Hal Wallis cleverly tested the waters for Martin and Lewis by incorporating them into a property that was already pre-sold, but within which they could fit easily: an adaptation of a radio show about a gold digging secretary who wants to marry a rich man (Diana Lynn) and her wacky roommate (Marie Wilson).
That in itself is fine enough, shenanigans in NYC a la My Sister Eileen with Irma’s no good boyfriend (John Lund, trying hard but not quite there) – but when Martin and Lewis team its like a jolt of electricity on the screen. Both are naturals, Martin young, relaxed, handsome and a smooth singer, Lewis hyperactive and full of energy. Lewis is extraneous to the plot but he gives the film tremendous energy.
Lynn is pretty but allowed to be a bit too obnoxious at times – she’s not really worth everyone squabbling over her (they needed to give her a pat the dog scene somewhere). An unexpected bonus to the film is a warm feeling of camaraderie among the characters – friends trying to make a go of it in the big apple after WW2, no matter how odd (the fact they adopt Lewis adds to this). The scene where Martin tries to persuade Lynn that a life of Coney Island is better than Park Ave is an excellent example of the sort of lying schmaltzy pap used to imprison women with dud hubbies. Romance, they call it!
George Marshall directed.
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