Watch The Lady Says No
- NR
- 1952
- 1 hr 20 min
-
5.2 (439)
The Lady Says No is a romantic comedy from 1951 that follows the story of a successful female author, Dorinda Hatch (Joan Caulfield), who writes a best-selling book on male behavior titled "The Lady Says No." The book causes quite a stir amongst men, particularly her editor, Dan (David Niven), who ends up falling for her. The film is directed by Frank Ross and also stars James Robertson Justice.
Dorinda's book quickly becomes a sensation, challenging the traditional gender roles of the 1950s. Her editor, Dan, is particularly threatened by the book's message, which asserts that women don't need men to be happy and successful. Dan is a ladies man and lives by the idea that women need men for protection and care. He becomes obsessed with changing Dorinda's mind and ultimately winning her heart.
Dorinda, however, is not interested in Dan, or any man for that matter. She is content with her single life and doesn't believe in the traditional roles that men and women are expected to play in society. Despite this, Dan continues to pursue her, much to her annoyance.
The plot thickens when Dorinda becomes interested in a scientist, Dr. Robert Sellers (Franklyn Farnum), whom she meets on a train ride. Dan becomes jealous and tries desperately to win Dorinda's affection by taking her out on extravagant dates and trying to impress her with his charm.
As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. There are moments of laughter, as the film pokes fun at traditional gender roles and societal expectations. There are also moments of frustration, as Dan refuses to accept Dorinda's independence and tries to control her thoughts and feelings.
The Lady Says No is not just a romantic comedy, however. It also touches on themes of gender equality and the struggles women faced in the 1950s. Dorinda's character challenges the idea that a woman's ultimate goal is to get married and have children. Instead, she champions the idea that women can be successful and fulfilled without a man by their side.
Joan Caulfield shines in the role of Dorinda Hatch, playing a confident and self-assured woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. David Niven's portrayal of Dan is equally impressive, as he brings both humor and depth to his character. James Robertson Justice adds to the comedy as Dorinda's eccentric Scottish housekeeper, Mrs. McNab.
The film's cinematography is also impressive, with many scenes shot outside in beautiful locations. From the rolling hills of Scotland to the bustling streets of New York City, the film takes the audience on a visually stunning journey.
Overall, The Lady Says No is a charming and entertaining film that is sure to leave the audience with a smile on their face. It is a classic romantic comedy that still feels relevant today, as it challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
The Lady Says No is a 1952 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.