The only thing missing is Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn (or Carole Lombard) in the leads. The underappreciated Ameche fares better than Russell, who comes across as a bit shrill. (She's better in more butch roles like in "His Girl Friday." She doesn't do ditzy well.) Still, very enjoyable, with Van Heflin and old pro Kay Francis delightful in the second leads.
shareI see what you mean about the alternate leads; it would have been a different and interesting movie. However, I thought the movie worked well as it is. I enjoyed it and laughed quite a bit at the silliness.
I didn't even mind the jealousy theme even though I take the same position John does in his book. I think jealousy serves no purpose and is a big turn off. I'm not the jealous type so I have no interest in, or patience with, someone who is prone to being jealous.
People, like Julie in the movie, who seem to need their partner to express jealous feelings seem insecure and petty. I suspect they have trouble trusting themselves and their partner so they need those big gestures for reassurance. If I can't trust the person I'm with I don't think I should be with him and vice versa. Being jealous is not going to keep someone from straying and if I have to be on guard at all times to keep him faithful then he's not the kind of person I'd want to be with anyway.
Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]