"The Remarkable Andrew" is something of a curiosity of a film for when it was made and released in theaters. It was either behind times by 20 years, or ahead of time by as much. This is a comedy romance and fantasy film all about decency, honesty, and integrity - subjects that surely are appropriate for all times in films. But at the core of the plot is political corruption that involves many of the people in a local government. And that's precisely why it's so poorly timed and probably why it bombed at the box office.
With the world embroiled in WW II, millions of Americans going off to war and all of industry gearing up and producing for war, the last thing on any American's mind in March of 1942, would have been local corrupt politics. That goes for people in all other countries as well. Indeed, if ever there was a time when such corruption most likely was nil or at a minimum, it would have been then.
So, it's no wonder that this film came in toward the bottom of box office receipts for the year - around 165th with domestic ticket sales of just $1.1 million. And, with the considerable cast of prominent actors of the day, the budget was probably right around that figure. "Mrs. Miniver" that was the released in June of that year, had a budget of $1.34 million and box office of $15.3 million. The stars of that film, Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon, are matched by William Holden, Brian Donlevy and Ellen Drew in "Andrew," which also has a bigger supporting cast of prominent actors.
The vast number of movies that the public went to and wanted to see were war or war-related films, or genuine comedies with much humor, or entertaining musicals, or good mysteries. An occasional animated film would be very popular.
While this film is a comedy and fantasy as well, the comedy is far too light and the fantasy may also have worked against it in a time of world war. All of the players did well in this film, and it was a good plot and story. It would have fit earlier times - before sound films and the Great Depression - including during prohibition. And, it surely would have resonated with audiences and been a good educational tool by the late 1950s. That's when Mayor Richard J. Daley rose to power and ruled the roost in Chicago. Many members of his administration in time were convicted of corruption.
The fantasy aspects of various heroes of America's past would have appealed to youngsters in years past. Such things appealed to my children in the 1970s and 1980s. But maybe they wouldn't so much in the 21st century when history doesn't seem to mean much to younger generations; or when some have a bizarre notion of being responsible for the sins and wrongs of people of the past. It seems to me that life is enough of a challenge for people in the 21st century to live our own lives now with respect for all others, and with honesty, kindness, and charity.
This might be a good film today for grandpa or grandma to show youngsters. And some who enjoy movies of the past, including those with messages, will still enjoy it. But most in the modern, fast-action, culture who can't go half an hour without checking their hand-held device, probably would lose interest before half an hour.
Here are some favorite lines from the film.
Mrs. Grondos, "Of course he isn't crazy. Just you remember what people said about Columbus."
Andrew Jackson, "You take it from an old politician-baiter."
Dr. Clarence Upjohn, after telling Peggy to smell Andrew's breath, "If there's liquor on it, call me. I've got some pills here that'll either sober him up or kill him."
Peggy Tobin, "But what if he hasn't been drinking?" Dr. Clarence Upjohn, "You're gonna have to marry him right away." Peggy, "Right away?" Dr. Upjohn, "Yep. If he's not drunk, he's crazy. If he's crazy, he needs your help. If you love him, you'll do as I say." Peggy, "I guess so."
Dr. Clarence Upjohn, "And another thing. If he thinks there's ghosts up there, pretend it's perfectly normal. Humor him. Agree with him. But marry him." Peggy Tobin, "All right." Dr., Upjohn, "But smell his breath first." Peggy, "Yeah."
