Sunday, October 16, 2011

Movie review – “Holiday for Lovers” (1959) **

Three Coins in the Fountain launched a series of 20th Century Fox travelogue films – Cinemascope, romance, contract stars, romance. This is one of the dullest: Clifton Webb did play a few father roles during his career but seems bored and unconvincing as a father whose daughter (Jill St John, bad) goes off to South America. When she sends back some worrying postcards he takes the wife (Jane Wyman, wasted and looking even more bored) and daughter (Carole Lynley, even worse than St John) to investigate.
Some un-interesting adventures result – Lynley is pawed after by a bunch of American soldiers on a base and is pursed by a sergeant (tubby, uncharming Gary Crosby); St John seems to have having it off with an artist with a taste for nudes (oh those Latins! Paul Henreid plays the role), but is actually keen on the son. But it’s alright she comes to her senses and dumps the good looking South American but Lynley marries the nice American boy.
It is interesting to see glimpses of South America at the time (it looks very clean) – there are bullfights and dancing expeditions – but little charm or point.

No comments: