Watch The Egg and I

The Egg and I is a 1947 American comedy film, directed by Chester Erskine and starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray in the lead roles. Based on the 1945 autobiographical book of the same name by Betty MacDonald, the film is a light-hearted account of a young couple trying to adapt to rural life in Washington State. Betty MacDonald (Claudette Colbert) is a refined and sophisticated city girl, who marries her high school sweetheart Bob (Fred MacMurray), an ambitious and hard-working farmer, with dreams of making it big in the egg industry. However, Betty quickly finds out that life on the farm is not as glamorous as she had imagined it to be, and she struggles to adjust to the harsh realities of rural life, including the constant physical labor, the isolation and boredom, and the eccentricities and superstitions of her neighbors.

One of Betty's biggest challenges is dealing with the farm animals, especially a cantankerous old sow named Esmeralda, who seems determined to foil all her plans. Another is getting along with her new neighbors, including the tough-talking and rough-edged Ma Kettle (Marjorie Main) and her brood of unruly and chaotic children, who cause no end of headaches for Betty and Bob. Despite these difficulties, Betty perseveres, determined to make the best of her new life, and gradually adapts to the rhythms and routines of farm life.

Along the way, Betty and Bob face a series of setbacks and challenges, including a devastating fire that destroys their barn, a drought that threatens their crops, and a run-in with a local bureaucrat who wants to shut down their egg business. Through it all, they prove to be a resilient and resourceful couple, who are able to rise to any occasion and overcome any obstacle, with humor, determination, and love.

The Egg and I is a delightful and charming film, filled with warm-hearted humor, colorful characters, and a touching portrayal of a couple struggling to start a new life together. Claudette Colbert is luminous as the sophisticated city girl who finds herself out of her element on the farm, while Fred MacMurray is endearing as the hard-working and loyal husband who supports and encourages her every step of the way. Marjorie Main steals the show as the irrepressible and indomitable Ma Kettle, whose love and loyalty to her family is matched only by her fierce independence and no-nonsense attitude.

The film is notable for its frank and sympathetic portrayal of the challenges and realities of rural life in post-war America. It offers a window into a bygone era, when small-time farmers and homesteaders were struggling to make a living in the face of economic uncertainty, technological change, and cultural upheaval. It also reflects the changing attitudes and values of a society in transition, as Betty and Bob struggle to navigate the tension between traditional gender roles and the evolving expectations of modernity.

Overall, The Egg and I is a classic and beloved film, which has stood the test of time and continues to entertain and delight audiences of all ages. Its humor, heart, and humanity make it a timeless and enduring masterpiece.

The Egg and I is a 1947 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.