Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

SeeQuant Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Kodie Bird True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Sarita Rafferty There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

gkeith_1 Spoilers. Observations. Opinions. Jack's being in it gives it a 4 for me. Otherwise, it looked pretty lackluster. I couldn't watch all of this. The Nazi element started kicking in, and I lost it. These people unsmiling, speaking German in the room with Walter during the time period of World War Two, were really scary and offputting. I realize that they were supposed to be actors for Walter's use, but at that point I stopped watching. Bosley Crowther was right, in his 1940s critique of this film, in that there is not much to redeem it. I did like Jane Wyman's hair, hat and other costuming in the earlier scenes. Of course, I always like Jack. If not for Jack, I would have given this film a 2 or 3 — I think my lowest of any of the around 374-ish number of films I have reviewed on this site since 2002. I did like seeing Irene Manning, Fay Templeton from Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942, two years earlier). I always enjoy seeing Alan Hale, Sr. I hate the black and white!Jack, I still love you. I am a degreed historian from the university, actress, dancer, singer, makeup artist, film critic and movie reviewer.

dougdoepke Uneven comedy that benefits from Jack Carson's mugging skills but that's about all. The plot's darn near incomprehensible in its three main threads. The comedic thread where Carson and Wyman take on servant's duties they're totally unprepared for is promising. The second thread about his detective work is okay. But the third, about supposedly pseudo-Nazis is a gesture to the time and very poorly managed. Overall, the comedy's left mainly to Carson and not the movie itself. Then too, director Godfrey doesn't seem very engaged, as though the script and Carson should be enough. Check out director Alan Dwan's thematically similar Getting Gertie's Garter (1945) for an edifying contrast. Nonetheless, there are some amusing bits— the bed bouncing test that's also innuendo, Carson and Wyman preparing the world's worst fancy meal, and Carson showering in the girl's quarters where towels magically appear. Too bad Carson's largely forgotten. He was a fine all around actor, as adept at drama as he was at comedy. The movie, however, is far from his best.

wes-connors Due to the ongoing World War II, wealthy executive Alan Hale (as Walter Whirtle) is having a difficult time finding servants. With no chauffeur, he drives to town recklessly, and is thrown in jail. There, Mr. Hale meets private detective Jack Carson (as Gerald "Jerry" Curtis), who bungled his latest case by arresting the district attorney. Hale tells Mr. Carson he can look for Nazis on his estate, while posing as a butler. Carson agrees to assume the position, and brings along long-time fiancée Jane Wyman (as Susan Courtney) to serve as cook. Carson has trouble recognizing the Nazis, and Ms. Wyman can't cook a shaved duck."Make Your Own Bed" refers to the fact that Carson and Wyman have a long-time, but platonic relationship; and, things get uncomfortably funny for the pair while posing as husband and wife. They handle the matter with immature comedy. The cast and crew might have considered adapting this material a chore. Still, everyone puts in an effort. And, Hale excels.***** Make Your Own Bed (5/26/44) Peter Godfrey ~ Jack Carson, Jane Wyman, Alan Hale, Irene Manning

Bob F. Good comedians like Jack Carson, Jane Wyman and Alan Hale make this little film funny for those who don't demand high art. Would-be detective Carson, and girlfriend, Wyman take on jobs as domestics to a wealthy businessman (Hale). The fact that it's World War II, and servants are supposedly hard to get, is the meat of the story line. Wyman can't begin to cook a decent meal,and Carson is worthless as a man servant. Despite this, the desperate Hale won't fire them -- lousy help is better than no help. Eventually, bumbling detective Carson, finds out that Nazi spies are house guests, and despite almost getting Hale and Wyman killed, captures them. This film is funny, and that's enough for me.