I love the somewhat cheesy Hollywood fare as well as campy television. The predecessors to today’s so-called “chick flicks” were those starring Doris Day – she of the sunny smile and an equally sunny disposition. On the other hand, Hollywood could also do light comedy in a war movie setting (Cary Grant was especially adept at these vehicles). Finally, there were the “kid” movies of the time and I’ve reviewed my favorite about a couple of Catholic schoolgirls in trouble (no, not that kind of film). So, let’s jump into the time machine and head back to the 1950s and 1960s for some light comedy that’s fun to watch (and you don’t have to think too much to guess what’s going to happen next). There were also a ton of campy TV shows of the same era, but my fav remains “The Love Boat” (click here for my special about it).
‘Pillow Talk’ | ‘The Glass Bottom Boat’
‘Father Goose’ | ‘Operation Petticoat’
‘The Trouble With Angels’ | ‘Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows’
(Check each individual review for running times, directors, stars, etc.)
THE ART OF LIGHT COMEDY
(NOTE: I expanded this review with additional opinion and trivia and the updating of links on June 21, 2020.)
It seems that everyone knows those emotion-centric films starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks (just try “You’ve Got Mail” – click here for my review), but back in the day it was Doris Day and Rock Hudson (or James Garner or Rod Taylor). It’s the same for leading men and back in the day you had Cary Grant. Finally, unlike the scabrous, sleazy persona of youthful stars such as Miley Cyrus, back in the day you had the likes of Hayley Mills and her wonderful British accent.
(CLICK HERE FOR ALL MY MOVIE REVIEWS)
I’m taking a look today at some light comedies from the 1950s and 1960s and I’ll also mention a few I haven’t reviewed. I like them because they are something of what I’ll describe as “brain candy.” You can snack on them; enjoy them without having to delve for deep meaning; and you’re just a bit refreshed after enjoying them. The following are just a few that I’ve picked out …
“Operation Petticoat” (1959)
and “Father Goose” (1964)
Both of these movies arrived late in Cary Grant’s career. They are two of his final six films and both are similar while at the same time dissimilar. Both are framed by World War II – he of the obstinate “don’t bother me” soul in “Father Goose” (click here for my review) and he of the commanding but longsuffering presence as a submarine skipper in “Operation Petticoat” (click here for that review). Although he gets a girl in the end of “Operation Petticoat,” it is “Father Goose” where it is more of a boy-girl film as he finally wins over the suave and subliminally sophisticated Leslie Caron. “Operation Petticoat” has him commanding a sub that’s a bit snakebit and he then has to put up with Tony Curtis’ hijinks. All in all, a very solid cast (you’ll know several of the supporting players from the future “Capt. Steubing” of “The Love Boat” and “Mrs. Cunningham” of TV’s “Happy Days”).
IF YOU’D LIKE CARY IN OTHERS … try “That Touch of Mink” again with Day or the classic “North by Northwest” for the two-time Oscar nominee.
“Pillow Talk” (1959)
and “The Glass Bottom Boat” (1966)
In the world of chick-flicks back in the day, Doris Day ruled. It was her leading men who changed from film to film, although she’s best recognized for work with Rock Hudson. I truly enjoy “Pillow Talk” (click here for my review). It’s funny, actually somewhat intelligent and has a sparkling supporting cast that includes a really nice turn by Tony Randall. In “Pillow Talk,” Rock and Doris share a party line (not too many remember that strange telephone phenomenon – click here for Wiki’s explanation) and, of course, fall in love with her not knowing he’s both the jerk on the phone and the guy she meets at a club (he recognizes her voice). Doris would go to Rod “The Birds” Taylor with “The Glass Bottom Boat” (click here for my review), but it isn’t as good, but has a delightfully neat cast of TV characters you’ll remember from the 1960s – from Dick Martin to Paul Lynde to the couple who played the arguing “Kravitz” couple on TV’s “Bewitched.” This one is very original and you’ll enjoy the espionage references, as it spoofs the 007 flicks of the day (and watch out for a pre-Roomba device).
IF YOU’D LIKE DORIS IN ANOTHER … try “Move Over Darling” where she hooks up with James Garner as a thought-to-be-dead wife rescued off an island.
“The Trouble With Angels” (1966)
and “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows!” (1968)
Kids movies have always been predictable: there’s a kid; he/she is a square peg trying to be fitted into a round hole; he/she conquers all in the end. Well, it’s a successful formula that Hollywood has ridden for generations. One truly good one that’s been lost over time is the simply wonderful “The Trouble With Angels” (click here for my review). Haley Mills stars as the newbie at an all-girls Catholic school run by a set of tough-minded nuns. However, it’s the work of Rosalind Russell here that deserved an Oscar nomination. Russell is the worldly-wise, rowing against the tide head of the school and the nemesis of Mills. It’s wonderful work by both, but it’s difficult for them to shed the ’60s kid-movie stereotype. Check it out.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEE THE SEQUEL … the you’re in luck. There is “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows!” from 1968 (click here for my review) and it’s more of a young nun rebelling in an age of rebellion. Different, but at the same time curiously alike.
Well, there you have it. Enjoy!
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