GEORGE CUKOR
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BB.5.
USA, 1960. Jerry Wald Productions. Screenplay by Norman Krasna, additional material by Hal Kanter. Cinematography by Daniel L. Fapp. Produced by Jerry Wald. Music by Lionel Newman. Production Design by Gene Allen, Lyle R. Wheeler. Costume Design by Dorothy Jeakins. Film Editing by David Bretherton. Academy Awards 1960. Golden Globe Awards 1960.
The last musical Marilyn Monroe ever appeared in was this so-so romantic vehicle co-starring Yves Montand. He plays a wealthy corporation owner and notorious bachelor who learns that a local theatre company is lampooning him in their latest musical production. He decides to investigate and possibly sue, and ends up auditioning for the role of himself instead (which he almost doesn’t get). Once he meets his leading lady (Monroe), he prefers to maintain the charade that he’s a struggling actor in order to impress her and maybe get a little romance (or a bit of what the title is suggesting). Some cute songs and enjoyable choreography, and Monroe’s work is top-notch (especially in her “My Heart Belongs To Daddy” number), but without her it never would have been remembered. Cameo appearances are made by Milton Berle, Gene Kelly and Bing Crosby.
