"The Marrying Man" is a breezy American romantic comedy directed by Jerry Rees, released in 1991. Written by Neil Simon and produced by Walt Disney Pictures, it’s a spirited tale of love, chaos, and mob-enforced matrimony, set against the glitz of late 1940s Hollywood and Las Vegas.
The story follows Charley Pearl (Alec Baldwin), a charming millionaire playboy set to wed Adele (Elisabeth Shue), the daughter of a powerful studio mogul. During a raucous bachelor party in Vegas, Charley’s eye catches Vicki Anderson (Kim Basinger), a sultry lounge singer with a penchant for saying “I do.” Their steamy fling ends abruptly when Vicki’s jealous boyfriend—none other than mobster Bugsy Siegel (Armand Assante)—catches them in the act. Instead of bloodshed, Bugsy demands they tie the knot, kicking off a rollercoaster of marriages, divorces, and reconciliations as Charley and Vicki defy odds, family, and fate.
Known for its snappy dialogue, Baldwin and Basinger’s electric chemistry (sparked during a real-life romance), and a jazzy soundtrack, "The Marrying Man" leans into Simon’s knack for witty banter. Though its over-the-top antics and uneven pacing drew mixed reviews, the film’s retro charm and star power shine through.
Released in 1991, "The Marrying Man" didn’t set the box office ablaze but found a niche audience drawn to its old-school Hollywood vibe. A lighthearted romp, it’s a snapshot of love’s messy allure—and the trouble one blonde bombshell can ignite.
