Le tendre piège

It's a CinemaScope culture clash when swinging Manhattan playboy agent Frank Sinatra (as Charlie Reader) falls in love with sweet marriage-minded actress Debbie Reynolds (as Julie Gillis). Fond of lipstick and liquor, Mr. Sinatra finds it difficult to commit. The surprising thing about this semi-serious sixties comedy is the thoughtful and mature subplot acted out by David Wayne (as Joe McCall), who moves in with Sinatra while contemplating divorce, and one of his promiscuous pal's girlfriends, Celeste Holm (as Sylvia Crewes).

With the lead relationship between Sinatra and Ms. Reynolds proceeding in flat and predictable fashion, Mr. Wayne and Ms. Holm are the ones to watch. They were nominated for "Supporting Actor" and "Supporting Actress" awards by "Film Daily". Also receiving industry attention was the great title track "(Love Is) The Tender Trap" by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, which received an "Academy Award" nomination. Sinatra's great Capitol Records version took an understandable and well-deserved trip to the US "Top Ten".

****** The Tender Trap (11/4/55) Charles Walters ~ Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, David Wayne, Celeste Holm

When the eyes are Debbie Reynolds and the viewer is Frank Sinatra, you can expect a lot of fun and The Tender Trap delivers that fun.

Frank Sinatra stars in the movie version of a play which had a modest run on Broadway concerning an actor's agent who's got the life we only dream about. Since this was the kind of life Sinatra really had, it sure isn't an acting stretch for him. Still Sinatra plays this thing very well. Of course everyone has beauties like Celeste Holm, Lola Albright, Jarma Lewis, and Carolyn Jones around. They all got a piece of old Blue Eyes.

In steps new client Debbie Reynolds, the 1950s all time good girl and she's not tolerating Frank's wolfish ways. She's got marriage on the mind.

It's an interesting commentary on the times that back in the 1950s, the ultimate goal for a woman was the house with the white picket fence, husband, and three kids. Even for one as obviously talented as Debbie Reynolds.

Sinatra's also got a male guest in the house, childhood friend David Wayne who blew in from Indiana and has announced his intention of getting in on Sinatra's action. He's left his wife, home, and three kids and is having an early midlife crisis. I think you can figure the rest of the plot from here.

One thing the play on Broadway didn't have was that wonderful title tune that James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn wrote. Sinatra opens the film with that song before the title credits and Reynolds later sings it in the film. I remember what a mega-hit it was for Frank back in the day. So perfectly suited for him and his style. All I can say is Ring-a-ding ding ding.

Frank and Debbie do well together, too bad they never made another film together. The following year she made one with her husband Eddie Fisher and the demand for the team was underwhelming.

Everyone, but especially Sinatra aficionados should love this one.

I love this film because it is so reflective of the mid-50's sensibility and the glamour of New York at that time. All of the actors have wonderful chemistry, and Celeste Holm is a stand out as Sinatra's "fiancee" Debbie Reynolds is adorable as a 22 year old ingenue who wants a career in the theatre, but only for a brief time. She has a plan to get married, have three children and live in Scarsdale, which everyone knows has the best school system in the country. Sinatra and David Wayne are old friends and the married Wayne comes to New York to take a vacation from his wife. He becomes interested in Holm and falls in love with her. Sinatra falls in love with Debbie Reynolds and their scenes are just lovely. Complications ensue, but in the end, it all shakes out. This is one of the best adaptations of a 1950's stage comedy and it is most enjoyable and certainly worthwhile.

This is the first of Frank's bachelor-on-the-make comedies of the 50's & 60's. He is excellent; Debbie Reynolds character seems off-balance and miscast. Audrey Hepburn would have been much better. The movie seems to be too self-consciously hip for its own good. Still, the supporting cast is wonderful, and there are far worse ways of killing an hour and a half. 6/10.

Though it does make women look as if each has an alterior motive which is to trap a guy into marriage, it is a fun loving film that has alot of potential and with Frank in it, it makes it a classic. Though the supporting cast is wonderful we musn't forget Debbie Reynolds. Her part as a young naive girl is unforgettable and was a large step in the right direction..