The Male Animal 1942
"SHE turned a lamb into a lion!"
Directed by Elliott Nugent, *The Male Animal (1942)* blends sharp wit with heartfelt romance in this classic comedy-drama set against the backdrop of Midwestern University.
Director: Elliott Nugent
Cast
Henry Fonda
Tommy Turner
Olivia de Havilland
Ellen Turner
Joan Leslie
Patricia Stanley
Jack Carson
Joe Ferguson
Eugene Pallette
Ed Keller
Herbert Anderson
Michael Barnes
Hattie McDaniel
Cleota
Ivan F. Simpson
Dean Frederick Damon
Don DeFore
Wally Myers
Jean Ames
"Hot Garters" Gardner
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Male Animal (1942) about?
*The Male Animal (1942)* follows a timid English professor whose decision to read a controversial text in class puts his career and marriage at risk. When his wife's ex shows up for a football weekend, a clash of personalities and principles ensues, pushing everyone to question their loyalties.
Who directed The Male Animal?
The film was directed by Elliott Nugent, a versatile filmmaker known for blending humor with social commentary in his work.
Who stars in The Male Animal?
The Male Animal features a stellar cast led by Henry Fonda, Olivia de Havilland, Joan Leslie, Jack Carson, and Eugene Pallette in pivotal roles.
Is The Male Animal (1942) worth watching?
As a well-crafted comedy-romance from the golden age of Hollywood, *The Male Animal (1942)* is worth watching for fans of witty dialogue and engaging character dynamics. Its themes of personal conviction and societal pressure remain relevant today, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.
How long is The Male Animal?
The Male Animal runs for 101 minutes (1 hour and 41 minutes).
About The Male Animal (1942) — A Comedy-Romance Classic with Political Wit
Directed by Elliott Nugent, *The Male Animal (1942)* blends sharp wit with heartfelt romance in this classic comedy-drama set against the backdrop of Midwestern University. The story follows mild-mannered English Professor Tommy Turner, whose quiet life is upended when trustees threaten his job for reading a politically charged passage in class. Torn between his wife Ellen's cautious advice and his own convictions, Tommy finds himself drawn into a spirited debate that tests his principles—and his marriage. When Ellen's ex, the charismatic football star Joe Ferguson, arrives for the homecoming weekend, tensions rise as old flames and new ideas collide. With humor and sincerity, the film explores the clash between personal beliefs and societal expectations, all wrapped in the golden glow of 1940s Hollywood charm.
Starring Henry Fonda as Tommy Turner, Olivia de Havilland as Ellen, and Joan Leslie as a fiery student who stirs the pot, *The Male Animal (1942)* delivers a timeless tale of academic courage and romantic tension. The film's lively atmosphere and biting social commentary make it a standout in the comedy-romance genre, offering a snapshot of a bygone era while resonating with modern audiences who value integrity and lively debate.
