Having supped full of success with the multi-storied O. Henry's Full House, 20th Century-Fox assembled another all-star "omnibus" film, We're Not Married. The unifying factor of this enjoyable seriocomedy is provided by justice-of-the-peace Melvin Bush (
Victor Moore), who learns to his horror that his license is invalid. Bush and his wife (
Jane Darwell) feverishly track down the five couples whom he has married "illegally" to inform them of the fact and invite them to renew their vows. Couple #1 is Fred Allen and
Ginger Rogers, a husband-and-wife radio team whose huggy-kissy behavior on the air conceals the fact that they'd dearly love to cut each other's throats. Couple #2 consists of
David Wayne and his contest-happy spouse
Marilyn Monroe, who's just won the "Mrs. Mississippi" pageant. Couple #3,
Paul Douglas and
Eve Arden, ran out of things to say to each other long ago. Couple #4 is millionaire
Louis Calhern and his avaricious young bride
Eva Gabor, who intends to jilt the old coot and make off with his millions. And Couple #5 is young GI
Eddie Bracken and his pregnant wife
Mitzi Gaynor. When Bush delivers the news that these unions aren't legal in the eyes of the state, the results range from poignant to hilarious: particularly satisfying is Calhern's puckish revenge on his gold-digging wife. And yes, that is
Lee Marvin as
Eddie Bracken's army buddy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide