One of the most popular films of 1947, the comedy The Egg and I, starring Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert, ranked as the third top-grossing picture, with over $5 million at the box-office.
In fact, the high-concept film, about Big City Vs. Rural Life, was so popular that it led to a sequel and a whole film series, “Ma and Pa Kettle.”
On their wedding night Bob (Fred MacMurray) informs his new bride Betty (Claudette Colbert) that he has bought an abandoned chicken farm because he is tired of the brokerage business and the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Betty endures Bob’s enthusiasm for the rural life, rustic inconveniences, and battling nature, but her patience is severely tested when her glamorous neighbor Harriet Putnam (Louise Allbritton) begins to flirt with Bob.
Needless to say their fantasy of living a peaceful and fulfilling existence in the country is constantly shattered by one problem after another they face in running their ramshackle farm, including a dwindling bank account, as Kilbride, their inept handyman fritters away their account on building materials.
Among the funny scenes are the ones in which the classy and elegant Colbert tries to carry water in a bottomless bucket, and MacMurray chopping down a tree, which falls right onto the roof.
The book on which this film is based, a bestseller by Betty MacDonald, described the author’s in personal experiences as a young wife. living on a chicken farm in the Pacific Northwest.
Marjorie Main received a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for playing Ma Kettle.
Oscar Nominations: 1
Supporting Actress: Marjorie main
Oscar awards: None
Oscar Context:
The winner in 1947 was Celeste Holm for “Gentleman’s Agreement” in a contest that included Ethel Barrymore in “The Parradine Case,” Gloria Grahame in “Crossfire,” and Anne Revere also for “Gentleman’s Agreement.”
Credits
Director: Chester Erskine
Screenwriter: Chester Erskine, Fred F.Finklehoffe
Camera: Milton Krasner
Editing: Russell Schoengarth
Music; Frank Skinner
Production design: Bernard Herzbrun
Black and white
Running time: 108 Minutes
The film was released on April 25, 1947