

Movie spotlight
Ricochet Romance
Marjorie Main is the whole show in the Universal programmer Ricochet Romance. Playing the outspoken new cook at a rundown dude ranch, Marjorie forces everyone around her to pitch in and bring some life back into the place. She also sets her sights on old layabout Chill Wills, scheming to rope the critter into marriage. Veteran comedy director Charles W. Lamont moves the proceedings along with style, never missing an opportunity for a low-comedy slapstick turn. The most surprising aspect of Ricochet Romance is that it is not an entry in Marjorie Main's Ma and Pa Kettle series.
Insights
Plot Summary
A sophisticated city woman inherits a ranch in the wild west and struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. She clashes with a rugged cowboy who is determined to help her succeed, despite their vastly different backgrounds. Amidst the dust and tumbleweeds, an unlikely romance blossoms as they navigate the challenges of ranch life and their own stubborn personalities.
Critical Reception
Ricochet Romance was met with a generally lukewarm reception from critics, who found its comedic elements somewhat predictable and its plot not particularly groundbreaking. Audience reception was mixed, with some appreciating the lighthearted entertainment and the chemistry between the leads, while others found it to be a rather unremarkable entry in the Western-comedy genre.
What Reviewers Say
The film offers a charming, if familiar, blend of Western tropes and romantic comedy.
Marge Champion's performance is a highlight, bringing a spirited energy to her fish-out-of-water role.
While enjoyable, the plot lacks originality and relies on well-worn genre conventions.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Ricochet Romance are scarce, but those available suggest a mild appreciation for the film's lighthearted nature and the performances of its lead actors, though it is often described as a forgettable B-movie.
Fun Fact
This film marked one of Fay Wray's final significant roles before she largely retired from major film productions, transitioning more towards television and stage work.
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