I'd Rather Be Rich

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 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!

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.

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.

Two of entertainment's best singers, Andy Williams and Robert Goulet, square off over the affections of Sandra Dee in this delightful film. This is NOT a musical, but some great songs are seamlessly woven into a comedy made even better by the enjoyable performance of Maurice Chevalier.

Williams and Goulet show their talent is not limited to singing with some pretty good acting. Today it seems most romantic comedies feature bedroom scenes, rough language and vulgarity, but you will find this movie to be just "feel good" entertainment.

If you watch this movie before you go to bed, don't be surprised if you wake up feeling good and humming "We're Almost There", or "I'd Rather be Rich".