Sunday, June 27, 2021

Tip#1252: The Recipe For Resilience, Part 58 – The More the Merrier


This is Day 467 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada. 

This long pandemic and lockdown has been a challenge in little, unexpected ways. Other than the isolation of living alone, non-essential stores closed and no dining in restaurants, my hair has grown much longer than I prefer! It blows in my face when winds while walking outdoors and I’m tired of cashiers at grocery stores saying, “Would you like a bag, ma’am?” 

I wonder what future generations will think of this period looking back at our history of COVID-19. I think I got my answer when I saw a comedy film called The More the Merrier from the early 40’s. To my initial bewilderment, it’s opening scenes showed life in Washington D.C. where people were cramming into cabs, carpools and restaurants while hotels and homes were overflowing with people bedded next to each other. 


I thought it was a fantasy or alternate universe story because the narrator talked as if this was normal life. I had to google the film and was astonished to learn that a housing issue actually happened because of World War II. The job market exploded and the number of civilians employed by the government quadrupled. The housing market in D.C. wasn’t equipped to deal with this sudden influx. Close to 20,000 people were even living in alleys! Read more: Standing Room Only: DC's WWII Housing Crunch

The More the Merrier (1943) 

The comedy film, The More the Merrier, takes place during the housing shortage of World War II in Washington, D.C. and is about retired millionaire Benjamin Dingle (Charles Coburn) and Sergeant Joe Carter (Joel McCrea) sharing the single apartment of Connie Milligan (Jean Arthur).
See: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video 


It was great to see the always feisty Jean Arthur in a film I hadn’t seen before and was surprised by the quirky comedy and heartfelt romance in the story. It also gave me a glimpse into the daily life and rituals of the early 40’s like having a hardboiled egg each day for breakfast. I laughed at the running theme that there were eight women for each man in Washington D.C.. It was hilarious seeing women flock to single men or whistle cat calls at them when they walked by! 

I also learned more about this housing crunch that occurred during WW II and made me ponder and compare it to our current COVID-19 era. If I had to choose, I prefer the isolation and lockdown versus the immense crowds and loss of privacy depicted in the film. I am so grateful for my home and strong health. Though I did like the idea of eight women per man since I happen to be single right now! 

Movies that show different society and community challenges throughout the decades can be educational and enlightening. They can help you feel more grateful for what you have now despite any of your current adversities. Find a film today to inspire your gratitude and maybe even some laughter! 

Join my free monthly Zoom group: High Notes Movie Club  

 

Related Tips:
Part 1 – COVID-19 – 6 Movie Tips
Part 2 – COVID-19 – The Hundred-Foot Journey

Part 3 – COVID-19 – The Biggest Little Farm

Part 4 – COVID-19 – This Is the End

Part 5 – COVID-19 – Runaway Bride

Part 6 – Splash

Part 7 – Julie & Julia

Part 8 – Paris Can Wait

Part 9 – The Client 

Part 10 – The Old Guard

Part 11 – The Farmer’s Daughter
Part 12 – Amélie

Part 13 – Hail the Conquering Hero – The Lady Eve

Part 14 – Back To School

Part 15 – Project Power – An American Pickle

Part 16 – The Secret: Dare to Dream 

Part 17 – Chadwick Boseman – 42 – Black Panther
Part 18 – Phenomenon
Part 19 – Mulan 2020
Part 20 – Waitress - Labor Day - Michael

Part 21 – Enola Holmes
Part 22 – Kiss the Ground
Part 23 – Top 5 Inspiring Thanksgiving Movie Scenes
Part 24 – Hubie Halloween 
Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm 
Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit   
Part 27 – Trading Places 
Part 28 – Greenland 
Part 29 – Logan’s Run 
Part 30 – Moonstruck 

Part 31 – Remember the Night
 
Part 32 – Tenet
Part 33 – Noel 
Part 34 – Soul
Part 35 – Feel Good Energy of Movies & TV Shows 
Part 36 – Last Holiday 1950 & 2006 
Part 37 – Synchronic 
Part 38 – Appetite for Love 
Part 39 – Tomorrowland
Part 40 – Cinderella 2015
 

Part 41 – Top Secret! – Real Genius 
Part 42 – Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind 
Part 43 – Coming 2 America
Part 44 – In & Of Itself 
Part 45 – Zack Snyder’s Justice League 
Part 46 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 
Part 47 – Bill & Ted Face the Music 
Part 48 – Housesitter 
Part 49 – Tampopo
Part 50 – You’ll Never Get Rich 

Part 51 – The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
 
Part 52 – Avatar 2009 – Forest Bathing 
Part 53 – WarGames  
Part 54 – Oxygen 
Part 55 – Cruella 
Part 56 – History is Made at Night 
Part 57 – The Celestine Prophecy

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Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2021

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