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. :)
I love this movie! It's a lot of silly fun and Sandra Dee is adorable. If you like this one, you'd probably also like Dee and Darin "That Funny Feeling" and "Come September."
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Bobby Darin, I use to have a crush on him! ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a really cute movie. I just got "That Funny Feeling" and am looking forward to watching it. :)
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love this movie! I'll admit, for awhile I thought the 'training your husband like a dog' was a pretty good idea. This is probably one of my favorite Sandra Dee movies.
ReplyDeleteHehe, yes, it did kind of make sense. :) It's a really fun movie!
ReplyDeleteOh my Gosh the Clothes are incredible! I have never seen this movie but I will try to look for it. Thanks! Blessings, Joanne
ReplyDeleteThe clothes (designed by Jean Louis) are great! I didn't even do them justice with these screenshots.
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