The Ma & Pa Kettle Collection: The Egg and I

Buy This Item The Ma & Pa Kettle Collection: The Egg and I by Universal Studios  Available from Amazon  $14.98  on 9-22-2008     "The Egg & I", a movie based on the book of the same title, is entertaining, clean( you can let the kids watch this one), and funny. It's not quite as funny as the book, though. Claudette Colbert is perfectly cast as Betty, the convenience-loving city girl who gets much more than she bargains for when she marries Bob, who is bent on pursuing his dream of owning a chicken ranch. The ranch turns out to be isolated and primitive even by chicken ranch standards. Poor Betty is forced to adjust quickly, and does so reluctantly and clumsily. Those who read the book before seeing the movie may be a little puzzled by the appearance of "the other woman", who is absent from the book. My suggestion: Read the book, then buy the movie, but don't expect the latter to be exactly like the former. Both are VERY worthwhile buys, though. If you have to choose between the movie and the book, I'd suggest going for the book. The movie is very worthwhile, especially if you want a film that the whole family can enjoy. Reader Reviews This warm and funny account of a newly married couple trying to make a go of it on a backwoods chicken farm, based on Betty MacDonald's popular best seller, was a big hit with audiences during the 1940's and has lost none of its appeal today. This is a great film the entire family can watch together. Chester Erskine produced, directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Fred F. Finklehoffe in this hilarious and heartwarming film all will enjoy. Claudettle Colbert is wonderful as the shocked but game Betty when on her honeymoon her husband Bob (Fred MacMurray) informs her he has quit his brokerage house job and bought a chicken farm in the country. She figures things could be worse, and they are, as their farm is a ramshackle old place that fights back! After all, there's not another place in the county like it; none of that streamlined stuff--no running water, no frigadare! There are some laugh-out-loud moments as Betty and Bob fix one thing that leads to another, from a door that comes off its hinges to an old wood burning stove that seems to have it in for Betty! Bob's enthusiasm never wanes and Betty's moxy helps her trudge forward, making the farm their own. As Betty gets attached to the chicks and a hunting dog who hides under the stove for safety she gets acquainted with her neighbors, Ma and Pa Kettle. Marlorie Main and Percy Kilbride are a hoot as the backwoods country folk with a bundle of young `uns whose names Ma is always mixing up. Pa is constantly "borrowing" tools and supplies from Bob yet can't build anything right! This was the first appearance of Ma and Pa Kettle, who would become a small franchise for Universal. Betty has other things to contend with besides the farm, as the pretty Harriet Putnam (Louise Allbritton) has a fancy mechanized chicken farm just down the road and seems to have her sights set on Bob. There is a big dance and a country fair for distraction, and a side story involving the Kettle's son Tom (Richard Long---Jarrod from The Big Valley) who is different than the rest of the family and would like to go to college. If only that quilt Ma gave Betty could win first prize.... But the real fun and warmth here comes from Betty and Bob and their efforts to make a go of it. Colbert is particularly endearing and even the farm can't hide how great she looks in a flannel shirt and slacks. When Pa's still blows up and starts a fire which destroys part of Bob and Betty's place, all the neighbors come to chip in and help them rebuild. But some confusion caused by the backyard glamour girl, Bella Farms owner Harriet, sends Betty and her "little surprise" back to the city for a time. There is a nice ending, warm and funny like the rest of this very enjoyable family film. Having not read the book prior to seeing the film, I certainly intend to do so now. This film is a hoot, with a warm feeling that will bring a smile to your face. A great film for everyone. Grab a big bowl of popcorn and have fun.

The Ma & Pa Kettle Collection: The Egg and I Available from Amazon Price: $14.98 Updated on 9-22-2008.

SPONSORED LINKS