The Egg and I

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The Egg and I

Released Mar 21, 1947

1h 48m

Comedy

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2 Reviews

79%

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500+ Ratings

World War II veteran Bob MacDonald (Fred MacMurray) surprises his new wife, Betty (Claudette Colbert), by quitting his city job and moving them to a dilapidated farm in the country. While Betty gamely struggles with managing the crumbling house and holding off nosy neighbors and a recalcitrant pig, Bob makes plans for crops and livestock. The couple's bliss is shaken by a visit from a beautiful farm owner (Louise Allbritton), who seems to want more from Bob than just managing her property.

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Virginia Graham

The Spectator

[Claudette Colbert] is often extremely funny, and in the sequence at the local dance-hall, where she has to dance with all the neighbouring farmers regardless of their size and shape, she is exquisitely so. But I resent such a wastage of talent.

Jun 14, 2018

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray, this comedy about an urban couple who tries to live a happy rural life was so popuar at the box-office that it led to a sequel and to a whole series, Ma and Pa Kettle.

Rated: B

Jan 4, 2011

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RICHARD S

Both Colbert and McMurray have never been better in comedy roles. Fun seeing the Kettle family in its premier here. Playing the compliant wife of the 1940s, the 21st century woman may get upset; relax and enjoy it -- this is a fairly authentic slice of comedic life in post war America, and very funny, indeed. Also, note Richard Long in perhaps his first role on screen. Enjoy!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/07/25

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Audience Member

Dated inspiration for Green Acres.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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ashley h

The Egg and I is an awesome film. It is about Bob who reveals to Betty that he has purchased an abandoned chicken farm on their wedding night. Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray give terrific performances. The screenplay is good but a little slow in places. Chester Erskine did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the humor and romance. The Egg and I is a must see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Steve D

The cast is wasted on a terrible script.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/04/23

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Audience Member

The best comedy movie ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

This is one of my favorite "go to" movies for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Grab a blanket and a dog and a pot of tea for some light-hearted and innocent vintage style fun.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Chester Erskine

Director

Claudette Colbert

Betty MacDonald

Fred MacMurray

Bob MacDonald

Marjorie Main

Phoebe `'Ma'` Kettle

Louise Allbritton

Harriet Putnam

Percy Kilbride

Frank `'Pa'` Kettle

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Synopsis

World War II veteran Bob MacDonald (Fred MacMurray) surprises his new wife, Betty (Claudette Colbert), by quitting his city job and moving them to a dilapidated farm in the country. While Betty gamely struggles with managing the crumbling house and holding off nosy neighbors and a recalcitrant pig, Bob makes plans for crops and livestock. The couple's bliss is shaken by a visit from a beautiful farm owner (Louise Allbritton), who seems to want more from Bob than just managing her property.

Director: Chester Erskine
Producer: Chester Erskine, Fred F. Finklehoffe
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal International Pictures (UI)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 21, 1947, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 22, 2016
Runtime: 1h 48m

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