Man-Proof (1938)
A witty MGM romantic comedy starring Myrna Loy, Franchot Tone, and Rosalind Russell in a charming tale of unrequited love and impossible friendship.
Man-Proof - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1938
- Directed by: Richard Thorpe
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 15m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 7, 1938 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Man-Proof - Plot
A newspaper illustrator tries to remain best friends with the man she secretly loves, even though he recently married another woman.
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Man-Proof - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Thorpe
Main Cast
- Myrna Loy
- Franchot Tone
- Rosalind Russell
- Walter Pidgeon
- Nana Bryant
- Leonard Penn
- John Miljan
- William Stack
- Oscar O'Shea
- Rita Johnson
Writers
- Vincent Lawrence
- Waldemar Young
- George Oppenheimer
Producers
- Louis D. Lighton
Man-Proof - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Man-Proof?
Man-Proof features a sparkling MGM ensemble led by Myrna Loy as Mimi Swift, Franchot Tone as Jimmy Kilmartin, and Rosalind Russell as Elizabeth Kent. Walter Pidgeon rounds out the central love quadrangle as Alan Wythe, making for a delightfully tangled romantic dynamic throughout the film.
What is Man-Proof about?
Man-Proof follows Mimi Swift, a newspaper illustrator hopelessly in love with Jimmy Kilmartin — a man who goes and marries someone else. Rather than walk away, Mimi tries to stay close as his friend, navigating heartbreak, jealousy, and new romantic possibilities in this charming 1938 MGM comedy-drama.
Did Myrna Loy and Franchot Tone work well together?
Myrna Loy and Franchot Tone share an easy, playful chemistry in Man-Proof. Loy brings her trademark wit and warmth to Mimi, while Tone plays the oblivious object of her affection with charm. Their dynamic is one of the film's genuine pleasures, keeping the romantic tension light and engaging.
When was Man-Proof released?
Man-Proof was released on January 7, 1938, in the United States. It was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during Hollywood's golden age of screwball and romantic comedy, a period when MGM regularly paired its biggest stars in glossy, witty ensemble pictures like this one.
Who directed Man-Proof?
Richard Thorpe directed Man-Proof. A prolific MGM contract director, Thorpe was known for his efficiency and versatility across genres. He keeps the film's romantic comedy tone brisk and breezy, letting the talented cast — particularly Loy and Russell — do what they do best.
What is the runtime of Man-Proof?
Man-Proof runs for 75 minutes, making it a tight, well-paced romantic comedy that doesn't overstay its welcome. At just over an hour, it delivers its love-triangle drama and comedic sparring with the kind of efficient Hollywood storytelling that defined MGM's polished output in the late 1930s.
Is Man-Proof based on a book or true story?
Man-Proof is based on the 1934 novel "The Foolproof" by Fanny Heaslip Lea. The screenplay was adapted by Vincent Lawrence, Waldemar Young, and George Oppenheimer. It is not based on a true story but draws on the era's popular romantic fiction exploring unrequited love and complicated friendships.
What are some movies similar to Man-Proof?
If you enjoy Man-Proof, you might love The Awful Truth (1937), another sharp romantic comedy about love gone sideways, or Lady on a Train (1945) for more classic Hollywood charm. The Wedding Planner (2001) and Overboard (1987) offer a more modern take on similar romantic entanglement themes.
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