This remake of "Love is News", an OK screwball comedy from 1937, is much weaker than the original for many reasons. The biggest reason is that it seems so out of place in 1948 as compared to 1937, even though it wasn't exactly great then. Once again, Tyrone Power is a reporter who wants to get the dirt on one of the world's richest bachlorettes (here Gene Tierney instead of Loretta Young). Power was perfect for romantic comedy in 1937, but 10 years have not been kind to him in several ways that has a major impact on his performance. Unlike Rock Hudson (who could do these types of roles in 1954 as well as 1964) , Power's face not only aged, but he lost the youthful glow and became much more serious looking. Probably the best looking actor in Hollywood in the 30's, Power had charm that took away from the implausibilities of the original story. By 1948, he was better off in films like "Nightmare Alley" and "The Captain From Castille", as his rugged looks had only been enhanced with age. But in comedy, he appears slightly tired and it really lessens the impact of the pairing between him and Tierney, who really has no place in comedy. A fine dramatic actress for sure, but once she starts doing pratfalls, it seems forced and she seems most uncomfortable.
The major problem is that the world of 1948 was much more serious than the world of 1937, and to portray journalists preying on the rich for scandal seems out of place for front-page news. Sure, society pages, yes, but on the front page? When Europe is still in recovery, there are communist scares everywhere, things in Korea are getting hot, and race relations are beginning to boil. Power wouldn't seem right in 1948 as any type of reporter but a serious one, and working for a scandal sheet seems degrading to him. Loretta Young, who played the female lead in "Love is News", was perfectly balanced as both a dramatic and comic actress, perfectly able to deal with breaking a nail while being carried around by handsome Power. She seems to love the kinkiness of their relationship, but Tierney is awkward and even embarrassed by this. Power is still funny in spots, particularly at a society party which he shows up to embarrass Tierney.
The best part of "That Wonderful Urge" is the supporting cast, particularly Lucille Watson as Tierney's aunt. She has played a variety of society dames, some domineering and cold, but mostly warm-hearted and filled with a desire to see the younger generation have the fun she probably had in the beginning of the 20th Century when she was a girl. Reginald Gardiner plays the George Sanders role here, and is merely adequate. He lacks Sander's continental charm. Chill Wills takes on the Slim Summerville role of the annoyed small town sheriff who puts Power and Tierney in jail overnight. In comparing the scenes between the two films, they are almost identical. Gene Reynolds, who could play the most obnoxious of businessmen or politicians, is delightful as a judge. Replacing Jane Darwell as Powers' landlady is future "Caged" star Hope Emerson who was just beginning her rise as an unforgettable Amazonian character actress in films.
"That Wonderful Urge" is not a bad film, just out of place in 1948. 20th Century Fox had better films to remake, so this was a bad choice. With comedies like "State of the Union", "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" and "The Egg and I" shining in 1948, "That Wonderful Urge" comes off as weak, which is acceptable in a "B" picture, but certainly not an "A".
The major problem is that the world of 1948 was much more serious than the world of 1937, and to portray journalists preying on the rich for scandal seems out of place for front-page news. Sure, society pages, yes, but on the front page? When Europe is still in recovery, there are communist scares everywhere, things in Korea are getting hot, and race relations are beginning to boil. Power wouldn't seem right in 1948 as any type of reporter but a serious one, and working for a scandal sheet seems degrading to him. Loretta Young, who played the female lead in "Love is News", was perfectly balanced as both a dramatic and comic actress, perfectly able to deal with breaking a nail while being carried around by handsome Power. She seems to love the kinkiness of their relationship, but Tierney is awkward and even embarrassed by this. Power is still funny in spots, particularly at a society party which he shows up to embarrass Tierney.
The best part of "That Wonderful Urge" is the supporting cast, particularly Lucille Watson as Tierney's aunt. She has played a variety of society dames, some domineering and cold, but mostly warm-hearted and filled with a desire to see the younger generation have the fun she probably had in the beginning of the 20th Century when she was a girl. Reginald Gardiner plays the George Sanders role here, and is merely adequate. He lacks Sander's continental charm. Chill Wills takes on the Slim Summerville role of the annoyed small town sheriff who puts Power and Tierney in jail overnight. In comparing the scenes between the two films, they are almost identical. Gene Reynolds, who could play the most obnoxious of businessmen or politicians, is delightful as a judge. Replacing Jane Darwell as Powers' landlady is future "Caged" star Hope Emerson who was just beginning her rise as an unforgettable Amazonian character actress in films.
"That Wonderful Urge" is not a bad film, just out of place in 1948. 20th Century Fox had better films to remake, so this was a bad choice. With comedies like "State of the Union", "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" and "The Egg and I" shining in 1948, "That Wonderful Urge" comes off as weak, which is acceptable in a "B" picture, but certainly not an "A".