Walk Don't Run

Cary Grant's last film is an enjoyable, albeit entirely unnecessary, remake of the classic The More The Merrier. That film starred Joel McCrea, Jean Arthur, and Charles Coburn. Grant play the Coburn role as an older man who tries to play matchmaker to a younger couple he is sharing an apartment with. The couple here are Jim Hutton and Samantha Eggar. Poor substitutes for screen legends McCrea and Arthur but both are likable. The original took place during WW2 so it used the wartime housing shortage as part of the plot. This moves things to Tokyo during the Summer Olympics in order to keep the plot intact of Grant not being able to find a room anywhere else. On the whole, it's an amusing movie but probably much less so if you've seen the original. This is pretty much a scene-for-scene remake with few changes. Grant's a rough fit for the role as it is intended but he does give it his best, using his charm and wonderful screen persona to great effect. He's certainly the best thing about the film and, at all times, my attentions were on him rather than his co-stars. Obviously I would recommend you see the classic 1943 film over this. But, if you have seen that, there's no harm in giving this one a try to see a different cast approach the same story. As far as last films of great stars goes, this could be worse. Just look at some of Grant's contemporaries and you'll see some truly sad ways to end a career. Cary wisely knew to get out while the getting was good. That's a lesson a lot of stars could still learn today.

They don't make comedies like this anymore. It's got a bit of the mad-cap silliness of the era, as though people could be ridiculous and think it somehow made sense. God, sometimes I wish that were so. The characters bicker constantly, yet that never seems to stop them from getting along. Wouldn't it be fun if life were really like that? This film makes it seem as though it could be. It's about three westerners who share the Tokyo apartment of one of them during a short-lived housing crunch arising from the '64 Olympics. It's a very slight premise, but it serves to propel a gem of a light-hearted comedy. The humor is droll, dry, witty, and acerbic. But, there's a sense of we're-all-in-this-together that keeps the film on the fun side of the line that divides confusion from conflict. If you like "The Gilmore Girls," but would prefer a little more sedate pace, you'll love this one.

This film is an absolute must see for all Cary Grant fans !!! It is a superb twist of romance and comedy.. although surprisingly it's not Cary whose on course for the romance, rather he plays the matchmaker !! and wonderful he is at it too !!!

There are many highlights to this film... watch out for the way Cary talks his way into sharing Samantha Eggar's flat, and when he runs in the race in his boxer shorts and vest !!! (a hilarious moment) and finally the most heart rending moment when he's outside at the end of the film and he lets the shutters go up between the two lovebirds, allowing them to be be together !!! Will definitely make you say aww !!!

This film is absolutely brilliant and definitely in my top 5 Cary Grant films !!

a must for Cary Grant fans !!!!

Cary Grant's last film is in many ways a typical Grant performance. He does light romantic comedy in this 1 more time. The supporting cast is OK with the late Jim Hutton being the most talented.

The film itself is amusing but kind of rough around it's edges. I am not sure why, but the pace of this film doesn't feel entirely right. Maybe it has to do with Grants advancing age or maybe the Director was trying something new which just doesn't work all the time.

Whatever it is, the chemistry between the actors & actresses suffer & it shows in the film. Granted, this is not supposed to be art though this role for Grant is pretty much typical of his other films. There are a few decent laughs in this one & if you like Cary Grant, enough here to watch.

Don't mistake it with his classic work like in the film North By NorthWest. Call this one way far east.

I am a huge Cary Grant fan and in this, his final film, he is charming as usual. Jim Hutton and Samantha Eggar are very good as the victims of his matchmaking. Its predictable but who cares? Its a feel good movie and I give it ***** big stars out of 5.