That Uncertain Feeling

That Uncertain Feeling is a delightful romantic comedy from 1941, directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Merle Oberon, Melvyn Douglas, and Burgess Meredith. The film follows the story of Jill Baker (Oberon), a happily married woman who suddenly starts to feel bored and unsatisfied with her life. She seeks the help of a psychiatrist, Dr. Vengard (Alan Mowbray), who prescribes her some medicine to cure her anxiety. However, the medicine makes her feel even more restless and she begins to fantasize about other men.

One day, while shopping for a hat, she meets Larry Baker (Douglas), a charming and witty millionaire who falls in love with her at first sight. Jill tries to resist his advances, but Larry is persistent and soon they start to see each other regularly. Meanwhile, her husband David (Meredith), a serious and hard-working businessman, is completely oblivious to Jill's inner turmoil and is more interested in his work than his wife.

Jill's situation becomes even more complicated when she discovers that her best friend, Betsy (Eve Arden), is having an affair with David. This revelation adds another layer of conflict to the story, as Jill starts to feel guilty about her own feelings for Larry while her husband is being unfaithful.

As the plot unfolds, the audience follows Jill's journey as she tries to figure out what she really wants in life. Should she stay loyal to her husband, who is comfortable but unexciting, or should she take a chance with Larry, who is adventurous but unpredictable? The film explores these themes with a light touch, never taking itself too seriously, and providing plenty of laughs along the way.

One of the most remarkable things about That Uncertain Feeling is its witty dialogue and clever use of visual comedy. The film is filled with double entendres, witty one-liners, and sophisticated humor that would make Lubitsch famous. There are several memorable scenes that stand out, such as the one where Larry takes Jill to a fancy restaurant and pretends to be a waiter. The resulting confusion and hilarity are a testament to Lubitsch's comedic genius.

The performances in That Uncertain Feeling are outstanding, with Merle Oberon delivering a nuanced and subtle portrayal of a woman in crisis. She is charming, intelligent, and vulnerable, making the audience empathize with her dilemma. Melvyn Douglas, on the other hand, steals the show with his impeccable timing and effortless charm. He is a true movie star, and his chemistry with Oberon is electric.

Burgess Meredith, who plays David, is also excellent, portraying a man who is caught up in his work but still loves his wife. His performance is understated, but it captures the essence of the character perfectly. Eve Arden, as Betsy, provides comic relief with her sharp wit and sarcastic remarks.

Overall, That Uncertain Feeling is a charming and sophisticated romantic comedy that still holds up today. It is a testament to Lubitsch's mastery of the genre and the talent of its talented cast. The film explores timeless themes such as love, marriage, and infidelity, but does so with a light touch that never feels heavy-handed. Fans of classic Hollywood comedies will undoubtedly enjoy this gem from 1941.