If you flash back to the old "A" and "B" movie classifications, this is Definitely a B movie, made better than the script by the cast.
This is a sad attempted farce about idealic upper-class suburban life. Just look at the opening: Augie and Isolda live in a barn and have never-ending mice, and other, problems. Unfortunately, the concept of a couple having difficulty having or adopting a baby is not good comedic material. Gene Kelly made the right choice in NOT going for guffaws. However, it does have it's moments.
The cast gave everything they could, making it difficult to picture anyone else in the parts. Doris Day adds her usual upbeat, energetic presence and believability of a woman who is silly-in-love with her husband. Poor Richard Widmark was saddled with the weak, failure, straight-man role. (He does have the second funniest line when reviewing the real estate listings!) Elisabeth Fraser does a magnificent job balancing the sweet but wiser wife and friend. Gig Young brings his characteristic charm, with out which this womanizing, horrible father would inspire absolute revulsion. (He has the best line in the film, when his wife asks him if he misses the kids, who are away at camp. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would have THOUGHT that, but would dare not say it!) Buried under too much subtlety is the reasons for Gia Scala's actions. (She's actually using her job with the adoption agency to do research for her doctorate. Think about it - what was she doing in New Guinea?!)
Unfortunately, that time romanticized drinking. (Remember the 3 martini business lunches?) Sadly, both Gig Young and Gia Scala lost their contracts with studios for undependability because of drinking and drug problems. But this time in history will probably be known for lack of accurate information and tastelessness. (Gia Scala did commit suicide, but not until 1972 - not something to make a cheap joke about, as in the "OH my my" review.)
If you want some light entertainment, give this film a try. But bear in mind that it started life as a low-end B film farce with a weak script, was shot in less than 10 weeks, but had big stars for much needed shine. And Doris Day fans, remember that this is NOT her typical vehicle.
This is a sad attempted farce about idealic upper-class suburban life. Just look at the opening: Augie and Isolda live in a barn and have never-ending mice, and other, problems. Unfortunately, the concept of a couple having difficulty having or adopting a baby is not good comedic material. Gene Kelly made the right choice in NOT going for guffaws. However, it does have it's moments.
The cast gave everything they could, making it difficult to picture anyone else in the parts. Doris Day adds her usual upbeat, energetic presence and believability of a woman who is silly-in-love with her husband. Poor Richard Widmark was saddled with the weak, failure, straight-man role. (He does have the second funniest line when reviewing the real estate listings!) Elisabeth Fraser does a magnificent job balancing the sweet but wiser wife and friend. Gig Young brings his characteristic charm, with out which this womanizing, horrible father would inspire absolute revulsion. (He has the best line in the film, when his wife asks him if he misses the kids, who are away at camp. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would have THOUGHT that, but would dare not say it!) Buried under too much subtlety is the reasons for Gia Scala's actions. (She's actually using her job with the adoption agency to do research for her doctorate. Think about it - what was she doing in New Guinea?!)
Unfortunately, that time romanticized drinking. (Remember the 3 martini business lunches?) Sadly, both Gig Young and Gia Scala lost their contracts with studios for undependability because of drinking and drug problems. But this time in history will probably be known for lack of accurate information and tastelessness. (Gia Scala did commit suicide, but not until 1972 - not something to make a cheap joke about, as in the "OH my my" review.)
If you want some light entertainment, give this film a try. But bear in mind that it started life as a low-end B film farce with a weak script, was shot in less than 10 weeks, but had big stars for much needed shine. And Doris Day fans, remember that this is NOT her typical vehicle.