Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

Essentially, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is about a family that decides to move to the country and get away from the overcrowding in the apartment. Instead of making life easier, however, their decision to move causes disaster after disaster. This movie is a hilarious example of how whatever can go wrong will!

Although the topic could have easily degenerated into stupidity, the script, the directing and, most of all, the cast, turn the movie into a classic. The script is witty and very funny, and it is directed with style - but mainly, Cary Grant is terrific! His double takes and reactions will never be equalled...any scene that he is in in pretty much guaranteed to be hysterical. Myrna Loy does a good job of cooling balancing Grant's screwball character, and the supporting cast is good as well.

Anyhow, this is a funny movie for the whole family - it is highly recommended!


An absolute essential classic   January 14, 2005
Sheldon Carpenter (Modesto, CA US)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Cary Grant films are some of my favorites, and this is the favorite of the Cary Grant films. It's got a droll, dry, understated wit and impeccable timing. Some of the scenes are priceless, like the one where they are trying to get an estimate of how to fix up the house, and all they hear is "Tear it down." spoken very matter-of-factly by what seems to be endless construction types. Then there's the one where Myrna Loy (another of my favorite actors) describes in great detail all the various shades of color she wants in the house, only to be recapped by the painting contractor after she leaves as "red, yellow, blue." Priceless.

It's a great movie of how we attempt to move ahead in our lives and all becomes chaos, where we think we have control but it's pointed out to us that we really don't (like the trick closet). And when all seems hopeless and incredibly frustrating, a little ray of hope shines through. Sounds really corny the way I say it, but it really works in this movie. I think it's one of the all-time underrated movies of its era.

If you like Cary Grant, this movie will become a favorite. I adore it.


"If you ain't eating Wham, you ain't eating ham."   April 4, 2005
Bomojaz (South Central PA, USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Cary Grant is the adman and head-of-the-family living in tight quarters in NYC. So he decides to move to bigger digs in Connecticut and have his own house built. Of course there are complications with the construction, the money, and finally his job - but it all works out. What makes this work so well is that the principals are all in top form. The direction is swift and smooth, and the Blandings believable and enjoyable to watch. It's a lot of fun; the b&w print transfer is also impeccable. Definitely worth a watch.


Our Favorite Movie!   September 16, 2005
J. Nichols (Virginia)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is a favorite for my husband and me! We have watched it at least 8 or 10 times and still find it hilarious. We are building a home and we constantly quote different parts of the movie as the costs seem to be much higher and the rooms seem much smaller (always the case when building). The movie is in black and white and has no sex, violence, or special effects--just a humorous look at a snippet of real life.