7.2/10
4,912
85 user 34 critic

Penny Serenade (1941)

A couple's big dreams give way to a life full of unexpected sadness and unexpected joy.

Director:

Writers:

(screen play), (story)
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 nomination. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
...
...
...
...
Dotty
Eva Lee Kuney ...
Trina (at the Age of 6 Years)
Leonard Willey ...
Doctor Hartley
Wallis Clark ...
Judge
Walter Soderling ...
Billings
Jane Biffle ...
Trina (at the Age of 1 Year) (as Baby Biffle)
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Storyline

As Julie prepares to leave her husband Roger, she begins to play through a stack of recordings, each of which reminds her of events in their lives together. One of them is the song that was playing when she and Roger first met in a music store. Other songs remind her of their courtship, their marriage, their desire for a child, and the joys and sorrows that they have shared. A flood of memories comes back to her as she ponders their present problems and how they arose. Written by Snow Leopard

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

A STORY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED...and those who have never loved, but hope to! See more »

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Certificate:

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Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

24 April 1941 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Serenada B'Pruta  »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In a flagrant disregard of the then Production Code, it would appear that Irene Dunne and Cary Grant share a marital bed instead of separate ones. Also, there's an implication that the two have sex on a train, something unheard of in the morally hidebound 1940s. See more »

Goofs

The record shown playing is a bat wing Victor that was produced prior to 1925. See more »

Quotes

Judge: [Judge firmly addressing two unseen attorneys] I'll give you an opportunity to better prepare your facts.
Man: [Hands Judge some papers] Adoption proceedings, the Adams case.
Judge: What?
Man: The Adams case.
Judge: [Looks disturbed] Oh yes, yes. Uh...
[turns back to attorneys]
Judge: if either one or both of you gentlemen conduct yourselves like you've been doing today I'll hold you in contempt, the both of ya!
Judge: [Walks into chambers, sees Roger, Miss Oliver, and the baby all seated. Sits at desk] Uh, oh this is the child in ...
[...]
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Connections

Featured in Se, jie (2007) See more »

Soundtracks

The Missouri Waltz
(1917) (uncredited)
Music by John Valentine Eppel
Lyrics by J.R. Shannon
Music arranged by Frederick Knight Logan
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Unusual, but sad story
21 January 2004 | by See all my reviews

Cary Grant plays a newspaper reporter who falls in love and marries Irene Dunne, whom he meets at a record store. While abroad in Japan, tragedy strikes for the couple, which sets the course for the story. It really is a simple story about how a married couple long for having a home and a family of their own. Grant surprised me with his family man role, quite different from the sophisticated characters he played later on in his career. His monologue during the adoption hearing was one of the best scenes in the whole movie and very well done. Irene Dunne was great in her role as his wife. The little girl who plays their daughter was too cute for words. It was also an interesting insight into how a couple struggles to raise their first child, which is something many people can relate to, no matter what the time period. It was also interesting the way Dunne went through all the flashback scenes in the movie by playing records that reminded her of their life together. Beulah Bondi (who played George Bailey's mother from It's A Wonderful Life) has a great supporting role as the head of the adoption agency who has doubts about the couple at first, but then grows to care a great deal for them. The ending was a complete surprise. If you like Cary Grant or old Hollywood movies, this is something different. Sad, but sentimental. Recommended.


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