I'd Rather Be Rich

From its opening credits with the film's two male costars, Andy Williams and Robert Goulet, whose fans of their vocal abilities keep them busy to this day, crooning "I'd Rather Be Rich" to pert and pretty Sandra Dee, looking ultra-glamorous in one of the Jean Louis creations leaving no doubt that her character was a young lady of wealthy privilege, this Ross Hunter confection is a glorification of luxurious living in every frame.

As other postings suggest, this one boasted a cast who seemed to enjoy the nearly impossible task of suspending our disbelief at the scriptwriters' fanciful whimsies. Mr. Hunter always candidly disavowed any intention of putting anything approximating a recognizable reality on the screen and for this one he made sure that the jewels, the gowns, the Rolls-Royces and all the other accouterments of life at its most opulent were on constant display. The end result may not merit high praise but, as a pleasant diversion, it's a pretty good example of Hollywood escapism in the mid-Sixties and I suspect that a video release would be a welcome treat.

I saw this movie years ago,thought it was really good,but haven't seen it since.Two of the most popular singers of the 60's in one movie (plus Chevalier)....cool.If you have ever had the chance to see Andy's wonderful show at Branson,Mo.,he uses (or did use) a clip of himself and Sandra Dee(from this picture)in an absolutely hysterical bit.Put this movie out on video!!

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!

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.

This is an excellent movie. I watched this movie years ago, but still remember most of it. I remember laughing so hard, I cried. The actors were wonderful. Sandra Dee is beautiful and just right for the role of the grand daughter. Maurice, I wish he could have been my grand father. Andy and Robert were the two best good looking guys a girl could chose from. This movie is just pure fun. This movie is great fun for the whole family. Please!!!! Someone release this on VHS or DVD or both.