So bändigt man Eva

Sandra Dee's grandfather is dying, so when he wants to see her fiancé before he dies and Andy Williams' plane is delayed, she makes a spontaneous decision to pick another young man, Robert Goulet, to pose as her fiancé. As her grandfather is dying and won't be much more for this world, it will be all right and end there. But no, grandfather Maurice Chevalier starts to show signs of a recovery and getting better. When Andy finally does get there, things get really sticky and he and Bob take an instant and obvious dislike for each other. Bob is a chemical engineer and needs Maurice's influence and contacts. But he comes up with a crazy idea to pester Andy with a booby-trap of a log cabin, allowing the film to get a bit silly with physical comedy. But, this is a very funny and relaxing remake of "It Started with Eve," with Deanna Durbin, with the sexes reversed with Sandra Dee in the role of Robert Cummings who was the grandson in the original movie. The stars are good in the roles and an added bonus is getting the chance to hear Andy Williams sing - he has a beautiful voice - and the presence of such talented supporting actors as Maurice Chevalier, Hermione Gingold and Charlie Ruggles. Amazingly enough, we only hear Goulet very briefly in the film. But they both sing the title song in the opening credits. A young Rip Taylor appears as a airport counter clerk. But who actually gets Sandra Dee? This version may be different from the first. Who knows? But what we do know is that it's better to marry a rich man than a poor man. Have fun no matter what with this fun movie with crooners for the leads.

I loved this film. No special effects, no flashy camera-work, just well-written characters, story, and dialog, instantly charming!

The characters were well-rounded and complex, not like the unlovable stereotypes found in today's romantic comedies. The jokes were well-paced. Actors delivered excellent performances. Directing was simple, not for showing off, just for telling a story.

AND there was no hint of sex or rudeness anywhere. Just good clean-and hopelessly funny!-humor. I laughed SO hard! (And didn't feel guilty for doing so!) This is the kind of movie we need today! No gross-outs no sex scenes, no rude dialog, just pure, innocent fun!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Old comedies are the BEST!

This is one of my all-time favorites and I am NOT a big fan of musicals (per say). The story has a good plot and the actors were very comfortable in their roles. Maurice most especially seemed to show that he had a blast with this one.

Put it on DVD immediately!

Delicious, fantastic movie, reminds you of the old-fashioned screwball comedies but with a flair of beauty and pure fun! The cabin sequence is, of course, the best, but everything from beginning to end makes you laugh and truly can be described as a pleasant escapism.

Music from three of the hottest singers at that time also tend to lend a large touch of class to this genre. One of the best released in 1964.

The interaction between Maurie Chevalier and Hermine Gringold was also very cleverly done and not overdone. The fact that she, in a way, "won" the battle of wills in the end brings about a cheerful factor in what is otherwise considered a formula situation.

One of the other better parts of the picture, of course, was the "fist" fight by Andy Williams and Robert Goulett. Amazingly enough, through all the punches, very little bruising and more teamwork involved than anything else.

And of course, you can't overlook the amusing seasoned actor, Charles Ruggles, whose stuttering and homey voice always makes me smile. :)

I saw this film again recently, and had forgotten just how good it is. Pure entertainment, and a true "Hollywood-type" story and setting. Nostalgiac to see Goulet and Williams (now in their 70's) and Sandra Dee, recently lost, in their younger years - along with Chevalier and Gingold, who were as enjoyable as they were together in "Gigi." Ruggles and Jenkins remind us of their fine character performances in films past. The relatively few comments for this film describe details of it entertaining aspects very well.

Having lived in southwest Missouri, near Branson, for a number of years, I had occasion to see Andy Williams performing at his theater a number of times, and at some other events in the area. His theater is a magnificent building, constructed by him with his own funds, with outstanding art and collectibles - a tasteful edifice in Branson, where most theaters, while modern, and comfortable with state-of-the-art systems, don't score too high in the "taste" department. I haven't been there for a few years, since moving, and I know he has shortened his personal performance schedule somewhat. But all productions there were classy and reminiscent of his quality t.v. show.

One interesting and perfectly-produced segment which I saw there the last two times I visited involved this film. In the scene where he and Sandra Dee are driving to the estate, and he is singing "Almost There," he had produced a depiction of himself - with gray hair, and 30 years older than his character doing the driving - running after the car. He then enters the car, actually sitting with Sandra and "himself" 30-years younger, dark hair and all. This had to be seen to be fully-appreciated, but it was as well-produced as any special effect from, say, Spielberg - and provided about 5 minutes or so of superb entertainment when shown on his giant screen. As I recall, he also "sang with himself," seamlessly integrated into the activity. This was not only enjoyable in its own right - but displayed graphically the time span this man's talent has prevailed. Andy is one of those singers/performers (Tony Bennett is another) whose charisma and quality of performance did not diminish with the passing years. And this film is an example, not only of a piece of fine entertainment, viewed for itself, per se - - but also to enjoy reflecting on the nostalgia for its period when it was originally presented.