Practically Yours Reviews

Colbert's last film for Paramount after a 16-year career was a disappointment. She was 40 at the time and MacMurray was 38 and neither felt right playing these roles, which were surely designed for younger thespians. MacMurray is a pilot who goes above and beyond the call of duty by aiming his fighter-bomber directly at a Japanese ship and letting go of the bombs as the plane hits the vessel. While in his crash dive, MacMurray talks about what he'd rather be doing--working at his desk for the typewriter company owned by Kellaway and walking through Central Park with "Peggy." His last words are monitored by Navy radio and then sent out to the Home Front where the citizens can hear the final statement by a true American hero. Somehow, he survives and when the country learns that he is coming home, Colbert (who is thought to be his "Peggy") is crowded by the press, including all manner of radio, newsreel, and newspaper reporters. MacMurray arrives at the airport and is met by Kellaway and Colbert who also works for Kellaway's typewriter company. MacMurray and Colbert go to Kellaway's mansion where he is to be a house guest. It is there that MacMurray admits that the "Peggy" he referred to was his dog. Colbert sighs with relief because she plans to wed Lamb, the 4-F manager of Kellaway's accounts receivables. Since there has been so much national publicity, Colbert and MacMurray decide to continue the masquerade until the heat dies down and they agree that Lamb can accompany them on all of their "dates" for the benefit of the press coverage. Naturally, it isn't long before MacMurray falls in love with Colbert and has to overcome a few obstacles to win her from Lamb. While MacMurray and Colbert basically just go through the motions here, the supporting cast helps keep things moving along. DeCamp does a good job as a "Gold Star" wife, and Frazee plays a musical comedy star as she sings the picture's one song. Lamb also gets some laughs as a man faced with the difficult task of competing with a war hero for his lady love. In a bit part, note Yvonne De Carlo as one of the Kellaway employees.