The Egg and I (film)
The Egg and I is a 1947 American romantic comedy film directed by Chester Erskine, who co-wrote the screenplay with Fred F. Finklehoffe, based on the book of the same name by Betty MacDonald and starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray, with Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride as Ma and Pa Kettle.
| The Egg and I | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Chester Erskine |
| Produced by | Chester Erskine Fred F. Finklehoffe Leonard Goldstein (associate producer) |
| Written by | Betty MacDonald (novel) Chester Erskine Fred F. Finklehoffe |
| Starring | Claudette Colbert Fred MacMurray Marjorie Main |
| Music by | Hughie Prince Frank Skinner |
| Cinematography | Milton R. Krasner |
| Edited by | Russell F. Schoengarth |
Production company | Universal Pictures |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 108 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1,900,000[1] |
| Box office | $5,750,000 (est. US/ Canada rentals)[2][3] |
The box office success of The Egg and I influenced the production of Universal-International's Ma and Pa Kettle series, which consists of nine feature films most of which star Main and Kilbride together. On May 5, 1947, Colbert and MacMurray reprised their roles in a radio version of the film that was broadcast on the Lux Radio Theatre.
At the 20th Academy Awards, Main was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Plot
The film tells the story of a young married couple who become chicken farmers. Betty follows her husband Bob to the countryside where his dream is to be a successful chicken farmer. The problem is, their home is old and needs to be repaired and the baby chicks need constant care. When a rich single woman with a new house and new farm equipment flirts with Bob, Betty questions their decision to move to the farm in the first place. In the end, she finds out that Bob was trying to buy the new house for Betty as a surprise.
Cast
- Claudette Colbert as Betty MacDonald
- Fred MacMurray as Bob MacDonald
- Marjorie Main as Ma Kettle
- Louise Allbritton as Harriet Putnam
- Percy Kilbride as Pa Kettle
- Richard Long as Tom Kettle
- Billy House as Billy Reed
- Ida Moore as Emily (the old lady)
- Donald MacBride as Mr. Henty
- Samuel S. Hinds as Sheriff
- Esther Dale as Birdie Hicks
- Elisabeth Risdon as Betty's Mother
- John Berkes as Geoduck
- Victor Potel as Crowbar
- Fuzzy Knight as Cab Driver
Production crew
- Production Design .... Bernard Herzbrun
- Set Decoration .... Oliver Emert / Russell A. Gausman
- Hair Stylist .... Carmen Dirigo
- Makeup Artist .... Jack P. Pierce
- Assistant Director .... Frank Shaw
- Second Unit Director .... Jack Hively (uncredited)
- Sound Technician .... Glenn E. Anderson
- Sound .... Charles Felstead
- Orchestrator .... David Tamkin
- Composer: Stock Music .... Sam Perry (uncredited)
Reception
The film was a big hit earning $6 million at the box office.[1]
Radio adaptations
The Egg and I was presented on Hallmark Playhouse January 5, 1950, with Colbert starring in her movie role.[4] She also starred when The Egg and I was presented on This Is Hollywood on January 4, 1947. The adaptation was unusual in that it preceded the film's release.[5]
References
- GLADWIN HILL (Dec 10, 1950). "BUSIEST FILM PRODUCER IN HOLLYWOOD: Four on the Way Success Key What Corn Belt? Yard Boy". New York Times. p. X10.
- "All Time Domestic Champs", Variety, 6 January 1960 p 34
- "Top Grossers of 1947", Variety, 7 January 1948 p 63
- "Those Were The Days". Nostalgia Digest. 39 (2): 32–39. Spring 2013.
- "Radio "Scoop"". Harrisburg Telegraph. December 28, 1946. p. 17. Retrieved September 4, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
