Showing posts with label Mr Lucky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mr Lucky. Show all posts

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Mr. Lucky (1943)

      "If it weren't for Cary Grant's persuasive personality the whole thing would melt away to nothing at all."

With Alan Carney, Paul Stewart and Charles Bickford.

Mr. Lucky - Review is taken from 'The Films of Cary Grant' by Donald Deschner (1973):

"Mr. Lucky is what is known as a vehicle picture.  If it weren't for Cary Grant's persuasive personality the whole thing would melt away to nothing at all.  Its story is preposterous.  The leading character is a rogue, a draft dodger, an unscrupulous gambler.  He carefully specifies that he is a gambler, not a gangster; but his methods tend toward the latter classification.  H. C. Potter has directed all this with an understanding of cinema.  Even though you don't believe the events as you see them, most of the incidents prove entertaining, especially those that show Joe in action with the War Relief ladies.  As I said, Mr. Lucky depends on Grant's ability to hold you.  Perhaps this is just wherein the picture is dangerous; the first thing you know, you like this loose-moraled chiseler because of the way he tilts his hat or kids you so delightfully before he cheats you.  Films frequently get mixed up in their ethics;  it is difficult to decide what this one is trying to sell us - gamblers, draft dodgers, converted gangsters, or Mr. Grant.  Maybe only Mr. Grant, but it chooses a strange way to do it."

Philip T. Hartung, The Commonweal

New Artwork by Rebekah Hawley at Studio36 -
Number 43 - Mr Lucky (Lobby Card Style)

Part Of



For more, see also:

Quote From Today 1 July 2022

On This Day 30 June 2021

On This Day 28 May 2020

Friday, July 1, 2022

Quote From Today... Mr Lucky (1943)

  "Hey, you don't look too bad yourself!"

With Laraine Day.


Mr Lucky was Cary Grant's 43rd full length feature film.



Joe Adams aka Joe Bascopolous: Well, now this is quite a surprise!

Dorothy Bryant: Not particularly. It so happens I rather expected it. And if you think your persistence is going to have any effect on me, you're mistaken.

Joe Adams aka Joe Bascopolous: Well, I can't see how you people can pass up $80,000 for the cause.

Dorothy Bryant: For whose cause? If you're so interested in serving your cause, why don't you join the Army?

Blood Bank Nurse: Next, please!

Joe Adams aka Joe Bascopolous: Oh...

[produces draft card]

Joe Adams aka Joe Bascopolous: 4F.

Dorothy Bryant: You look 1A to me.

Joe Adams aka Joe Bascopolous: Hey, you don't look too bad yourself!

[He chuckle, she stares, he lets out awkward groan]

Joe Adams aka Joe Bascopolous: Well, it's my arteries.

Blood Bank Nurse: Right this way...

Dorothy Bryant: Well, should you be giving blood?

Joe Adams aka Joe Bascopolous: Oh, well... my blood's 1A, just my arteries are 4F.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

On this Day...Mr. Lucky (1943)

Cary Grant's 43rd full length feature film was released on this date...Mr Lucky.


The story of Joe Adams, the owner of a gambling ship and a draft dodger, who in order to raise funds for a South Atlantic enterprise, turns his con-man's gaze on the ladies of the War Relief Inc.

Laraine Day stars along side Cary Grant.

Although critics enjoyed some of the visual techniques of the film most were left unimpressed by the theme of film; gambling and draft dodging. Remember this was 1943!


Philip T. Hartung of The Commonweal reported: "...Mr Lucky depends on Grant's ability to hold you. Perhaps this is just wherein the picture is dangerous; the first thing you know, you like this loose-moraled chiseler because of the way he tilts his hat or kids you so delightfully before he cheats you".


Manny Fabber of The New Republic commented that it was a "...disgusting story.." but praised the supporting cast, and concluded by saying, "Admirers of Cary Grant will be shocked: but after they have hardened themselves against the indecent exploitation of him, they will at least find Mr. Lucky interesting, like a bad salad with an intelligent dressing."


One of the lighter, funnier moments (one of my favourites) is the knitting scene within the War Relief's HQ.


"Knit one...."


Lobby Card:


Directed by H.C. Potter
Produced and distributed by RKO Radio
Running time: 100 minutes
Original Story: Bundles for Freedom by Milton Holmes