Joy of Living (1938)
- Starring:
- Irene Dunne, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., (more)
- Director(s):
- Tay Garnett
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- NR
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Synopsis of Joy of Living
Given the talent involved, The Joy of Living should have been far better than it is. Irene Dunne plays Maggie, a popular musical-comedy star saddled with a possessive, spendthrift family. Maggie would like to leave the house once in a while and experience "real life," but her parents (Alice Brady, Guy Kibbee), worried that they'll lose their meal ticket, refuse to allow her to do so. The Prince Charming who rescues Maggie from her folks is ship-owner Dan (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) As a bonus, the footloose and fancy-free Dan teaches the repressed Maggie that "it's fun to be foolish." Apparently director Tay Garnett couldn't keep the production under control, and the cost ballooned to a then-staggering $1.1 million, resulting in a huge loss for RKO Radio. Some of the film's brighter moments are provided by Lucille Ball, Billy Gilbert, Jean Dixon and Franklin Pangborn, who like Dunne and Fairbanks all deserved funnier material than this. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast of Joy of Living
- Irene Dunne - Margaret "Maggie" Garret
- Alice Brady - Minerva
- Jean Dixon - Harrison
- Lucille Ball - Salina
- Billy Gilbert - Cafe Owner
- Dorothy Steiner - Dotsy Pine
- Phyllis Kennedy - Marie
- James Burke - Mac
- Spencer Charters - Magistrate
- Frank Moran - Cop with Gravel Voice
- Dennis O'Keefe - Man in Building Lobby
- Charles Williams - Sideshow Barker
- Grady Sutton - Florist
- Fuzzy Knight - Sideshow Piano Player
- Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. - Dan Brewster
- Guy Kibbee - Dennis
- Eric Blore - Potter
- Warren Hymer - Mike
- Frank Milan - Bert Pine
- Estelle Steiner - Betsy Pine
- Franklin Pangborn - Band Leader
- John Qualen - Oswego
- George Chandler - Taxi Driver
- Frank M. Thomas
- Harry Woods - Cop/Autograph Hound
- Charles Lane - Dress Extra
- Bert Roach - German Waiter
- Pat Flaherty - Autograph Hound
- Director(s):
- Tay Garnett
- Writer(s):
- Gene Towne, Dorothy Fields, Allan G. Scott
- Producer(s):
- Felix Young
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- NR(Suitable for Children)
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