The Merry Monahans (1944): cast, story & where to watch
1944 · Film · ★ 5.5
Released in 1944, The Merry Monahans is a comedy, drama and music film directed by Charles Lamont, running about 91 minutes. “On top of the world or out on their ear...They're the merriest, maddest, lovin'est gang that ever hoofed and spoofed their way to the Big Time!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The film concerns a family vaudeville troupe headed by patriarch Pete Monahan. Because of his love affair with the bottle, Pete manages to get himself and his family blacklisted from every major vaude house in the country. Though Pete's kids Jimmy and Patsy love their dad, they're forced to break away from the act and go off on their own to survive. Eventually, the whole gang is reunited in a shamelessly lachrymose musical finale.
Who’s in it. The Merry Monahans stars Donald O'Connor as Jimmy Monahan, Peggy Ryan as Patsy Monahan, Jack Oakie as Pete Monahan and Ann Blyth as Sheila DeRoyce, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, The Merry Monahans has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Merry Monahans page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Merry Monahans tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Merry Monahans (1944)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Merry Monahans change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Merry Monahans worth watching?
- The Merry Monahans holds an audience score of 5.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy, drama and music. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Merry Monahans?
- The Merry Monahans stars Donald O'Connor, Peggy Ryan, Jack Oakie, Ann Blyth and Rosemary DeCamp.
- When was The Merry Monahans released?
- The Merry Monahans was released in 1944, with a runtime of about 91 minutes.