Easy Living is your typical screwball comedy. The story is based on outrageous conincidence and fast paced action with plenty of larger-than-life characters. Mary Smith (Jean Arthur) is a secretary at a boy's magazine. Her life is typical, until one day a sable coat falls on her head while riding the bus. J. B. Ball (Edward Arnold) has just had a fight with his wife over the fur she bought without his permission, so in his anger, he tossed the coat off the roof. Mary runs into Mr. Ball and tries to return the coat, but he tells her it is a gift. The coat causes more trouble than it is worth for Mary, who promptly loses her job and has her reputation sullied when the locals misinterpret the gift and believe Mary has become Ball's mistress.



There are several memorable scenes in this film, namely the automat scene. Not only does it preserve an era in history-- early fast food, but it garners the biggest laughs.



Arthur is great here, as she always is in her screwball films. It is difficult not to have that warbling voice and sweet smile grow on you; she might not be the first actress on your mind, but she'll certainly leave an impression.