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Horace & Madge Hardwick's marriage
posted by genplant29STAFFMOD on February 25, 2017 at 5:30 AM
Back on the now closed message boards of "another" site, the topic of Horace and Madge Hardwick's unusual marriage was a longtime popular subject of discussion. A number of viewers have found their marital relationship perplexing.
I think it's implied, in a multitude of ways, ongoingly, that Madge and Horace have a "lavender" marriage; they share a strictly friendly and platonic arrangement, and that's always been the full extent of things.
There's a telling moment in the movie where Madge says, about Horace, not in the least bit jealous or hurt, and seeming more so like she considers it none of her own business (but curious, as clearly none of this is making any sense to her), after Dale's just mentioned she's afraid things (actually with Jerry - though Madge doesn't know that yet) are being carried too far (meaning have really heated up, and perhaps, for all Madge knows, have, to whatever extent, crossed the line), "I wonder if you've seen something in Horace that I've never seen." My hunch is that things between Horace and Madge have never been "carried too far".
Reply by VinTinKin
on January 4, 2018 at 1:41 PM
Right, good points! That's probably the closest explanation because 1935 films would have to follow Hayes Code mandates, so they'd have to sugarcoat a Lavender marriage with plenty of wisecracks and put-downs.
Remember upstairs in the room above the Bridal suite, a bit later on, when Madge catches Horace with Alberto Beddini, and then prims her hair and says, "Go ahead, boys. Don't mind me." Well, that may add another clue.
But another possible explanation may cast Madge and Horace into the vein of "the Bickersons," "the Meldrews" or maybe even "the Lockhorns," who derive their comedy as each couple thrives upon insulting each other.
After all, a Lavender marriage would have to work both ways, and here we don't see any evidence of Madge's pursuing another, but rather encouraging her beautiful sidekick to go after her object of affection, but "not that dressmaker."
Anyway, Helen and Edward Everett do make the best of the script, livening up the mistaken identity story arc, by deriving comedy through their reading, mannerisms, put-downs and double-takes.
Reply by wonder2wonder
on May 26, 2020 at 8:35 AM
I concur. It's just a farce mixed with music and dance.
Reply by genplant29
on May 26, 2020 at 11:38 AM
This is easily my fave of the Fred-Ginger movies. I haven't watched it in a few years, and definitely would like to, again, sometime soon. Fortunately, I've got the DVD, so may make that sooner, rather than later.
Reply by wonder2wonder
on May 26, 2020 at 12:22 PM
I just watched it and the cheesy banter is still hilarious. And when Madge punches Horace in the eye, pure slapstick.
It's too bad I never saw the stage musical.
Reply by genplant29
on May 26, 2020 at 12:46 PM
This is such a funny, thoroughly entertaining movie, with the cast members spot-on both individually and regarding their interactions and timing with one another. I especially enjoy anytime Madge or/and Alberto Beddini are on screen (though I love everyone in this). Hilarious perfection!
Reply by catmydogs
on May 26, 2020 at 10:43 PM
Top Hat is great, but I like Follow the Fleet more. Another underrated Astaire film in this period was A Damsel in Distress - great Gershwin tunes, great Astaire dances, and George and Gracie! Okay, Joan Fontaine can’t dance and she’s awkward, but this remains one of my favorite Astaire films without Ginger Rogers.
Reply by genplant29
on May 26, 2020 at 10:51 PM
I haven't seen Follow the Fleet in eons, but remember it being very entertaining.
Yes: A Damsel in Distress is fun. Here's an interesting thread, inspired by that movie's title, that VinTinKin created the other year.