But Not for Me

"But Not for Me" is one of the last films that Clark Gable made. The "king of Hollywood" had made some of the best comedy and drama romances of the first three decades of sound movies. He died at age 59 of a heart attack in 1960.

Gable shows his age in this film, and it's even a part of the comedy. The plot is familiar - a washed up Broadway producer makes a go at one last hit. But this story has more to it. Gable's Russ Ward isn't yet washed up. He's just aging and needs another hit to be able to maintain his high living standards. And that last is a very interesting piece of the story that gives this film some historical value as well.

The film is based on a 1934 play, "Accent on Youth," written by Samson Raphaelson. It was a smash hit on both Broadway, where it opened on Christmas day, and in London's West End where Greer Garson played the female lead. It was first made into a movie with its original title in 1935. Herbert Marshall and Sylvia Sidney starred. Bing Crosby starred in a musical comedy version in 1950, "Mr. Music." But this is by far the best version. It's both, very funny and warm-hearted. It got three Golden Globe nominations in 1960.

This is one of the best films that shows the politics and propaganda of Broadway. It touches on the writing and developing of plays, on audience trial runs and critics, and on the promotion and manipulation of the press. In a nutshell, it's about promoters, as Ward calls himself. And, it has more than a little spoofing of the field with some soft satire.

The film has a dynamite cast with other actors who lend a lot to the story. Lili Palmer is especially good as Kathryn Ward, Russ's ex-wife who still is his biggest fan. Lee J. Cobb is the hard-drinking Jeremiah MacDonald, a once great playwright whom Russ won't give up on. Carroll Baker has a good role, as do a number of others.

While this isn't a comedy of large belly laughs, it is loaded with clever quips and witty remarks. The funny lines are non-stop in this warm, feel-good comedy romance that provides a good peek at some of the shenanigans behind Broadway plays.

Here are some favorite lines. For more dialog, see the Quotes section under this IMDb Web page of the movie.

Russ Ward, "The public makes the stars. I only make the opportunity." Roy Morton, "Corny, but quotable."

Russ Ward, "Does that wrap it up, Roy, or do you need some more?" Roy Morton, "Well, if I do, suppose I just invent it?" Russ Ward, "Isn't that what you usually do anyway?"

Al Atwood, "The money you spent gambling this year'd support all the people in Schenectady for one week." Russ Ward, "A man's allowed one vice." Al Atwood, "But the way you do it, it's not a vice. It's a felony."

Demetrios Bacos, "They tell me you play tennis, golf, ride horseback. Maybe you come see my heart specialist?" Russ Ward, "I've seen him. He looks terrible."

Russ Ward, "You shouldn't be in any trouble, Demetrios, with all those movies you sold to television." Demetrios Bacos, "For peanuts. I sold out to the enemy."

After the maid carries a large birthday cake with many lit candles and sets it on the table in front of Russ, Kathryn Ward says, "I didn't tell anyone, darling, because I know you wouldn't want to embarrass them into bringing expensive gifts." Jeremiah MacDonald, "Looks like the Chicago fire." Ellie Brown looks quizzically at all the candles, and Demetrios Bacos says, "There must be a hundred candles on it." Kathryn Ward, "Now, Demi, don't be ridiculous. There are only 51." Looking at Russ, she says, "Sorry, dear, that's all we had."

Russ Ward, "Do you remember? There's a curfew in Central Park for unescorted women." Kathryn Ward, "How many first night mornings we spent here, Russ and I, holding hands and sitting on our reviews so we'd be on top of the world." Russ Ward, "Do you think it's safe being out here alone? You might easily get stabbed."

Russ Ward, "It's been a long time since I kissed you, but..." Kathryn Ward, "Now don't start getting sentimental. I'm just here protecting my alimony."

Ellie Brown, "I thought I was heading for a two-day honeymoon. But instead, he was going all the way back to his hometown - Butte, Montana. He was kidnapping me, now... today. I want an annulment." Russ Ward, "Well, unfortunately, Butte, Montana is not grounds for annulment... yet."

Two mounted policemen are outside the Broadway theater as the patrons leave on the opening night of Russ Ward's new show. The first policeman says, "Well, I'm afraid it sounds like a hit." The second policeman pats his horse's neck and says, "Yeah, another winter out here - every night. Sorry old-timer. Well, let's go."

Charmer finds Gable at near the end of his career still fully in command of his star power as a somewhat roguish producer who is juggling both personal and professional issues.

Lilli Palmer is an excellent match for him, her continental charm playing off his brusk exasperation with surprising ease. She's so good it's a shame her role is rather small but she makes every moment she's on screen memorable and you miss her when she's out of the picture.

Lee J. Cobb likewise makes his modest role seem more than it is by filling it with his magnetic presence.

Carroll is sexy in a refined way, this was before she cast her lot in the sex symbol derby with junk like Harlow and The Carpetbaggers and wrecked her reputation as a serious actress for several years until she came back as a respected character actress.

The kind of breezy star vehicle that is rarely if ever made today, spotlighting the star but loaded with talent in almost every role. Competently directed and as an added bonus Ella Fitzgerald sings the title tune over the credits. For Gable fans this is a must!

In one of his last films, Clark Gable portrays an entertainment executive who decides to regain lost youth by having a love affair with his young secretary (Carroll Baker). The film has its flaws and it's certainly no "Gone With The Wind" but Gable still manages to give an excellent performance here.

A decent cast and intermittently witty script make up for the drab direction in this somewhat hackneyed backstage drama. But Not For Me is a perfect example of a "rainy-day film" - pleasant, undemanding entertainment with good stars and a happy ending. Gable looks worn-out in one of his final roles, but Lee J. Cobb is fine as a world-weary but good-hearted sourpuss writer - cast nicely against type. Baker is pleasant in a role requiring less dramatic range than in Giant (where she ate much of the scenery), while Lili Palmer is agreeable in support. Worth a look, but unlikely to grace one's Top 10 lists.

Two-and-a-half out of four, with an extra half for the lovely slice of cake I had with it.

One noteworthy thing about this movie is the use of music. Both the title song "But Not For Me" (also used in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral') and "You Make Feel So Young" pop up at various moments to good effect. Both songs date from the 1940s.

Any film with Lee J. Cobb is good according to me. And no one can fill out a tux like Gable. There's even a Joi Lansing walk through.

This film is somehow a B & W, 1950s version of 'Something's Gotta Give' - aging leading man and the Lili Palmer/Diane Keaton character. There's even a Long Island connection. If that sounds like an attractive idea, then it's worth a peek. Otherwise, the whole exercise will appear impressively dated.