The Major And The Minor

Every year it seems like a revised list of the greatest films ever made is put out by the likes of the American Film Institute and similar organizations. I guarantee you that no matter the year in which you look at these lists, one of director/writer Billy Wilder's films will be on them. "Sunset Boulevard," "The Apartment," "Some Like it Hot," and many others are considered to be some of the greatest works ever produced by Hollywood.

Every filmmaker has a beginning in the industry, though, and "The Major and the Minor" is Wilder's first hilarious turn behind the camera. With a new 2K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative, this lukewarm gem from one of the most beleaguered filmmakers to have ever lived is now available on Blu-ray from Arrow Films and their Arrow Academy label.

Susan Applegate (Ginger Rogers) is a New York City working girl constantly evading the lust of leery-eyed men and never catching a break. After a terrible experience giving a scalp massage to a gross client goes wrong, she resigns to return home to Stevenson, Iowa. Little does she know that the money she saved for train fare back all those years ago hadn't adjusted for inflation. With only enough cash for a children's ticket, she disguises herself as a child named Su-Su and convinces a stranger to buy the ticket for her. While on the train, she's caught smoking by the conductor and manages to find refuge in the compartment of Major Philip Kirby (Ray Milland) before being captured. The major is then caught by his wife, who accuses him of infidelity. To save his butt, Kirby brings Su-Su home to where her alleged parents can retrieve her. Will Susan be able to escape this predicament? You'll have to watch and see.

For those curious about Wilder's illustrious career, he only became director after repeatedly being upset about other directors tinkering with his scripts. In a bid to claim complete ownership over one of his works, he wanted to write something that would appeal to all. He figured that way his first film would be a surefire hit. Yes, a movie about an older major falling in love with a 12-year-old was what he thought would be a way to make audiences love him. In a newly filmed appreciation of the film by critic Neil Sinyard, so much depth is given to how "The Major and the Minor" stands as a glimpse into the beginning of a director with such a clear touch. His cynicism for love and happiness hadn't quite been honed yet during his first feature, but the back and forth between men and women that he so reveled in is clear as day here. He was just lucky to have Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland carry the burden of such a harebrained plot.

In addition to the aforementioned appreciation, there's a terrific booklet essay by Ronald Bergan included with this new Arrow Academy Blu-ray. For fans of the director's greatest works, I implore you to pick up this gem. While much of it is Wilder still developing craft behind the camera, it's worth more than a few laughs. Plus, the new restoration looks terrific and demands to be seen. Other special features include:

� Audio commentary by film scholar Adrian Martin
� Archival interview with Ray Milland
� Rare hour-long radio adaptation of the film from 1943 starring Rogers and Milland

"The Major and the Minor"
Blu-ray
$39.95
https://mvdb2b.com/s/TheMajorAndTheMinor/AA051