For some reason, this movie has lots of Rock ‘n’ Roll stars in it. They have nothing to do with the story, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to see Little Richard, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps, Eddie Cochran, The Platters, and a Rock ‘n’ Roll band with an accordion, all in living Technicolor. I love the over-bright film used in the 1950s.

Who is Tom Ewell and how did he get to star opposite both Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield? There are better comedians, more romantic leading men, better looking actors, but he gets these plum movies. Well he was a Broadway star, and was in the Broadway version of The Seven Year Itch. And he followed his short movie career with a long television career.

The DVD has a Biography Channel documentary on Jayne Mansfield. She had a 40-inch bust and loved attention, especially from men. She married a Mr. Universe, Mickey Hargitay. She claimed to have an IQ of 163, but scholastic evidence is lacking though she could speak five languages.

The Girl Can’t Help It, 1956. Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, Edmond O’Brien. Directed by Frank Tashlin. 99 minutes.

The photos below include the iconic shot of Jayne holding two bottles of milk.

When Mrs. Cooper is finally ready to go, she falls and sprains her ankle. This means that Susan must go pick up her aunt at a distant train station, which should take about 3 hours while Steve “cares” for his mother-in-law. An old flame (Gail Patrick) has moved in downstairs and he talks to her while getting some air on the balcony. Steve tells her to call him and he’ll act like it’s a business call so he can get away. Unfortunately, Mrs. Cooper overhears and tells the wife.

After a few more hilarious misunderstandings, Susan decides she should divorce Steve because she can’t trust him. To postpone the divorce proceedings, Steve acts insane. Unfortunately, this works too well, and even though Susan doesn’t believe he’s crazy, she has him committed to a sanitarium to teach him a lesson. He spends the rest of the movie trying to get back with his estranged wife while proving he isn’t crazy. He even dresses as a woman to get to his wife.

William Powell and Myrna Loy are simply fantastic together and the sexual tension is very palpable. The comedy is zany but well grounded. The supporting cast is great. Love Crazy is recommended for everyone who loves old screwball comedies.

Love Crazy. Directed by Jack Conway, written by David Hertz (story) and William Ludwig (story), William Ludwig (screenplay), Charles Lederer (screenplay), and David Hertz (screenplay). Starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Gail Patrick, Jack Carson. 99 minutes. 1941.