That Funny Feeling (1965)

Mar. 11, 2011

44. That Funny Feeling (1965)

Starring Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin, Donald O'Connor

Directed by Richard Thorpe

Plot: "Joan Howell, a young and pretty maid-for-hire, meets and begins dating wealthy New York City businessman Tom Milford. Embarrassed about bringing him back to her tiny apartment that she shares with her roommate Audrey, Joan brings Tom over to a fancy apartment that she cleans on a daily basis not knowing that it's his place. Tom plays along with the charade despite not knowing who Joan really is, while she tries to tidy up Tom's place not knowing who he really is." (from IMDb. Whew! Long synopsis! )

The premise of this movie is pretty ridiculous, and it relies on the usual comedy shtick of mistakan identity. Yet somehow this film still comes across as amusing and enjoyable. There are a lot of little gags and scenarios that remind me of a Rock/Doris comedy (even more so than If a Man Answers). Bobby Darin's character gets a bigger role in this one, and he even has a Tony Randall-like sidekick (flawlessly and hilariously played by Donald O'Connor). There are also a scattering of many other familiar character actors that kept popping up as cab drivers, policemen, bartenders, roommates, etc. Again, one of the main things that I loved about this film was the stunning Jean Louis wardrobe worn by Sandra Dee. I think I want to own just about every single thing she wore in this movie! Of the two Darin/Dee films I've seen recently, I think I preferred If a Man Answers slightly more than this one. But they are both funny, escapist, feel-good films.

Here are a few screencaps to show off the great clothes I mentioned. As you can see, the DVD transfer was really great and the colors just pop of the screen.

If a Man Answers (1962)

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. :)