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Fleeing from a party in Connecticut where too many men have made too many passes at her, Debbie Reynolds takes refuge at the horse ranch of Curd Jurgens, a grumpy leading man of the stage who has retired. He offers her a job as his secretary, she accepts, and feelings rise about her between Jurgens, John Saxon, and Troy Donahue.

Blake Edwards' movie is based on a Broadway hit by F. Hugh Herbert, but it;s too mannered and polite to raise much laughter, despite housekeeper Estelle Winwood nursing a sick seagull and Jurgens' back going out every time he tries to be masculine. Edwards' screenplay opens up the show expertly, but despite a cast that includes Alexis Smith and Mary Astor, it's a dull non-affair.

It is definitely a vehicle for Curt Jurgens to display his talents in light comedy. Debbie Reynolds is quite at home in her element here, which is also light and breezy with touches of seriousness now and then. On the whole I feel the film is lacking in spontaneity and robust humor, one senses it has been pre-planned too well and the actors may be going through the motions. It's enjoyable entertainment without delving into deeper matters.

A late Eisenhower era rom com with all the sparkle and verve of a John Foster Dulles presser, this has to be Blake Edwards' most dispiriting film until the curdled and worn out "SOB" came along. I can think, off the top of my head, of at least fifty actors who would have been better than Curt Jurgens, from Leon Ames to Robert Young. John Saxon, as per usual, soon descends into a pool of ennui while Debbie Reynolds, also per usual, is engaging but is given absolutely none of the script's (also by Edwards) few good lines. Those are instead mostly outsourced to Estelle Winwood, as a dipso house keeper with an unfunny pet seagull and, in the film's only interestingly surprising turn, Alexis Smith who shows that, had she not chosen the love interest career path, she could have been a better looking Eve Arden. Solid C.

PS...A crappy print and terminally perky music didn't help matters, either.

Lifeless suburban-comedy has Blake Edwards' name on it, but nowhere is there evidence of his comedic spirit or comic timing (true, he's an uneven filmmaker, but this is way off the mark). Debbie Reynolds plays a virginal secretary holding strong to her virtue while working for handsome actor Curt Jurgens; John Saxon plays a neighbor boy who befriends her. Blake Edwards adapted the screenplay from the theatrical piece "For Love Or Money" written by a fellow named F. Hugh Herbert--HIS name alone is funnier than anything in Blake's script! Is this material supposed to be sophisticated? If so, it's about as satirical and sparkling as dinner theater in the Amazon. * from ****

This is not the most sophisticated comedy in the world but it has a sweet breezy charm and is loaded with enjoyable performances.

Set in the Connecticut countryside the film stars Curd (here billed as Curt) Jurgens usually found in heavy duty drama in a nice change of pace as a distinguished, respected and retired actor who is trying to be lured back to the stage. He crosses paths with Debbie, sprightly as always but fed up with men on the make, who he takes on as his secretary and complications ensue with misunderstandings aplenty.

Hardly new or novel what puts this over is the cast. Curt Jurgens is relaxed and charming and Debbie her usual perky self but where this really excels is the supporting players. Mary Astor, Gloria Holden, Hayden Rorke and even the usual stiff Troy Donahue all have little moments to shine and John Saxon certainly cuts an attractive and personable figure but there are two performers that stand out from the rest.

The criminally undervalued Alexis Smith is grace and style personified as the sly and sexy Nita Holloway, a famous actress and former flame of Curt's who is anxious to both relight the flame and get him back on stage. The other is Estelle Winwood as the daffy, eccentric housekeeper Mrs. Early. Her scenes with Curt have the snap that comes from years of experience and great skill. Both ladies are great!

Curiously obscure considering the director and cast catch up with this if you have the chance.