One of the many (many) examples of why Dore Schary was not suited to run MGM. He took a fairly decent, basic idea (his, it must be admitted) - British girl inherits Texas ranch and is plagued by fortune hunters on the way over to the US - and piles bad decision upon bad decision. It's a vehicle for Deborah Kerr, not a natural comedian; Kerr has no set character to play other than placid (is she stuffy? bright? smart?); he assigns an ideal director (Norman Taurog) but a specutaculalr unsuitable producer (Val Lewton); he doesn't add colour or songs); foists his uninteresting support actors on it (James Whitmore).
Like that is the point? The fortune hunters hunting a fortune that doesn't exist makes the whole thing feel like a waste of time - we know up front there isn't a fortune. (Why not have them discover oil part way through.) The gangster to whom Walker is in debt is hardly a threat.
It's so dull. Strained. Charmless. Full of fake drama because it's all misunderstandings.
Kerr and Lawford show of their bodies in the pool I guess that's something. Maybe this plot would've worked with Esther Williams, colour, pools, dances and songs. Lawford suits it best - he was strongest as a second lead. Walker isn't quite comfortable but it's interesting to see Walker. Mark Stevens is dull - Van Johnson was cast then given a rest or something. The film needed his extra star power.
I think Dore Schary was ripping off RKO's Tom Dick and Harry. But that was simple - poor girl torn between current dull boyfriend, rich newbie and poor but exciting newbie.
No comments:
Post a Comment