Watch The Strawberry Blonde

The Strawberry Blonde is a romantic comedy set in New York City during the early 1900s. It tells the story of Biff Grimes (James Cagney), a dentist who has spent his entire life pining for his high school sweetheart, Virginia Brush (Rita Hayworth). The movie is told mostly in flashback as Biff reminisces about his past while sitting in a barbershop.

As a young man, Biff was infatuated with Virginia, but she was dating his rival, Hugo Barnstead (Jack Carson). Biff ended up marrying Amy Lind (Olivia de Havilland), a sweet but plain woman whom he did not love. Biff and Virginia remained friends, but their relationship was strained because of her loyalty to Hugo.

The movie depicts Biff's attempts to win Virginia's heart, which are complicated by his marriage to Amy and by Virginia's own feelings for Hugo. Along the way, Biff and Virginia share several romantic moments, including a dance at a speakeasy and a picnic in the country.

The Strawberry Blonde is a charming movie that showcases the talents of its three stars. Cagney is particularly impressive as Biff, conveying both his passion for Virginia and his frustration with his own life. De Havilland is endearing as Amy, the loyal wife who cares deeply for Biff even though he does not reciprocate her feelings. And Hayworth steals every scene she is in as Virginia, the vivacious and alluring woman who holds the hearts of both Biff and Hugo.

The movie also captures the ambiance of its time period, from the music (including a rousing rendition of "The Band Played On") to the fashions (such as Virginia's stylish hats and dresses). There are nods to the era's social issues as well, such as Prohibition and the suffragette movement.

At its core, The Strawberry Blonde is a story about love and the choices we make in life. It asks the question of whether it is better to pursue your heart's desire, even if it means hurting those around you, or to settle for a more practical path. The movie's resolution may not satisfy everyone, but it feels true to the complexities of love and human nature.

Overall, The Strawberry Blonde is a delightful classic movie that is well worth watching. Its lively performances, witty script, and nostalgic setting make it a treat for audiences of all ages.

The Strawberry Blonde is a 1941 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 86.