This is an odd film--not because it is a remake but because both the original (LOVE IS NEWS) and the remake star Tyrone Power. It's rare to see a star do this, as the studios often remade films but hardly ever used the same actors. In addition, both films are bundled together on one DVD so you can compare them. After seeing both, I would definitely recommend you see LOVE IS NEWS, as it's superior in every way.

The film is about newspaper man (Power) harassing a rich heiress (Gene Tierney) in order to make headlines. It really didn't seem to matter if his articles were true and when Gene finds out that Tyrone is NOT the man he claims to be but a reporter, she is furious. However, instead of blowing her top, she decides to give him a taste of her own medicine by announcing to all the newspapers that she and Power are married--as she knows that the papers will now make Power's life miserable as well. Oddly, in the original film, the heiress announces they are engaged--here she claims they are married--though this hardly improves the quality of the film (though it does provide a bit of sexual innuendo the original didn't have).

The acting is decent enough, though I really think Loretta Young did a better job in the original--probably because she seemed to have a better gift for comedy. Also, while Tyrone tries, he just doesn't seem to have quite the charm he did in the original. Part of this is naturally because it's a remake and part of this is because the supporting characters weren't nearly as strong. In particular, the Justice of the Peace was a big weak point here, as instead of coming off as comical, he's a sadist and pretty much ignores the law--surefire comedy killers! My advice is see the original. Then, if you insist, see the remake. BUT, don't see the remake first--it just doesn't stack up well and might convince you not to bother with the first film and that would be a big mistake.

Tyrone Power made light comedies in the mid to late 1930s when he was first establishing himself at Twentieth Century Fox. In fact, he made this exact light comedy in 1937, then called "Love is News." The story concerns an heiress who, to get back at a reporter and show him what it's like to be the subject of headlines, claims they're married. This tired romp was fresher back then and much, much more entertaining in the hands of Power, Loretta Young, and Don Ameche. What a blow this must have been for Power, to make "The Razor's Edge," his personal favorite, "Nightmare Alley," and "Captain from Castile," and then be forced into this by the studio. It's no wonder he turned to the stage and then formed his own film production company.

Power is paired with his leading lady from happier productions, the luminous Gene Tierney ("Son of Fury" and "The Razor's Edge"). Unfortunately, she plays the role of the heiress in such a coy and put-on manner that it's hard to tell when the character is being sincere, as she delivers her lines in the same way on both occasions, and always with an icy smile. Power does his best - he plays the role realistically, with no mugging or attempts at forced humor, but alas, the material isn't very good. These two wonderful stars can be seen to better advantage in earlier and later films.

I found this movie entertaining and humorous although the ending was abrupt. I couldn't help thinking how topical it was with the tabloids and celebs in the news these days and even the President being asked about a reality show personality when he was on The View. I don't think this movie would have been suitable during WWII but in the relief of the postwar era a light comedy might have filled the bill, and tabloids were flourishing along with fan magazines and interest in the privileged, whether heiress or royal. (The 1947 wedding of Elizabeth and Philip was a big seller, too.) I hope some day to see the original to compare and contrast but as a stand alone, this movie was pleasant with some good lines, a few laughs, and kept me awake longer than I had intended so I could see the end. If you don't have anything better to do, you might enjoy it as a diversion.