Watch Living in a Big Way

Living in a Big Way, a romantic comedy movie from 1947, stars Gene Kelly, Marie McDonald, and Charles Winninger. The movie tells the story of a returning World War II soldier and his struggles to readjust to civilian life. It is a heartwarming tale of love, family, and putting others first. The story begins when Leo Gogarty, portrayed by Gene Kelly, returns home from the war. Upon his arrival, he finds that his house is now the property of the government, and he has nowhere to go. Desperate to find a place to live, Leo ends up moving into the attic of his friend, Sergeant Brian Donlevy. While staying in the attic, Leo meets Patricia Lawrence, portrayed by Marie McDonald, and her father, portrayed by Charles Winninger.

Leo quickly becomes enamored with Patricia, but there are many obstacles in his way. First, Patricia is already engaged to a wealthy man named Hubert Smith. Second, Patricia's father, a former vaudeville performer, is convinced that Leo is after Patricia's wealth and is determined to stop their romance from blossoming.

Despite the challenges, Leo and Patricia's love continues to grow. Leo takes a job as a manual laborer to prove to Patricia's father that he is not after her money. In the process, he discovers that the company he works for is exploiting its workers and decides to fight for their rights. Leo also convinces Patricia to break off her engagement with Hubert and be with him instead.

As the movie progresses, Leo's passion for helping others inspires many people, including Patricia's father. Together, they convince the company's CEO to treat its workers fairly. This achievement not only helps those who were being exploited but also earns Leo the respect of Patricia's father, who finally sees Leo's genuine love for his daughter.

Living in a Big Way is a delightful movie, filled with romance and humor. The chemistry between Gene Kelly and Marie McDonald is excellent, and they both deliver excellent performances. Gene Kelly showcases his dancing skills in several scenes, making them a highlight of the movie. The supporting cast also delivers noteworthy performances, particularly Charles Winninger, who adds a touch of comedy to the movie's serious moments.

The movie's themes of love, family, and doing what is right are timeless and resonate with audiences even today. It is a heartwarming movie that showcases the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War II and the challenges they faced upon returning home.

The movie's setting, a post-war America, adds to its charm, with the characters donning vintage outfits and driving classic cars. The movie's score, featuring popular songs from the time, also adds to its nostalgic appeal.

In conclusion, Living in a Big Way is a romantic comedy worth watching. Its themes of love, family, and doing what is right, combined with excellent performances and notable dance sequences, make it a classic movie that has stood the test of time. It is a heartwarming movie that will leave you feeling good and believing in the power of love.

Living in a Big Way is a 1947 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.