Dr. Barnaby Fulton (Grant) is a scientist focusing on creating a "fountain of youth." The research consumes his life and thoughts, making him absentminded at home. After devoting years to the research, he finally has a breakthrough, but the tests on lab chimpanzees are inconclusive.
To speed up the process, Barnaby tries a dose of the formula, which was accidentally mixed with a formula created by one of the chimpanzees. Within moments he is acting like a teenager... ditching the lab in the middle of the day to buy a new sports car and go for a drive with Lois Laurel (Monroe), the boss's ditzy secretary. Soon, his wife Edwina (Rogers) also wants to drink the formula... with disastrous results. Will they figure out the truth before Mr. Oxley (Coburn), the boss, wants the formula?
A funny film, reminiscent of 1930s slapstick, romantic comedies. Cary Grant smoothly transitions between absentminded academic and reckless teen / twenty-something. And he is a riot towards the end, as a child... blending in well with the child actors, including the deep voiced George Winslow (who later appeared in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as Henry Spofford with Marilyn Monroe). Ginger Rogers is a good match for Grant, especially as a teen and child. Her character isn't much fun as an adult, but just lets loose after taking the formula. She is funny, while still reminding the audience she can dance. Marilyn Monroe shines in a small, but important role. She is only in a few scenes, but manages to steal the show with her confused comments and interesting facial expressions.
Not the funniest movie by anyone involved, but still worth a look!
To speed up the process, Barnaby tries a dose of the formula, which was accidentally mixed with a formula created by one of the chimpanzees. Within moments he is acting like a teenager... ditching the lab in the middle of the day to buy a new sports car and go for a drive with Lois Laurel (Monroe), the boss's ditzy secretary. Soon, his wife Edwina (Rogers) also wants to drink the formula... with disastrous results. Will they figure out the truth before Mr. Oxley (Coburn), the boss, wants the formula?
A funny film, reminiscent of 1930s slapstick, romantic comedies. Cary Grant smoothly transitions between absentminded academic and reckless teen / twenty-something. And he is a riot towards the end, as a child... blending in well with the child actors, including the deep voiced George Winslow (who later appeared in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as Henry Spofford with Marilyn Monroe). Ginger Rogers is a good match for Grant, especially as a teen and child. Her character isn't much fun as an adult, but just lets loose after taking the formula. She is funny, while still reminding the audience she can dance. Marilyn Monroe shines in a small, but important role. She is only in a few scenes, but manages to steal the show with her confused comments and interesting facial expressions.
Not the funniest movie by anyone involved, but still worth a look!
Monkey Business (1952) 97 minutes
Director: Howard Hawks
Starring: Cary Grant as Dr. Barnaby Fulton
Ginger Rogers as Mrs. Edwina Fulton
Charles Coburn as Mr. Oliver Oxley
Marilyn Monroe as Miss Lois Laurel
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