Romance can be tricky. Image: Giphy
Are you in the mood for some classic world cinema?
Recently, our friend and fellow movie blogger, Nuwan Sen, introduced us to the 1955 Bollywood romantic comedy/drama, Mr. & Mrs. ’55.
Nuwan explains the significance of “55” in the title:
In India, before 1955, divorce was not recognized by the Hindus, as according to the Hindu religion marriage is sacrament and not a contract. But with the codification of the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, both men and women (of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain, faith) are equally eligible to seek divorce.¹
He also describes the urbane, prosperous nature of the city where the film is set. “Less than a year into Independence,” he writes, “the modern Indian progressive minded city’s educated and elite are beautifully showcased.”²
Before we dive into the movie itself, it’s fair to tell you Mr. & Mrs. ’55 has content you may find objectionable. Example: The last 40 minutes (which are a bit of a grind) are, essentially, a lecture to women to stick with their spouse No Matter What. One character admits her husband beats her occasionally, but says, “[I]f you find a stone while eating, you don’t give up eating.”
Also, the leading feminist in the film (played by the fab Lalita Pawar) is an Out-And-Out Villain who despises men.
So, why watch this film?
For one thing, it’s a social document of sorts, from another country in another time. We think that aspect alone is interesting.
The second reason is the first hour of the film. It’s funny and charming, and it has lively music and beguiling performances, especially by the star, Madhubala.
Madhubala (l) and Lalita Pawar don’t agree on Marriage. Image: YouTube
The film opens with the passing of divorce legislation in India. The man-hating Pawar is a chief proponent of this campaign, and she’s thrilled with her accomplishment.
Pawar is also the guardian of her niece (Madhubala), and has been ever since the death of the young woman’s father. This aunt is as fierce an advocate for her niece as she is for divorce.
In an unlikely plot development, Pawar and Madhubala learn the contents of the father’s Will: Madhubala is to inherit a sizeable fortune after she marries, but guess what! The marriage must take place before her next birthday, in 30 days!
Pawar Springs into Action. She immediately starts shopping for a Divorce-Friendly Husband for her niece, a man who will quietly disappear after the wedding.
However, Madhubala has Other Ideas. She likes romance and the idea of being in love. She has a mad crush on a famous tennis player who, alas, does not return her affections.
Meanwhile, Guru Dutt* plays an out-of work cartoonist smitten with Madhubala. It is he who answers the “job ad” that turns out to be Pawar’s Recruitment Drive for a divorce-ready husband.
Dutt is thrilled to be engaged to Madhubala, even if it means a quick divorce after the wedding (a.k.a. the signing of papers) at the registrar’s office.
As for Madhubala, she likes Dutt as as a Friend, but doesn’t regard him as Husband Material.
Mr. & Mrs. ’55 has an extraordinary cast, so Madhubala’s ability to steal scenes is remarkable. She has charisma and talent, and it makes us wonder why we’d never seen her films before.
She was, perhaps, the most celebrated Bollywood actress in the 1950s and 60s; she made over 70 films before she died at age 36 from congenital heart disease. Because of her beauty and untimely death, she’s often been referred to as the “Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood”³.
They say Frank Capra wanted to bring Madhubala to Hollywood, but her father refused. She was one of eleven children in her family, and it appears she helped support her parents and siblings with the earnings from her films.4
We hope you’ll have the opportunity to see one of Madhubala’s films. Even if the film itself doesn’t appeal to you, you’ll love her performance.
Sources
¹No Nonsense with Nuwan Sen. (Retrieved July 11, 2019.) Mai May Movies 2019!
²Ibid.
³Wikipedia. (Retrieved July 12, 2019.) Madhubala.
4Ibid.
*Guru Dutt also directed this film.
Mr. & Mrs. ’55: starring Madhubala, Guru Dutt, Lalita Pawar. Directed by Guru Dutt. Written by Abrar Alvi. Guru Dutt Films, 1955, B&W, 157 mins.
Silver Screenings 
Thanks for the shout out and quotes!
Really enjoyed reading your review. Madhubala was truly a talented actress, and a bewitching beauty, and if she had made it in Hollywood back them, that would’ve been amazing. Lalita Pawar is truly fab, isn’t she; if only she wasn’t shown in such an extremist manner towards men.
The 1st hour or so the movie makes it worth watching!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for introducing me to this film. It was your review that promoted me to see it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome Ruth! 🙂
Am glad you watched it and reviewed it so beautifully!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another one I have never heard of but your review sounds enticing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a lot of fun to be had with this film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“…it’s a social document of sorts, from another country in another time. We think that aspect alone is interesting.” That is definitely one of the fascinating things about watching older movies, you get a good feel for how different the times were! A wonderfully written review 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! This film is really interesting from a historical perspective, and it’s also a lot of fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh I love Bollywood, but I’ve never seen this. It’s going on my list!! Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the music, and the first half of the film is funny and charming. I hope you get the chance to see it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like a worthwhite viewing, especially since the Bollywood films I’ve seen are much more recent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t seen many Bollywood films, and most of those are recent releases. I hope you get the chance to see this one. Great performances and music.
LikeLike
This does sound interesting! Thanks for featuring it. I hope to find it sometime soon to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has a it of funny lines and the costumes are beautiful, too. Madhubala steals the movie – she had Star Quality through and through.
LikeLike
She died so young 😦 Bollywood movies can get right intense. A few reduced me to a noodle. Never seen one of such age, before so I’d love to. Interested too how they took what may still have been a controversial topic – Mr. and Mrs. ’55 – and put it to the screen back then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for this. You reminded me of how little I know about Bollywood and how much there is to explore. I’ll definitely start with Madhubala. By the way, I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award. 🙂
Here’s a link to the post: http://www.retromoviebuff.com/ive-received-a-blogger-recognition-award/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks! That was very kind of you!
LikeLike
Madhubaala was sure the Venus of Bollywood at that era. Her beauty was bewitching. She is best know for her work in Bollywood classic Mughal-e-Azam.
I am so glad that you really watched a hindi movie of black and white era ☺️☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You said it – her beauty really was bewitching. And she had talent too, no? I am looking forward to seeing Mughal-e-Azam when I can find a version with English subtitles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, she was definitely talented. This movie belongs to black and white era but now it is redone with colors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must be gorgeous in colour!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes! It looked magnificent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi! This was so interesting and fun to read! I was wondering if you could checkout my new piece on living in a hierarchical patriarchal structure where slut shaming still exists. And I would really appreciate it if you could comment some feedback to improve the writing style. Looking forward to hearing from you. – Kiran
https://kiranninprogress.wordpress.com/2019/11/02/trailblazer-or-jail-bait/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course – thanks for sending the link.
LikeLiked by 1 person