Bésame y esfúmate

I think I may have been one of the few people who saw this film in the theaters, but I really enjoyed KISS ME GOODBYE, a lighthearted comedy about a widow (Sally Field)preparing to remarry, who, days before her wedding, is visited by the ghost of her deceased first husband (James Caan), who was a Broadway director and choreographer. The story goes to all the familiar places that you would expect it to, but it is played with such an exuberant energy that you can't help but start to care for these people. Field and Caan are in top form and Jeff Bridges is at his adorably nerdy best as Field's new fiancée (a precursor to his performance in THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES). There's also a brief, but memorable turn by the late Claire Trevor as Field's mother. A charming romantic fantasy that will grow on you upon repeated viewings.

This Hollywood remake of the popular Brazilian movie "Dona Flor And Her Two Husbands" has all but been forgotten since it was first released thirty years ago. Watching it, it's easy to see why it hasn't built much of an audience, if any. Certainly, Sally Field, James Caan, and Jeff Bridges bring some charm to the movie, enough so that the movie is almost endurable at times. But the movie sinks because of a screenplay that is very lacking. The characters of all three leads are poorly written. Sally Field's character never asks obvious questions like why her deceased husband returned, what the afterlife is like, and other questions a normal person would ask in the same situation. James Caan's character doesn't come across as someone who loves his former wife, interfering in her life repeatedly so that her life is turned upside down. And Jeff Bridges' character acts like a complete idiot at times. If you see a copy of this movie in some thrift store, don't pick it up as I did - say goodbye and move to something else.

Very attractive cast propels this comedy/fantasy about the ghost of a deceased husband (Caan) who pays a visit to his widow (Field) as she's about to remarry (Bridges). Robert Mulligan's touch of genius is at work one more time. The story may be a bit strained at times, but the results are satisfactory altogether in the end.

A light movie that is a lot of fun to watch, 'Kiss Me Goodbye' is also not the first movie you think of when doing a filmography for Sally Field, Jeff Bridges or James Caan. But they are all perfectly cast in this comedy that has a lot going for it.

James Caan plays Jolly, the Bob Fosse-like (well, without the cigarettes and open heart surgery) and deceased husband of Sally Field, who reappears the week Field is marrying a 'nerd', Jeff Bridges. Only Sally can see or hear James Caan so it sets up a lot of comedy, most of which is hilarious. Everyone liked Jolly, alot, including Sally, and Jeff is less likable. He's like Cary Grant in 'Bringing Up Baby', down to the research job at the museum doing what Claire Trevor calls 'digging up dead people.'

Stand-out scene - the three of them going to the country for a relaxing weekend, and all hell breaking loose.

Claire Trevor is funny as Sally's domineering mother, Paul Dooley is his usual dependable self as a former priest who gets involved when Bridges decides to 'exorcise' the ghost of Jolly, and Mildred Natwick is the owner of the country bed-and-breakfast.

Touching at the end, funny most of the way through...8/10.

This comedy gives the meaning to move on with your life. Oscar winner Sally Field plays a widow who moves back into the house that she and her late husband(James Caan) lived in. She has a fiancé that Jolly doesn't like, and she is the only one that sees him. Everywhere she goes, Jolly follows. Jeff Bridges plays the fiancé who thinks Kay is a total nut case. He himself isn't quite all there. He sees quite a few things that will make Kay question his sanity. There were quite a few scenes that are total classic. Like where the electricity when haywire and the guy fixing it get locked in. Or when the dog started to act funny, and the fiancé just wanted to go all the way nuts. Then there's the part where the priest left his empty booze bottle and the fiancé slips on it. The cast of the movie are great, including celebrity chef Alan Haufrect. Not many people remember this movie, but I do remember the preview and premiere. You would have a ghost of a chance to miss this classic! 3 out of 5 stars!