45 reviews
Not perfect, but what movie is?
The tender trap is a Sinatra film, a fifties time capsule. As such, it comes fully loaded with a swinger versus good girl mentality. The woman always wants the picket fence and the man always wants the ultimate bachelor lifestyle (in Sinatra's case, complete with sexy dog-walkers and cheese delivery). So with this sort of fluffy 50's movie, it's easy to scoff and call it outdated and campy, and neglect to consider the fact that perhaps there lingers in it the tragedy of the era. My apologies for melodrama. But in the character of Sylvie (the unforgettable Celeste Holmes) is there encompassed a certain element of poignance that is strange to find in such a film as this.
In the midst of the predictable plot and romantic mayhem sorted out so simply, perhaps by fate, perhaps by unimaginative writing. But in Celeste Holmes is there contained something deeper. A regret, hopelessness, I'll-settle-for-anything quality of the middle-aged (or thereabouts) successful career woman who didn't go for a family right away, and thus finds herself condemned to either "Married men. Drunks. Pretty boys looking for someone to support them. Lunatics looking for their fifth divorce!" or a Sinatra. To see her sitting at a table across from Debbie Reynolds, 21, with all her plan figured out beforehand, claiming that without such precautions a woman runs the risk of spinsterhood. You can't help but feel for the spinster herself as she gazes with quiet desperation at Sinatra. Her last hope.
Yes The Tender Trap had quite a few weaknesses, but in all, I can't help but find it strange and lovely to find such fluff encrusted poignance. Sinatra and Debbie were cute, but when it came down to it, Celeste Holmes was magnificent.
In the midst of the predictable plot and romantic mayhem sorted out so simply, perhaps by fate, perhaps by unimaginative writing. But in Celeste Holmes is there contained something deeper. A regret, hopelessness, I'll-settle-for-anything quality of the middle-aged (or thereabouts) successful career woman who didn't go for a family right away, and thus finds herself condemned to either "Married men. Drunks. Pretty boys looking for someone to support them. Lunatics looking for their fifth divorce!" or a Sinatra. To see her sitting at a table across from Debbie Reynolds, 21, with all her plan figured out beforehand, claiming that without such precautions a woman runs the risk of spinsterhood. You can't help but feel for the spinster herself as she gazes with quiet desperation at Sinatra. Her last hope.
Yes The Tender Trap had quite a few weaknesses, but in all, I can't help but find it strange and lovely to find such fluff encrusted poignance. Sinatra and Debbie were cute, but when it came down to it, Celeste Holmes was magnificent.
- canadian_applepie
- Aug 14, 2006
- Permalink
Bright, breezy but ultimately unsatisfying
A great title tune, attractive cast, mostly sharp dialogue, can't miss, right? Wrong; this is one of the most disappointing misfires of the 1950s, due largely to the lack of chemistry between Frank Sinatra and Debbie Reynolds. The problem is largely due to the Reynold's character, which is so poorly written. Even the perky Reynolds can do nothing with this part. Fortunately she is off camera for most of the film. Unfortunately, that means there is no payoff for the film. If you must watch it, you will enjoy David Wayne and Celeste Holm. Otherwise, don't expect much.
Pleasantly bland
With the wonderful cast that this movie boasts, I really hoped this could have been a better movie. Blame the screenplay. It's the tale of a an urbane, irresponsible and very single male (the perfectly cast Frank Sinatra) being roped into domesticity by a simple and sincere young girl (Debbie Reynolds, who is pretty stiff and unspontaneous here). The message of the movie is that people cannot avoid their biological destiny...that they are happily doomed to meet and mate. Fair enough. That's been the premise of many a great screwball comedy and many great movie romances. The problem here is that everything is so predictable! There are no pleasant surprises in the characters here. All of the performers seem willing and able, but the script and direction are uninspired. The character played by Debbie is meant to be as cute as a button but is only annoying, and Frank never appears genuinely smitten. Even Franks's rendition of the title tune seems careful and sedate. Our couple here seemed destined for a very dull life in the suburbs. (Of course, this may have been an image of love and marriage that American popular entertainment was trying to sell really hard in the fifties. Safe and yawn inducing.)
- YakovDavid
- Feb 28, 2002
- Permalink
Deconstructing Frank
The start of this film isn't promising. Another dated 1950s sex comedy with a lot of babes. And then it takes off at a tangent and gets serious, deconstructing the bachelor heel played by Frank. Debbie Reynolds is magnificent as the love interest who is frankly very strange. The scene where she falls for Frank as he plays the title song on the piano, and the scene in her apartment where she declares her love, are unique. Stick with this movie.
Will Frank Sinatra Settle Down with Debbie Reynolds?
It's a CinemaScope culture clash when swinging Manhattan playboy agent Frank Sinatra (as Charlie Reader) falls in love with sweet marriage-minded actress Debbie Reynolds (as Julie Gillis). Fond of lipstick and liquor, Mr. Sinatra finds it difficult to commit. The surprising thing about this semi-serious sixties comedy is the thoughtful and mature subplot acted out by David Wayne (as Joe McCall), who moves in with Sinatra while contemplating divorce, and one of his promiscuous pal's girlfriends, Celeste Holm (as Sylvia Crewes).
With the lead relationship between Sinatra and Ms. Reynolds proceeding in flat and predictable fashion, Mr. Wayne and Ms. Holm are the ones to watch. They were nominated for "Supporting Actor" and "Supporting Actress" awards by "Film Daily". Also receiving industry attention was the great title track "(Love Is) The Tender Trap" by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, which received an "Academy Award" nomination. Sinatra's great Capitol Records version took an understandable and well-deserved trip to the US "Top Ten".
****** The Tender Trap (11/4/55) Charles Walters ~ Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, David Wayne, Celeste Holm
With the lead relationship between Sinatra and Ms. Reynolds proceeding in flat and predictable fashion, Mr. Wayne and Ms. Holm are the ones to watch. They were nominated for "Supporting Actor" and "Supporting Actress" awards by "Film Daily". Also receiving industry attention was the great title track "(Love Is) The Tender Trap" by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, which received an "Academy Award" nomination. Sinatra's great Capitol Records version took an understandable and well-deserved trip to the US "Top Ten".
****** The Tender Trap (11/4/55) Charles Walters ~ Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, David Wayne, Celeste Holm
- wes-connors
- Nov 7, 2010
- Permalink
Cute battle-of-the-sexes comedy
This is the first of Frank's bachelor-on-the-make comedies of the 50's & 60's. He is excellent; Debbie Reynolds character seems off-balance and miscast. Audrey Hepburn would have been much better. The movie seems to be too self-consciously hip for its own good. Still, the supporting cast is wonderful, and there are far worse ways of killing an hour and a half. 6/10.
- aromatic-2
- Apr 12, 2001
- Permalink
I enjoyed this a lot--even if it treads an odd course between comedy and tragedy...
- planktonrules
- May 2, 2010
- Permalink
Constant Misfires
- brucehendrick-49283
- Aug 6, 2023
- Permalink
"You See A Pair of Laughing Eyes........"
When the eyes are Debbie Reynolds and the viewer is Frank Sinatra, you can expect a lot of fun and The Tender Trap delivers that fun.
Frank Sinatra stars in the movie version of a play which had a modest run on Broadway concerning an actor's agent who's got the life we only dream about. Since this was the kind of life Sinatra really had, it sure isn't an acting stretch for him. Still Sinatra plays this thing very well. Of course everyone has beauties like Celeste Holm, Lola Albright, Jarma Lewis, and Carolyn Jones around. They all got a piece of old Blue Eyes.
In steps new client Debbie Reynolds, the 1950s all time good girl and she's not tolerating Frank's wolfish ways. She's got marriage on the mind.
It's an interesting commentary on the times that back in the 1950s, the ultimate goal for a woman was the house with the white picket fence, husband, and three kids. Even for one as obviously talented as Debbie Reynolds.
Sinatra's also got a male guest in the house, childhood friend David Wayne who blew in from Indiana and has announced his intention of getting in on Sinatra's action. He's left his wife, home, and three kids and is having an early midlife crisis. I think you can figure the rest of the plot from here.
One thing the play on Broadway didn't have was that wonderful title tune that James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn wrote. Sinatra opens the film with that song before the title credits and Reynolds later sings it in the film. I remember what a mega-hit it was for Frank back in the day. So perfectly suited for him and his style. All I can say is Ring-a-ding ding ding.
Frank and Debbie do well together, too bad they never made another film together. The following year she made one with her husband Eddie Fisher and the demand for the team was underwhelming.
Everyone, but especially Sinatra aficionados should love this one.
Frank Sinatra stars in the movie version of a play which had a modest run on Broadway concerning an actor's agent who's got the life we only dream about. Since this was the kind of life Sinatra really had, it sure isn't an acting stretch for him. Still Sinatra plays this thing very well. Of course everyone has beauties like Celeste Holm, Lola Albright, Jarma Lewis, and Carolyn Jones around. They all got a piece of old Blue Eyes.
In steps new client Debbie Reynolds, the 1950s all time good girl and she's not tolerating Frank's wolfish ways. She's got marriage on the mind.
It's an interesting commentary on the times that back in the 1950s, the ultimate goal for a woman was the house with the white picket fence, husband, and three kids. Even for one as obviously talented as Debbie Reynolds.
Sinatra's also got a male guest in the house, childhood friend David Wayne who blew in from Indiana and has announced his intention of getting in on Sinatra's action. He's left his wife, home, and three kids and is having an early midlife crisis. I think you can figure the rest of the plot from here.
One thing the play on Broadway didn't have was that wonderful title tune that James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn wrote. Sinatra opens the film with that song before the title credits and Reynolds later sings it in the film. I remember what a mega-hit it was for Frank back in the day. So perfectly suited for him and his style. All I can say is Ring-a-ding ding ding.
Frank and Debbie do well together, too bad they never made another film together. The following year she made one with her husband Eddie Fisher and the demand for the team was underwhelming.
Everyone, but especially Sinatra aficionados should love this one.
- bkoganbing
- May 3, 2005
- Permalink
This Strong Cast Could Use A Stronger Script
Frank Sinatra plays the part of Charlie Reader, a New York theatrical agent who endeavors to live the life that Hugh Hefner championed in the 50s. But he doesn't try very hard, because--he says--the women come to him. Quite a few films of this era featured stylish bachelor pads with revolving girlfriends.
Charlie says Sylvia (Celeste Holm) is "special", a cut above the other playthings in his life. She plays violin for the NBC Orchestra. And she is a pragmatist, happy in her profession, but hoping Charlie will eventually see the light and want to settle down a la Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls". (Sinatra and Holm will pair up for "High Society", released the following year.)
Longtime buddy, Joe (David Wayne) unexpectedly drops in to visit Charlie. His jaw hits the floor when he sees the beautiful menagerie that Charlie is juggling. The grass is always greener.
Then along comes the fresh-faced talent of Julie Gillis (Debbie Reynolds). She lays out her life plan, which revolves around three children and an imminent marriage to some guy she has yet to meet.
It's the cinematic cliché of the male dream (freedom) versus the female dream (matrimony). Although this film does not shine with production values or sparkle with the witty repartee we might hope for, it has some nice moments. The highlight is probably the title song, which is performed multiple times to good effect. Sinatra uses it to give a master class in phrasing and cool.
Charlie says Sylvia (Celeste Holm) is "special", a cut above the other playthings in his life. She plays violin for the NBC Orchestra. And she is a pragmatist, happy in her profession, but hoping Charlie will eventually see the light and want to settle down a la Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls". (Sinatra and Holm will pair up for "High Society", released the following year.)
Longtime buddy, Joe (David Wayne) unexpectedly drops in to visit Charlie. His jaw hits the floor when he sees the beautiful menagerie that Charlie is juggling. The grass is always greener.
Then along comes the fresh-faced talent of Julie Gillis (Debbie Reynolds). She lays out her life plan, which revolves around three children and an imminent marriage to some guy she has yet to meet.
It's the cinematic cliché of the male dream (freedom) versus the female dream (matrimony). Although this film does not shine with production values or sparkle with the witty repartee we might hope for, it has some nice moments. The highlight is probably the title song, which is performed multiple times to good effect. Sinatra uses it to give a master class in phrasing and cool.
"Standard Operational Procedure"
Unsuccessful Broadway show from Max Shulman and Robert Paul Smith becomes glossy, tepid M-G-M romantic comedy with one song. Frank Sinatra is certainly well-cast as a womanizing theatrical agent in New York City, and Debbie Reynolds is cute as a singer-dancer under her own personal deadline to get married, but this archaic set-up is no longer any fun. To the bachelor, available girls are just "tomatoes" (pronounced tuh-may-tahs); to the talented songbird, being a woman means nothing without having a husband to validate her. Premise comes directly from that antiseptic '50s aesthetic that women want marriage in order to start a family (just like their mothers), but men want marriage in order to get into the bedroom (because no self-respecting 'tomato' would go all the way without vows). Ladies-man Sinatra does a lot of sweetheart-talking and forehead kissing, yet his randy excursions (and drunken escapades) are merely chatted about, never seen. He's called a monster, a heel--which seems a tad severe for a guy who never seems to get any action because his phone is always ringing and his doorbell is always buzzing. Sinatra and Reynolds may have indeed proved to be a splendid screen-couple, but they are trapped by "The Tender Trap", which curdles from coyness. ** from ****
- moonspinner55
- Aug 27, 2009
- Permalink
Delightful, breezy '50's comedy
- alfiefamily
- Feb 21, 2005
- Permalink
Reminds me of the 1969 TV series Love, American Style
I am a fan of Frank Sinatra's body of work and I realize that this is a comedy/romance/musical, but I still have a difficult time imagining so many beautiful women fawning over the petite and feminine looking Frank Sinatra. Having said that, bringing into the film theater agent Charlie Y. Reader's (played by Frank Sinatra) old childhood friend Joe McCall (played superbly by David Wayne) who comes to stay with his playboy buddy Charlie as he thinks his marriage is on the rocks.
Throughout the film we see a turnstile of beautiful women coming in and out of Charlie's apartment. Charlie is torn between two women in particular. One of these beautiful women is actress Debbie Reynolds who plays a young independent stage performer named Julie Gillis. The other is actress Celeste Holm who plays Sylvia Crewes a beautiful and mature woman of the same age as her good friend Charlie. Who will Charlie decide to marry? As stated earlier I just cannot wrap my head around the other gorgeous women such as actresses Lola Albright (Poppy Masters),Jarma Lewis (Jessica Collins), and Carolyn Jones (Helen the twice a day dog walker) who also seem to be interested in the wimpy looking Frank Sinatra.
David Wayne who plays Joe McCall can't stop shaking his head at the many women chasing his friend Charlie, (and neither can I stop shaking my head). Joe also seems to be going through a mid-life crisis and so he starts falling for one of Charlie's love interests. The many confusing relationships will periodically be broken up by a song and dance number simply to remind the audience to not take these many relationships too seriously, and I didn't. Nor could I take this film too seriously and so I give the film a decent but not too praise worthy 6 out of 10 rating.
Throughout the film we see a turnstile of beautiful women coming in and out of Charlie's apartment. Charlie is torn between two women in particular. One of these beautiful women is actress Debbie Reynolds who plays a young independent stage performer named Julie Gillis. The other is actress Celeste Holm who plays Sylvia Crewes a beautiful and mature woman of the same age as her good friend Charlie. Who will Charlie decide to marry? As stated earlier I just cannot wrap my head around the other gorgeous women such as actresses Lola Albright (Poppy Masters),Jarma Lewis (Jessica Collins), and Carolyn Jones (Helen the twice a day dog walker) who also seem to be interested in the wimpy looking Frank Sinatra.
David Wayne who plays Joe McCall can't stop shaking his head at the many women chasing his friend Charlie, (and neither can I stop shaking my head). Joe also seems to be going through a mid-life crisis and so he starts falling for one of Charlie's love interests. The many confusing relationships will periodically be broken up by a song and dance number simply to remind the audience to not take these many relationships too seriously, and I didn't. Nor could I take this film too seriously and so I give the film a decent but not too praise worthy 6 out of 10 rating.
- Ed-Shullivan
- Jan 8, 2018
- Permalink
A 1955 Hit Hasn't Stood the Test of Time--Downright Ghastly!
A dream cast, a high-gloss MGM CinemaScope production, a title song hit--what more could one ask for? A viable script! What seemed the height of sophisticated froth in 1955 (and was indeed a smash commercial hit, of which I had fond memories) is painfully unwatchable today. Other reviewers on this website have blamed the mentality of the 1950s for the now-beyond-dated nature of the film. Not true at all. One year later, Sinatra & Celeste Holm would be reunited in the still-dazzling "High Society." And Debbie Reynolds, who tries her best in a horribly written and conceived role, is still a delight in the similar 1954 comedy "Susan Slept Here," which was far from a hit in its day but now looks better than ever--especially compared to this mind-numbing disaster! Put the blame squarely on the screenplay (adapted from a hit play, God help us!). Celeste Holm comes off best, as usual, but under these circumstances, consider that feat a very minor victory.
Cute Flick
This is a very cute movie with a cute plot. Frank Sinatra gives a memorable performance. Do not begin watching this movie expecting a serious or dramatic film.... it is a romantic comedy. Debbie Reynolds is adorable and charming. The Title track sung is unique and one of the highlights of the film. As a teenager who enjoys old movies it is great and enjoyable for me to see what good movies were before so much trash was put into them. This movie is funny without using sexual innuendo or swearing. This is a movie the whole family can sit and watch and enjoy. I recommend this movie to anyone looking for something lighthearted and entertaining! Enjoy!
- beth_h_2006
- Dec 3, 2004
- Permalink
A romantic comedy in need of more tenderness and spice, but still one of many charms
'The Tender Trap' had a lot going for it, namely with the casting of Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds (my main reason in seeing the film in tribute to her), David Wayne and Celeste Holm. Charles Walters has also had his share of solid films.
And that is what 'The Tender Trap' is, a solid film. This said, it is not going to appeal to everybody and considering the high calibre of talent it could easily have been great. It's pleasant, it's charming, it's well-performed and it's well made, it just needed more spice and tenderness with it feeling a little bland in places.
It is lacking in the romantic department and is uneven in the comedy. There is a lack of chemistry between Sinatra and Reynolds, their chemistry is clinical and not particularly warm and one never gets the sense that they are in love, partly because of the character and writing that Reynolds has to work with but it was like she and Sinatra didn't get on.
Reynolds' role and material don't play to her strengths, an example of a normally adorable and very bubbly screen presence that captivates in charm made to look stiff and annoying. The script is uneven, it sparkles with the supporting cast (especially with Celeste Holm) but falls flat with Reynolds, the wittier moments not always being sharp enough.
However, Walters does do a competent job directing and 'The Tender Trap' is filmed with real elegance with the production values in general being sumptuous and charmingly 50s (for someone who really likes 50s production values the look of the film was in no way a flaw). One of 'The Tender Trap's' biggest pleasures is the timeless title song, beautifully and intimately staged and after hearing Sinatra sing it with such impeccable control and phrasing and his unmistakable timbre one cannot imagine the song sung by anybody else other than him. The music overall fits beautifully.
While the writing is uneven, there are parts that do sparkle in a witty way, there are a few poignant moments and while some of what it has to say does not hold up now and may not be in the best of taste for some for me those parts illuminated still. The story charms a good deal and doesn't bore.
Sinatra is perfectly cast and has endearing charisma. The supporting cast are even better, especially incandescently classy Celeste Holm and hilarious David Wayne (the morning-after scene is an absolute joy). A pre-Morticia Addams Carolyn Jones is also notable.
On the whole, charming and pleasant but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
And that is what 'The Tender Trap' is, a solid film. This said, it is not going to appeal to everybody and considering the high calibre of talent it could easily have been great. It's pleasant, it's charming, it's well-performed and it's well made, it just needed more spice and tenderness with it feeling a little bland in places.
It is lacking in the romantic department and is uneven in the comedy. There is a lack of chemistry between Sinatra and Reynolds, their chemistry is clinical and not particularly warm and one never gets the sense that they are in love, partly because of the character and writing that Reynolds has to work with but it was like she and Sinatra didn't get on.
Reynolds' role and material don't play to her strengths, an example of a normally adorable and very bubbly screen presence that captivates in charm made to look stiff and annoying. The script is uneven, it sparkles with the supporting cast (especially with Celeste Holm) but falls flat with Reynolds, the wittier moments not always being sharp enough.
However, Walters does do a competent job directing and 'The Tender Trap' is filmed with real elegance with the production values in general being sumptuous and charmingly 50s (for someone who really likes 50s production values the look of the film was in no way a flaw). One of 'The Tender Trap's' biggest pleasures is the timeless title song, beautifully and intimately staged and after hearing Sinatra sing it with such impeccable control and phrasing and his unmistakable timbre one cannot imagine the song sung by anybody else other than him. The music overall fits beautifully.
While the writing is uneven, there are parts that do sparkle in a witty way, there are a few poignant moments and while some of what it has to say does not hold up now and may not be in the best of taste for some for me those parts illuminated still. The story charms a good deal and doesn't bore.
Sinatra is perfectly cast and has endearing charisma. The supporting cast are even better, especially incandescently classy Celeste Holm and hilarious David Wayne (the morning-after scene is an absolute joy). A pre-Morticia Addams Carolyn Jones is also notable.
On the whole, charming and pleasant but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 6, 2017
- Permalink
Acceptable Sinatra in a sexy comedy!!
Sinatra always played himself as a selfish and ruthless about women, but this time he was an acceptable behavior wthout to be lewd with 497 girlsfriends in New York, when suddenly arrrives a best friend called Joe the great David Wayne, since then all things became upside down and all women starting leave him to accept serious and real engagements, indeed the quartet leading roles are amazing, Frank Sinatra, Wayne, Reynods and the gorgeous Celeste Holm, funny and a bit moralist sexy comedy, but easily watchable in new brand DVD with classic dubbed version, just as l like, amusing!!!
Resume: First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7
Resume: First watch: 2018 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7
- elo-equipamentos
- Aug 8, 2018
- Permalink
Cute little romp
What I enjoyed most about this movie was the lovely mid century vibe. The clothes, the sets, the beautiful color palette. Other than that, it's a predictable light hearted little romp.
- dh_oohmedia
- Feb 18, 2021
- Permalink
Amusing...
Frank Sinatra is one cool cat, but this movie is not really great. The girls bring humor to the film and all that planning (courtesy of Debbie Reynolds) makes you smile. Celeste Holm was good. But I find the plot a bit weak.
- classic-daisy
- Feb 2, 2002
- Permalink
A wonderful comedy of the mid-'50's
I love this film because it is so reflective of the mid-50's sensibility and the glamour of New York at that time. All of the actors have wonderful chemistry, and Celeste Holm is a stand out as Sinatra's "fiancee" Debbie Reynolds is adorable as a 22 year old ingenue who wants a career in the theatre, but only for a brief time. She has a plan to get married, have three children and live in Scarsdale, which everyone knows has the best school system in the country. Sinatra and David Wayne are old friends and the married Wayne comes to New York to take a vacation from his wife. He becomes interested in Holm and falls in love with her. Sinatra falls in love with Debbie Reynolds and their scenes are just lovely. Complications ensue, but in the end, it all shakes out. This is one of the best adaptations of a 1950's stage comedy and it is most enjoyable and certainly worthwhile.
Middling romantic comedy
- vincentlynch-moonoi
- Jan 26, 2012
- Permalink
Don't Fall for A Tender Trap **1/2
Disappointing inane farce with an all-star cast.
Frank Sinatra plays his usual swinging self. As a theatrical agent, he has a supply of women around including Lola Albright and Carolyn Jones. Both are completely wasted here. Jones was much better, when she starred 4 years later with Sinatra, in 1959's A Hole in the Head.
Debbie Reynolds tries to play the prim and proper Julie, who has her life planned out for her. She falls for Sinatra.
Celeste Holm tries to show comic flair by playing a musician-another love interest of Sinatra. Frankie becomes engaged to both Holm and Reynolds at the same time-you would think this would make for an hilarious situation. It doesn't and is quickly resolved.
David Wayne, a wonderful under-rated actor, plays Sinatra's married and want-to-be swinging pal who has left his wife of 11 years along with his 3 children. He falls for Holm as well.
Naturally, this story resolves itself at the end. Was it really worth the effort?
Sinatra-Reynolds-Holm and Wayne come out on the screen at the end to sing the title song. Holm and Wayne hold hands despite the fact that Wayne returns to his wife and Holm conveniently marries a British resident who resides in the same building as Sinatra. How coincidental.
Frank Sinatra plays his usual swinging self. As a theatrical agent, he has a supply of women around including Lola Albright and Carolyn Jones. Both are completely wasted here. Jones was much better, when she starred 4 years later with Sinatra, in 1959's A Hole in the Head.
Debbie Reynolds tries to play the prim and proper Julie, who has her life planned out for her. She falls for Sinatra.
Celeste Holm tries to show comic flair by playing a musician-another love interest of Sinatra. Frankie becomes engaged to both Holm and Reynolds at the same time-you would think this would make for an hilarious situation. It doesn't and is quickly resolved.
David Wayne, a wonderful under-rated actor, plays Sinatra's married and want-to-be swinging pal who has left his wife of 11 years along with his 3 children. He falls for Holm as well.
Naturally, this story resolves itself at the end. Was it really worth the effort?
Sinatra-Reynolds-Holm and Wayne come out on the screen at the end to sing the title song. Holm and Wayne hold hands despite the fact that Wayne returns to his wife and Holm conveniently marries a British resident who resides in the same building as Sinatra. How coincidental.
The Limits of the Joys of the Swinging Single's Life
- theowinthrop
- Sep 24, 2006
- Permalink
THIS was a big hit?
Tender clap-trap
Incredibly lame Sinatra vehicle teaming him with Debbie Reynolds in a real oil and water mix. It wants so-hard-it-hurts to be an urbane comedy in the Tracy / Hepburn vein with supposedly extra added glamour centred as it is on the lifestyles of show-people but falls flatter than a trodden-on pancake. Sinatra gets an easy part as the rake the "dames" as he would no doubt call them can't get enough of whose life is spiced up by the arrival of old chum, David Wayne as a disillusioned married man and then Debbie Reynolds as a priggish and to my eyes anyway, boyish looking new girl in town who of course reels her man in by the simple expedient of actually saying "No" to him. All it is, is a dressed up homily to marriage, although personally I'd run a mile from Reynolds' hubby-hunting ingénue. There's no chemistry between the leads at all, Sinatra is unquestionably, as Reynolds herself tells him at one point, much too old for her. Celeste Holm and David Wayne get to mug and swoon in the background to no telling effect plus the production is so stage-bound, you can almost hear the line-prompter from off-stage feeding the actors. Its one redeeming feature is the well-known title song which is inserted into the movie not periodically enough but really on the whole this is sloppy Hollywood film-making of the worst kind, almost embarrassing to watch, particularly in these thankfully more enlightened times.