Stream It or Skip It: 'The More The Merrier' - A Heartwarming Holiday Tale

Overview

The More The Merrier is a 1943 romantic comedy set in Washington, D.C. during World War II. It focuses on the housing shortage faced in the city and centers around the unexpected living arrangement of three people during this time.

Plot Summary

Retired millionaire Benjamin Dingle arrives in Washington, D.C. to advise on the housing shortage but finds his hotel suite unavailable for two days. Seeing a classified ad for a roommate, he persuades Connie Milligan, a reluctant young woman, to let him sublet half of her apartment. The next day, after Connie leaves for work, Dingle rents half of his half to Sergeant Joe Carter, who is waiting for orders to go overseas.

Joe and Connie quickly develop mutual romantic feelings, although Connie is engaged to Charles J. Pendergast, a man offering her a safe, predictable future. Dingle plays Cupid by orchestrating situations that bring Joe and Connie closer together. Despite her initial hesitation, Connie starts to accept Joe’s affection, but their growing relationship faces challenges, including suspicions from neighbors and an FBI inquiry mistakenly investigating Joe as a Japanese spy.

Eventually, through a series of comical and heartfelt events, Joe and Connie confess their love for each other, though they worry about the imminent separation due to Joe’s overseas deployment.

Themes and Tone

The film approaches World War II from a lighthearted angle, focusing on everyday inconveniences such as housing shortages rather than the war’s harsher realities. It mixes romantic comedy with subtle commentary on societal resilience and human connection under stressful circumstances.

Critical Note

The movie was filmed in 1942 and is notable for its witty dialogue and charming character dynamics, particularly the confident persistence of Benjamin Dingle and the evolving romance between Joe and Connie.

“Well, sooner or later I'm going to rent half this apartment. Suppose I have a look at it, eh?” — Benjamin Dingle’s confident line that captures his quirky charm and pivotal role in bringing the characters together.

Author’s Summary

The More The Merrier skillfully blends humor and romance to depict wartime life with warmth and charm, highlighting how unexpected connections arise amid shared hardships.

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Sohu Sohu — 2025-11-29

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