Solid performances by the entire cast earn this movie its eight stars. "Invitation to Happiness" has a good plot that Irene Dunne and Fred MacMurray make into a very good love story. He is Albert "King" Cole, a heavyweight boxer, and she is Eleanor Wayne, a smitten socialite. The rest of the cast contribute as well. Charles Ruggles gives one of the supporting cast performances that made him a favorite supporting actor in more than 120 films and in many TV series over four decades. Ruggles plays Pop Hardy. Billy Cook does a good job as Albert Cole Jr.
Dunne and MacMurray only played in two films together – this one and the comedy-romance "Never a Dull Moment" in 1950. It would have been interesting to see them in more, especially comedies. Both were among the most versatile performers in their trade. Dunne made drama, comedy and war films with excellence. MacMurray played in many films from family fare, to westerns, mysteries and crime flicks, drama, war and comedy. She played opposite many of the best leading men of Hollywood, and he played opposite most of the leading women of the silver screen over four decades.
Invitation to Happiness is a good story about love and family, and reconciliation. As noted, the performances earn it the eight stars I give. Otherwise, the screenplay is choppy and disjointed in places. It's a story that most should enjoy.
Dunne and MacMurray only played in two films together – this one and the comedy-romance "Never a Dull Moment" in 1950. It would have been interesting to see them in more, especially comedies. Both were among the most versatile performers in their trade. Dunne made drama, comedy and war films with excellence. MacMurray played in many films from family fare, to westerns, mysteries and crime flicks, drama, war and comedy. She played opposite many of the best leading men of Hollywood, and he played opposite most of the leading women of the silver screen over four decades.
Invitation to Happiness is a good story about love and family, and reconciliation. As noted, the performances earn it the eight stars I give. Otherwise, the screenplay is choppy and disjointed in places. It's a story that most should enjoy.