Over the decades there have been many films that were “remade” sometimes with a director re-directing his own movie (e.g. Cecil B. DeMille, Alfred Hitchcock, William Wyler). The original in my view usually the better in any genre, however that doesn’t preclude the “remake(s)” commendable and enjoyable. Take a look and assess for your self. Original films to consider followed by the “remake” (some titles changed for newer version).

Bachelor Mother (USA, RKO Radio Pictures,1939, 82 min., dir. Garson Kanin)

It’s the end of the “great depression” and eve of WW II. Unemployed Polly Parrish who finds an abandoned child on steps of an orphanage and in exchange for a job as sales gal at Merlin’s Department Store she agrees to take care of the baby. When the boss’s son David Merlin (David Niven) misconstrues that Polly is the real mother, chaos ensues, as does romance. His father the store’s owner J.B. Merlin (Charles Coburn) intercedes and the amusing plot thickens. Rogers is most charming, gets to show off her dancing, flippant side of personality in the role of Polly, and looked gorgeous in gowns by renowned designer “Irene.” She and ever elegant Niven have great chemistry. Academy AwardⓇ nominee for “ best writing, original story

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031067/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_bachelor%2520mother%2520

(Renamed) Bundle of Joy (USA, Edmund Granger Productions, 1956, 86 min., dir. Norman Taurog)

Polly Parrish (Debbie Reynolds) is an eager enthusiastic employee in a large department store. The owner’s son Dan Merlin (Eddie Fisher) takes an interest in her. When she’s suddenly fired from her job she finds an adorable baby on the steps of the local foundling home and those in charge inside mistake her for the mother. Well meaning Dan tries to help her out with the baby, and romance begins to blossom, then some mis-perception that he’s the father that leads to Dan’s father J.B. Merlin (Adolph Menjou) thinking he might be the grandfather and amusing antics ensue.

Musical remake of Bachelor Mother vehicle for Reynolds and Fisher 1950s “sweethearts of America” entertaining though sad considering outcome of their true married relationship that terminated when Fisher took up with screen siren Elizabeth Taylor.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049034/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_72_act

The Bishops Wife (USA, MGM, 1947, 109 min., dir. Henry Koster) (edited from Dec. 2020)

A troubled clergyman Episcopal Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) married to lovely Julia (Loretta Young) has a burden effecting his heart and mind regarding funding for a new church. It’s Christmas season and he seems spiritual path is diverted, his marriage is in peril, his conscious troubled. Enter Dudley (Cary Grant) a suave “angel” endowed with supernatural influence that heals and saves. Sweet and inspiring story. Strong supporting cast includes Elsa Lancaster (Matilda, the maid), Monty Wooley (Professor Wutheridge), Gladys Cooper (Mrs. Hamilton), James Gleason (Sylvester). Five Academy AwardⓇ nods, one win (Best Sound Recording).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039190/awards?ref_=tt_awd

(renamed) The Preacher’s Wife

(USA,Touchtsone Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn Co., Mundy Lane Ent.,1996, 121 min., PG, dir. Penny Marshall)

Reverend Henry Biggs (Courtney B. Vance) pastor of inter-city African American Baptist church is aware that his marriage to choir mistress former nightclub singer Julia (Whitney Houston) is in a precarious state, because of his continuing absence with so much of his time spent caring for the deprived neighborhood they live in. Not only has he neglected his wife, also their darling young son Jeremiah (Justin Pierre Edmund). His church is also threatened to be displaced by property developer Joe Hamilton (Gregory Hines). Rev. Biggs prays to God for help that arrives in the form of an anonymous angel named Dudley (Denzel Washington), who thought his spiritual “magic” helps the troubled married couple and the community. Subplot with gospel choir music shows off Houston’s voice and thespian talent.

Note: Denzel Washington’s production co. Mundy Lane Entertainment developed the project that was based on the 1947 film and adaptation of book by Robert Nathan; and screen credit Robert E. Sherwood and Leonardo Bercovici . OscarⓇ nomination for Best Music, Original Music or Comedy Score (Hans Zimmer).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117372/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_25_act

The Front Page (USA, Metropolitan Studios, 1931, 101 min., dir. Lewis Milestone)

Ace reporter for the Chicago Post Hildy Johnson (Pat O’Brien), engaged to Peggy Grant (Mary Brian), is planning to leave the newspaper game and move to New York for a higher paying advertising job. The Chicago court press room is full of aggressive reporters who fabricate stories as much as write about current events. The big news of the day is about the hanging of alleged murderer Earl Williams (George E. Stone). Hildy has interviewed Williams and convinced he’s innocent. When Williams escapes from the inept Sheriff, Hildy seizes the opportunity to pay off an informer using his honeymoon funds to get the scoop on Williams whereabouts. His manipulative editor Walter Burns (Adolph Menjou) wants Hildy back the job hoping he’ll stay on the story. When Hildy stumbles onto the bewildered escapee he hides him in a roll-top desk in the press room. Further complications arise when the “heart of gold” hookier Molly Molloy (May Clark) who Williams has been kind to shows tries to defend him and Burns also makes it to the news room to “persuade” Hildy to stay on the story. Can they keep Williams' whereabouts secret long enough to get the scoop, and maybe a pardon.

Based on hit comedy play by Charles MacArthur and Ben Hect, former Chicago reporters, who adapted for screen with with Bartlett Cormark. Three OscarⓇ nods including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor (Menjou).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021890/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

(renamed) His Girl Friday (USA, Columbia Pictures, 92 min., dir. Howard Hawks)

After being absent from the news room for months Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell) walks into the offices of the New York City Morning Post, where she is a star reporter to tell her boss. and former husband, editor Walter Burns (Cary Grant), that she is quitting to marry straight-laced insurance agent, Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy), Hildy divorced Walter because she wanted more of a home life, whereas he saw her more as a driven hard-boiled reporter than homemaker and admits he was a bad husband though rationalizes.

Hildy reveals she is taking the afternoon train to Albany with Bruce and staid mother Mrs. Baldwin (Alma Kruger) where they will live. Walter doesn't want to lose Hildy, either as a reporter or a wife, and covertly does whatever he can delay Hildy and abort the union between her and Bruce. It’s almost a form of seduction as he dangles a big story for her to cover, viz. that the newspaper believes the pending execution of convicted cop killer Earl Williams (John Qualen) is rigged and wrong. Hildy doesn't trust Walter, but the lure of what potentially may become the biggest story in years, which includes true love – enter Molly Molloy (Helen Hack) hooker with heart of gold , bumbling Sheriff Hartwell (Gene Lockhart) and corrupt Mayor (Clarence Kolb), break down Hildy’s resistance and she’s back in the game.

The play by MacArthur and Hect translated well to re-casting Russell as “Hildy” and clever twist that reflected the era of late 1930s-40s with “strong women” characters as portrayed by top actresses of the time, e.g. Russell, Barbara Stanwyck, Bette Davis yields great dynamic thanks to excellent cast, witty dialogue, comic pacing and Howard Hawks astute direction. Film award worthy, though passed over.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032599/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_his%2520g

Libeled Lady (USA, MGM, 1936, 98 min., dir. Jack Conway)

Chief editor of the New York Evening Star newspaper Warren Haggerty (Spencer Tracy) keeps stalling his marriage with Gladys Benton (Jean Harlow) because of problems at the paper. When a $5 million lawsuit is filed by Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy) for falsely printing a story that she’s repeatedly broken up marriages, he plans a phony marriage between Gladys and ace reporter Bill Chandler (William Powell), to “entrap” Connie with a married man and prove the story is accurate. Bill agrees to help out Haggerty, however he and Connie are genuinely attracted and love ensues, to chagrin of her father James B. Allenbury (Walter Connelly again as father of the bride to be!). The four leads have equal status and all award worthy, though only one OscarⓇ nod for Best Picture.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027884/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_6_nm_2_q_%252Clibeled%2520l

(renamed) Easy To Wed (USA, MGM, 1946, 106 min., dir. Edward Buzzell)

Publisher Warren Haggerty’s (Keenan Wynn) "Morning Star" newspaper is in trouble: Rich and powerful tycoon J.B. Allenbury (Cecil Callaway), intends to sue for $2 million because an article that states his daughter Connie (Esther Williams) is chasing after married men. Reporter Bill Chandler (Van Johnson) is sent after the heiress to prove that the story is actually true by engaging her interest when he feigns to be married to Gladys Benton (Lucille Ball) in actuality Haggerty’s fiancé. Exciting song and dance sequences and of course Esther Williams stunning swimming. What an amazing talent: athlete, great singer, natural beauty. Fabulous costumes for the ladies, especially Lucille Ball.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038505/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_24_act

It Happened One Night (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1934, 105 min., dir. Frank Capra)

Petulant heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) has just eloped with society aviator King Westley (Jameson Thomas) when she is whisked away by her father tycoon Alexander Andrews (Walter Connelly) to his yacht to get her away from the gold digger. Ellie jumps ship and escapes winding up on a bus headed back to her husband.

After a series of mishaps she reluctantly accepts the help of out-of- work reporter Peter Warne (Clark Gable) she meets on the bus. Her disappearance has caused a media frenzy and when Warne realizes who she is and that he has an exclusive story he takes role as her quasi “protector” and she must stick with him to survive. Their antagonistic relationship begins to turn romantic, though undeclared. After an overnight stop in country inn, where they cohabitate with utmost discretion, Peter who’s acquired an automobile takes off to get an advance from his editor and Ellie misunderstands and flees. He pursues her, impresses her father with his honesty, and as she’s about to walk down the aisle Ellie realizes who she truly loves and ditches the groom – again. Hilariously charming and a true Hollywood classic! Five OscarsⓇ including Best picture, director, actor (Gable), actress (Colbert), and adapted script.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025316/awards/?ref_=tt_awd

(renamed) You Can’t Run Away From It (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1956, 95 min. dir. Dick Powell)

After Ellen “Ellie” Andrews (June Allyson) runs off and marries polo player Jacques Scott (Jacques “Jack” Ballarino) who her Texas millionaire father A.A. Andrews (Charles Bickford) thinks is a gold digger he has her kidnapped. She escapes and begins journey back to her hometown Houston to return to her husband and a real wedding ceremony. Her father hires a private eye to stop her yet she eludes him.

On the bus to Houston, out of work newspaper man Peter Warne (Jack Lemmon) discovers who she is, and inadvertently takes charge, sort of rescuing damsel in distress. Though there is a big reward offered to find the errant heiress, let alone a big news“ scoop”, instead of cashing in on either Warne falls in love with Ellie (and vice

versa, though she rather denies it) and he pursues and saves her from making a big mistake; and they flee to their happy ending. Musical numbers add charm to this remake, though not such memorable tunes. Allyson is ever charming and good chemistry with Lemmon. Her “real life” husband Dick Powell directed the romantic comedy with finesse. Supporting cast includes Jim Backus, Louise Beavers, Stubby Kay.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049973/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_33_act

My Favorite Wife (USA, RKO Pictures, 1940, 88 min., dir. Garson Kanin)

Presumed dead after being lost at sea is shipwreck Ellen Wagstaff Arden (Irene Dunne) returns home to learn her attorney husband Nick Arden (Cary Grant) that very day has married Bianca Bates (Gail Patrick), and her young children don’t recognize her, which she keeps secret. After colluding with her mother-in-law Ma Arden (Ann Shoemaker) quickly glams up and goes to the honeymoon destination (where she and Nick had theirs) and reveals herself. Nick is ecstatic, however has to to break the news to Bianca. The honeymoon is over before it began and Nick returns home, though still hasn’t told Bianca the truth. Complications arise, and his jealously with it, when Nick learns that Ellen has spent the years on a deserted island with fellow-survivor Stephen Burkett (Randolph Scott). Their nicknames “Adam & Eve” raise more questions. Hilarious confusion reigns before Nick chooses his favorite wife. First of three films that co-starred Grant and Dunne (Awful Truth, Penny Serenade) who had terrific chemistry. Three OscarⓇ nods.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029284/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_my%2520favorite%2520wife

(renamed) Move Over Darling (USA, Melchor-Arcola Productions, 1963, 104 min., dir. Michael Gordon)

Similar plot to original with a few twists. Married for three years with two infant daughters at home in Los Angeles, Nicholas “Nicky” Arden (James Garner) and Ellen Wagstaff Arden (Doris Day) are in plane that in the South Pacific. Although Nicky and most passengers survive Ellen presumably perishes though her body is not recovered. Five years later Nicky has reluctantly had Ellen declared legally dead so he can marry Bianca Steel (Polly Bergen). For their honeymoon he plans to take to the same Monterrey resort where he and Ellen spent their \wedding night.

On that very same day Ellen returns to L.A. on the Navy ship that rescued here from the South Pacific island where she was stranded. She asks there be no publicity so she can notify Nicky herself. She arrives home and shocks her mother-in-law Grace Arden (Thelma Ritter), Nicky's mother who informs her Nick married that morning. She urges her as his true wife, as opposed to Bianca being his bride, to go the honeymoon destination Monterrey and tell Nicky she's alive. Instant make over and she arrives at the hotel, where she and Nicky had their honeymoon, and surprises her husband. He’s thrilled, though in shock, and pledges his adoring love to Ellen, and has to reveal the truth to Bianca who is ardent to consummate their marriage. As such, he finds it difficult to tell Bianca, who is in a honeymoon amorous mood. Hilarious antics ensue and Nicky and Bianca return to his home. More is revealed that undermine Ellen's faithfulness and love for him when he learns she was not alone on that island but with a handsome man named Stephen Burkett (Chuck Connors) as her companion, with the two calling themselves Adam and Eve. Day and Garner great chemistry in 1963 also co-starred in The Thrill Of It All.

Golden Globe nod “Best Actress” for Day.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057329/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Parent Trap (USA, Walt Disney Productions, 1961, 129 min., dir. David Swift)

Delightful comedy with the popular teen actress of 1960s Hayley Mills in dual role as identical twins Sharon and Susan. Their parents separated soon after they were born and each had custody of one of the girls and no idea they were sisters. Susan in the west, California, with dad Mitch Evers (Brian Keith) and Sharon in the east with mum proper Bostonian Maggie McKendrick (Maureen O’Hara).

The long lost sisters meet at summer camp when it’s like looking in a mirror they have such exact resemblance. They hatch a plan and switch places in hopes of reuniting their parents. Discovered by maternal grand-dad Charles McKendrick (Charles Ruggles) it’s a tender moment of reconciliation and love. Maggie finds out and after an overdue make over takes her other daughter to reunite and switch back Supporting cast includes veterans Una Merkel (housekeeper Verbena), Leo G. Carroll (Rev. Dr. Mosby), Kathleen Nesbitt (grandmother Louise McKendrick) and Joanna Barnes as Vicky Robinson the gold digging fiancé of Mitch who the girls ultimately get rid of. Highlight is when the twins sing the hit tune “Let’s Get Together”. Great comic romantic chemistry with Keith and O’Hara. Nominated for two Academy AwardsⓇ.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055277/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

(same name) The Parent Trap (USA,UK/USA, Disney Productions, 128 min.,1998, dir. Nancy Meyers)

From 1961 to 1998 the plot is similar to original with updated USA trans Atlantic British connection. Twin girls Hallie and Annie (Lindsay Lohan) separated when they were infants and their parents divorced meet at camp and trade places. Dad Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid) is American vintner in California; mother Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson) British high end designer in London, England. Their secret plan to benignly deceive their parents, so they can each get to know them individually is effective, though eventually discovered. Elizabeth wings to California to reunite the girls and the former passion of the parents emerges. The girls sabotage their father’s new fiancé Meredith Blake (Elaine Hendrix) and cleverly cast Joanna Barnes (the fiancée in original movie) conniving mother Vickie Blake. It’s a happy ending. Lohan is adorable, Richardson at her most attractive and Quaid at his handsome best. Charming and entertaining. Watch them both!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120783/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Two more to consider:

Sabrina (1954) starred Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, William Holden)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047437/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

remade same title 1995 starring Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114319/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Thomas Crown Affair (1968) starred Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway

remade (same name 1999) starred Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0155267/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

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Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020