in which William Powell tries to buy only the top half of a women's two-piece swim suit for the mermaid (I don't know the name of the actress who plays the salesperson, but she perfectly captures the weariness and irritation that lies behind the professional salesperson's smile and memorized patter). It's interesting to see the old Male Menopause plot line done a little differently. Instead of turning 50, feeling old, and so chasing younger women to prove himself still virile, William Powell's Mr. Peabody turns 50 and loses himself in a little innocent romance. I enjoyed this film.

I often like actors as they age, and I really liked William Powell during his prime. So I expected I would really enjoy this film. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it. It sounds like a fun movie -- a man in his 50-ish life crisis meeting a mermaid...and everyone else thinking he might be loony. I found it boring and -- although I can't put my finger on exactly why -- I think it really missed the mark. The cast is uninspiring -- not a name you'll recognize (except, perhaps, a mute Ann Blyth). Powell is...well, Powell. Usually that would be enough to carry a film, but here it's not enough to save the picture. Perhaps it's worth watching once. Perhaps.

I have wanted to see this film for many years now and have been awaiting its release on DVD. It is a funny and whimsical film and I have seen it many times growing up. Mr. Peabody and The Mermaid is a film that was shown quite often as I was growing up, but I haven't seen it for years. Very funny movie and I can't wait until someone gets it out on DVD. This film was any young boys dream come true, to go out and catch a beautiful mermaid and to bring her home was such a wonderful fantasy. I rate this as one of my all time favorite films and can't wait until its long over due release on DVD. I have often tried to find a VHS copy and have not been able to do so. Perhaps it will appear soon.

Funny. Thoughtful. Great script. Incredible dialog. Wonderfully cast. You might guess that I like this film. William Powell has never been as warm and funny. Ann Blyth is every man's unattainable beauty. And Nunnally Johnson has never written a better script. This is high comedy with a heart. I cannot imagine a more perfect cast. Even the minor roles hold their own. There are many movies we see when young that don't hold up as well as we get older. This one gets even better. If you can't find a copy of it, then petition AMC or TCM to broadcast it. You won't be sorry you did.

Rather mediocre comic fantasy has married William Powell consulting a psychiatrist after having an encounter with a mermaid (seems the Mrs. is the jealous type, and Powell's mermaid is interfering with their marriage!). Made back in the day when psychiatrists themselves were kooky gag-characters and Powell's uptight "Thin Man" panache was a surefire laugh-getter. Seen today, the film simply doesn't hold up, not even as '40s nostalgia. Talky and surprisingly unimaginative; the cast does try its best, however the colorless script just about sinks the actors in a sea of silly chatter. Production design is handsome, but film could have used more wit and more magic. ** from ****