The Major and the Minor [DVD]

Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland star in master director Billy Wilder's 1942 screwball comedy classic THE MAJOR AND THE MINOR, a rollercoaster ride of laughs from beginning to end.

Fed up with her life in New York, Susan Applegate (Ginger Rogers) decides to go back to her small town in Iowa. Flat broke except for the $27.50 train fare which will carry her home, Susan discovers to her horror that the fares have increased. Disguising herself as a 12-year-old girl, "Su-Su" qualifies for the cheaper train fare but later gets sprung by the conductors. Seeking refuge in the first-class compartment belonging to Major Philip Kirby (Ray Milland), "Su-Su"'s kiddie act works and the near-sighted Major is completely charmed by the 'youngster'. But all hell breaks loose when Kirby invites her to stay with his fiancee's family at their house in the cadet academy! As Susan struggles to uphold her masquerade, she finds herself falling for the dashing Major...

In my opinion, THE MAJOR AND THE MINOR is Ginger Rogers' best movie aside from her Academy Award-winning triumph in "Kitty Foyle". She's an absolute riot with her performance, which runs the complete spectrum during her scenes as alter-ego "Su-Su". Ray Milland likewise follows suit with a well-judged performance as Major Kirby. The talented cast also boasts top performances from Diana Lynn and Rita Johnson. The laugh-a-minute screenplay by Billy Wilder and frequent collaborator Charles Brackett is still remarkably fresh. It was loosely-based on a story by Fanny Kilbourne entitled "Sunny Goes Home"; later turned into a play ("Connie Goes Home") by Edward Childs Carpenter.

This movie has been a long time coming to DVD. Part of Universal's Cinema Classics line, the disc will also include a special introduction from Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne.

who says this movie isn't classic? it's one of the funniest. Ginger somehow manages to be a surprisingly good little girl. (if not 12, then 14 maybe, but who cares?) she should have been nominated for an oscar at least. i don't know how this one made it past the censors untouched! on the train, when Ginger wakes because of the lightning, and Ray MIlland comes down to comfort her in her bed (he doesn't know she's really an adult) we can only imaginge what's going through her mind! and when she presse her cheek against his chest? HOLY MACKERAL! He thinks she's shaking because of the lightning, but we know better, heh heh...
Ginger is also Hilarious with all the looks and wisecracks that she gives. One of the best lines she has is, after being compared to a lightbulb (moths like lightbulbs) when Ray sees a cadet smooch her. He explains ( in another risque conversation!) that she should be careful around the boys, becase they're attracted to her. She replies: I'll try to be a well behaved lightbulb! Also watch for a little tap-dancing on her part, brings back memories of the thirties. But this movie is definately one of my favories dancing or no.

When Fernando Trueba won the oscar for Belle Epoque, he said "I do not believe in God, but I believe in Billy Wilder". It was said that a few days later phone rang at Trueba's house, he picked it up and said hello. The voice at the other side said: Hello This is God.

I have alwyas being a great fan of Mr Wilder, and this film being his first in America, just shown how wonderful director he was.

Susan Applegate after a series of misfortunes in the big city is tired, and she wants go home, but she has no money for the train ticket, so disguises as a minor she is in her way home.At the train she mets Major Kirby (Ray Milland), worried for a poor 12 years old gril travelling along he takes care of her, and takes her to the military academy where he is teaching.

From this moment on there is a funny film, with the struggles of Sue to leave the place and the difficult situation for Kirby who is attracted to a minor. Wilder makes a great script and you will be laughing all the time. This is one film that can be considered as a classic comedy with funny Robert Benchley and Ray Milland, who although not one of my favourites, certainly is perfect in this film.

But Ginger Rogers is the best. Her scene at the train when she meets Kirby is hilarious and she keeps the high level of the comedy all the time. If you think she could only dance with Fred better think it twice, because she will surprise you.