Tell It to the Judge (1949)

Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Lawyer Rosalind Russell (Marsha) wants to be a judge but there is a committee that is judging her before her appointment. And they are not happy about her recent divorce. Fellow lawyer Bob Cummings (Pete) is her ex-husband who still loves her and wants her back but several misunderstandings concerning witness Marie McDonald (Ginger) in one of his cases makes sure that Roz doesn't feel the same way. It's a screwball comedy so we know the outcome. Roz Russell is a total bitch in this film and Cummings is unrealistically in love with her. The story makes absolutely no sense and will have you groaning every time Cummings bangs his head. When is that ever funny? The answer is never. There are actually a few moments that made me laugh, eg, the alphabet conversation between Roz and suitor Gig Young (Darvac) at a bar when Roz is trying to make Cummings jealous. However, no way would he still be interested in this awful woman. It should be quite clear to her that she has been mistaken and he is doing his job by helping a witness. She's in the same industry as him!Of more interest is the storyline with Marie McDonald which never really takes off. The lasting image I have of the film is the end shot of her in the closet. I have read her profile on IMDB after watching the film and it is way more interesting than the film. She killed herself at age 42 and seems to have crammed in quite a lot before that point. The film is one of those 1940s comedies that you either like or don't like. It proves that comedies are the most difficult genre to carry off and a lot of the humour is dated along with the stereotypical characters of bumbling husband running after wife and total bitch of a wife who wants a career over being a nice human being. Roz needs to sharpen up on her cooking skills - see the fish sequence - and concentrate on pleasing her man.

a nice film. seductive for the flavor of "40. and for Robert Cummings. for naive story and the amusing scenes. and, sure, for the unrealistic script. short, a nice film about a love story not original as duel between him and her but for few scenes who are good chances to remain, for long time, memorable. one of the temptations, at first sigh, could be the presence of Rosalind Russell. unfortunately, only at first sigh. because her performance has two sides - too loud, too bizarre in front with the partner work. but , in essence, it could be perceived as a page of history. this is the key of a charming film about the fight in couple.

It is not too difficult to see why Robert Cummings is often cast in light comedic fare such as this. His facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission in Tell It to the Judge. And there's something hysterical about seeing him dressed as a train attendant, though it would also have been fun to see Cary Grant in that get-up.The only part that drags is the sequence at the lighthouse, which has the film's most unfunny business: something about chopping off the head of a fish. But the film quickly redeems itself, and it reaches its peak with a delightful ski sequence later on. Overall, a fun film with some inspired comic bits by Cummings and costar Rosalind Russell.

This movie debuted the same year as ADAM'S RIB and both screwball comedies have a lot in common. Both films are about couples where both spouses are lawyers and both involve the couples going through marital difficulties brought on by their jobs.The film begins with Rosalind Russell undergoing a confirmation hearing to make her a federal judge. However, her ex-husband (Robert Cummings) appears at the trial and does everything he can to discredit her. He wants her back in the worst way and will do anything to get her attention. Surprisingly, he is able to scheme his way into agreeing to remarry. However, due to the scheming of her grandfather (Henry Stevenson), Cummings disappears on his wedding night and Russell has had enough--she absolutely won't take him back, as she has no idea that Stevenson was behind the disappearance. And, for that matter, neither does Cummings know how he suddenly woke up on a train headed for Charlotte, North Carolina...and with a suitcase filled with women's clothes! The press has found out that Russell has married but they have no idea to whom. She doesn't want to admit that she remarried her ex- and they are already going to get another divorce, so she quickly concocts a crazy tale about her husband getting killed on their wedding day! This "Mr. Rugle" was apparently heading to South America and crashed in Guatemala!!! When Cummings arrives, he informs everyone that Rugle is NOT dead but has survived in order to put Russell on the spot. But, in a case of GOOD quick-thinking (as opposed to her crazy Rugle story), she finds a stand-in to pretend to be Rugle. Now what is Cummnigs to do?! There's a lot more to this screwball comedy. While the story is patently silly and tough to believe (and then some), it is high-energy and most enjoyable. Cummings steals the show and shows his deftness with comedy and I'd watch Russell in any comedy, as they always turn out great. It also helped that Gig Young was on hand to play Mr. Rugle--and seeming to enjoy taking advantage of the situation. And, in turn, Cummings did everything he could do to come between them.By the way, try reading up on co-star Marie McDonald--her IMDb profile is bizarre yet fascinating.