Scolding reviewers who go on and on urging you to "see the original" and "this is a bad remake" are ponderous and not too bright, in my opinion. I can separate performances and stories in my mind without any trouble whatsoever. This is a fun movie with lots of clever scenes and great interplay between Tierney and Power, who clearly had personal affection for one another. The supporting cast does a good job of getting out of the way and letting Gene and Tyrone shine. Chill Wills is great as a crooked judge and has many funny one-liners. Its fun and enjoyable! The scenery, whether in Sun Valley or New York is realistic and a history lesson in 40's era lifestyles. I mean, its Gene Tierney and Tyrone Power, for crying out loud! They aren't making movie stars like those two anymore, are they? Enjoy!

This remake of "Love is News", an OK screwball comedy from 1937, is much weaker than the original for many reasons. The biggest reason is that it seems so out of place in 1948 as compared to 1937, even though it wasn't exactly great then. Once again, Tyrone Power is a reporter who wants to get the dirt on one of the world's richest bachlorettes (here Gene Tierney instead of Loretta Young). Power was perfect for romantic comedy in 1937, but 10 years have not been kind to him in several ways that has a major impact on his performance. Unlike Rock Hudson (who could do these types of roles in 1954 as well as 1964) , Power's face not only aged, but he lost the youthful glow and became much more serious looking. Probably the best looking actor in Hollywood in the 30's, Power had charm that took away from the implausibilities of the original story. By 1948, he was better off in films like "Nightmare Alley" and "The Captain From Castille", as his rugged looks had only been enhanced with age. But in comedy, he appears slightly tired and it really lessens the impact of the pairing between him and Tierney, who really has no place in comedy. A fine dramatic actress for sure, but once she starts doing pratfalls, it seems forced and she seems most uncomfortable.The major problem is that the world of 1948 was much more serious than the world of 1937, and to portray journalists preying on the rich for scandal seems out of place for front-page news. Sure, society pages, yes, but on the front page? When Europe is still in recovery, there are communist scares everywhere, things in Korea are getting hot, and race relations are beginning to boil. Power wouldn't seem right in 1948 as any type of reporter but a serious one, and working for a scandal sheet seems degrading to him. Loretta Young, who played the female lead in "Love is News", was perfectly balanced as both a dramatic and comic actress, perfectly able to deal with breaking a nail while being carried around by handsome Power. She seems to love the kinkiness of their relationship, but Tierney is awkward and even embarrassed by this. Power is still funny in spots, particularly at a society party which he shows up to embarrass Tierney.The best part of "That Wonderful Urge" is the supporting cast, particularly Lucille Watson as Tierney's aunt. She has played a variety of society dames, some domineering and cold, but mostly warm-hearted and filled with a desire to see the younger generation have the fun she probably had in the beginning of the 20th Century when she was a girl. Reginald Gardiner plays the George Sanders role here, and is merely adequate. He lacks Sander's continental charm. Chill Wills takes on the Slim Summerville role of the annoyed small town sheriff who puts Power and Tierney in jail overnight. In comparing the scenes between the two films, they are almost identical. Gene Reynolds, who could play the most obnoxious of businessmen or politicians, is delightful as a judge. Replacing Jane Darwell as Powers' landlady is future "Caged" star Hope Emerson who was just beginning her rise as an unforgettable Amazonian character actress in films."That Wonderful Urge" is not a bad film, just out of place in 1948. 20th Century Fox had better films to remake, so this was a bad choice. With comedies like "State of the Union", "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" and "The Egg and I" shining in 1948, "That Wonderful Urge" comes off as weak, which is acceptable in a "B" picture, but certainly not an "A".

After half a lifetime of viewing movies I finally got to see this film "That Wonderful Urge" with Ty Power and Gene Tierney, once again teamed up. Always interesting to see a new film not viewed before.There's a fabulous, well-rounded cast - Gene Lockhart, Lucile Watson, Reginald Gardiner, Chill Wills, Porter Hall - all familiar faces, and I really felt much more could have been done due to the presence of these great actors appearing all in one film. Well, in Marlon Brando's words (On the Waterfront), you could say, "I coulda been a somebody" because everything was there except a fine script, but I'm thinking drama instead of comedy, my fault really. I think the main problem is that Ty and Gene are forever enshrined in my memory as two of the finest actors in that great story, "The Razor's Edge," an influence which is hard to shake free of and I'd gladly welcome another film of that calibre with them in it but my expectations will have to remain a wish.Since the story of "That Wonderful Urge" is based on comedy I must admit there are many amusing moments and unexpected turns as the tale unfolds.Thomas Tyler (Ty), a reporter, is out to get the inside scoop for his newspaper on the heiress, Sara Farley (Gene Tierney). After he poses as an admirer in order to obtain a story of her personal side, she becomes aware of his trickery and is determined to show him what it's like being in the spotlight of public news, and she does this by announcing to a group of anxious newspapermen the fact that they are indeed married. Needless to say from hereon the newspapers take over and the plot is up and running. It is then Tom-Tom's turn to refute the statement and it gets more complicated at every turn.I like Gene Lockhart in his role as a judge and it reminded me of his later role in "Carousel" also.This movie is one I recently bought as part of a box set "Tyrone Power Matinée Collection" where I thought I was getting five movies but it turns out to be ten, plus more extras. It's a must-have for those who appreciate Tyrone Power's films.

That Wonderful Urge turned out to be Tyrone Power's last film in the comedy vein. It's a pity that Darryl Zanuck couldn't waste a little money on an original story.If you think you've seen this film before with Power, you have. This is a remake of his film Love Is News that he did with Loretta Young back in 1936. Back then films about ditzy heiresses that the Depression era public could laugh it were in vogue. In 1948 this was very old fashioned.Still it's quite humorous as heiress Gene Tierney who is sick tired of all the bad publicity she gets, especially from Power who seems to be making a career of writing about her foibles, turns the tables on him. Tierney announces to one and all that she's engaged to be married to none other than reporter Power. Now he becomes paparazzi fodder and the tables get turned. Power's not without resources and he finds ways to make the pretend marriage both work and be annoying to Tierney. But I don't think I have to tell you where this will all end.As I said in the review of Love Is News, our fascination with heiresses from Barbara Hutton to Paris Hilton seems endless. But it all gets a bit hollow because if Tierney didn't want publicity, believe me she wouldn't get it. There are a lot of rich people out there whose lives never become tabloid stories.Still it's amusing and in the supporting cast judges Chill Wills and Gene Lockhart come out the best. In fact Lockhart seems to be continuing his role as a judge from that other 20th Century Fox classic, Miracle on 34th Street.That Wonderful Urge is a dated comedy that today's audiences will still get laughs from. We do love our ditzy heiresses.