This is the first of nine Maisie films starring Ann Sothern. They must have been pretty popular films. However, like some B-movie series films, there appear to be some continuity problems between this film and subsequent ones that make me think that originally there was no intentions to make more than one film. I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but what happens in subsequent films contradict "Maisie". It's a shame, as this first film is dandy entertainment.
Maisie has traveled to Wyoming to appear in a traveling show. However, when she arrives, the touring company has gone and she's left stranded. Eventually, she ends up at a ranch run by Slim (Robert Young) and he takes an immediate dislike of her--as he hates women in general. However, over the course of the film, Maisie manages to wear down his defenses. There is another important part of the film---the Easterner (Ian Hunter) who owns this dude ranch comes to spend vacation time there with his wife. However, soon it becomes apparent that the woman is just no good. How does this plot intertwine with Slim and Maisie's budding romance? See the film and find out for yourself.
"Maisie" is a far from perfect film. Casting Robert Young as a cowboy was just bizarre, though MGM never did seem to know how to use this actor. But a cowboy?! Also, in our more race-conscious world, some might easily be offended when Slim keeps referring to the Chinese cook as the 'Chinese boy'--even though Willie Fong appears to be almost middle-aged. There also is a courtroom scene near the end that is a bit silly. However, the good easily outweighs the bad. The plot is VERY creative and very unusual. Also, Sothern is quite good in the title role. All in all, a very good film--just don't expect the subsequent films to have much in common with this one.
Maisie has traveled to Wyoming to appear in a traveling show. However, when she arrives, the touring company has gone and she's left stranded. Eventually, she ends up at a ranch run by Slim (Robert Young) and he takes an immediate dislike of her--as he hates women in general. However, over the course of the film, Maisie manages to wear down his defenses. There is another important part of the film---the Easterner (Ian Hunter) who owns this dude ranch comes to spend vacation time there with his wife. However, soon it becomes apparent that the woman is just no good. How does this plot intertwine with Slim and Maisie's budding romance? See the film and find out for yourself.
"Maisie" is a far from perfect film. Casting Robert Young as a cowboy was just bizarre, though MGM never did seem to know how to use this actor. But a cowboy?! Also, in our more race-conscious world, some might easily be offended when Slim keeps referring to the Chinese cook as the 'Chinese boy'--even though Willie Fong appears to be almost middle-aged. There also is a courtroom scene near the end that is a bit silly. However, the good easily outweighs the bad. The plot is VERY creative and very unusual. Also, Sothern is quite good in the title role. All in all, a very good film--just don't expect the subsequent films to have much in common with this one.