Mar. 4, 2011
41. If a Man Answers (1962)
Starring Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin, Micheline Presle, John Lund, Cesar Romero, Stefanie Powers
Directed by Henry Levin
Plot: “Rich socialite Sandra Dee meets and marries photographer Bobby Darin and attempts to ‘train’ him to be the perfect husband.” (from IMDb)
I thought this film was really cute. The plot is silly and outlandish, but it’s also original and entertaining. Although I would consider this in the Doris Day vein of comedy, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin add a touch all their own to the genre. Sandra Dee, especially, was adorable in this role (she had a great wardrobe, too!). She has a very likable screen presence and a lot of comedic talent. I also loved the setting of this film—the sixties clothes, scenery, and décor is a treat in itself. I’m sure if someone really wanted to analyze this film they could find all kinds of problems with the messages presented. But I don’t think this genre wasn’t ever meant to be taken too literally. Personally, I just thought this film was a lot of fun! : )
Chantal (Sandra Dee) and Eugene (Bobby Darin) when they first meet.
Chantal (such a pretty name!) offers to cook dinner for the won’t-be-pinned-down bachelor.
This film also features a young Stefanie Powers in a minor role. Maybe it was just me, but at times she and Sandra looked like they belonged more in middle school than as a newlywed and an a actress, respectively.
I love the apartment!
Chantal’s mother (played by Micheline Presle) certainly had a lot of ‘interesting’ thoughts on marriage. Always amusing, though. :)
