Il y a un homme dans le lit de maman

Doris Day moved into middle-age with grace and self-effacing charm; "With Six You Get Eggroll", her final film, was worked over by four screenwriters and may not be a comedy classic, but Doris plays it with conviction anyhow. As a widow with three boys who begins dating a widower--a single father and acquaintance of her late husband's--Day is quick to laugh, fast with the quips, canny and clever and bright. Spying Brian Keith's sexy neighbor "out for a walk" in the early evening, Doris's dry remark, "It's a nice night for streetwalking", is delivered nonchalantly but with icy accuracy. She works hard to befriend Keith's mercurial teenage daughter (Barbara Hershey, in her film debut) but, when that blows up in her face, she and Keith have an argument that is too loud and mean for a cute suburban comedy (the point here--that Day was finally able to make a connection with the girl--is lost and never recovered). The kids are all realistically abrasive and selfish--in need of Life Lessons--and there are fine supporting turns by Pat Carroll, Herb Voland and Alice Ghostley (and George Carlin in a bit); however, the paste-up/give-up happy ending must have looked like a groaner even in (or, especially in) 1968. "Eggroll" has some funny things to say about step familial relationships and rules, teenage possessiveness, and dating after 40. Unlike the not-dissimilar "Yours, Mine and Ours", this one gets its message across utilizing only four children, which is a bargain indeed. *** from ****

Along with "Yours, Mine and Ours" (Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda) this film marked the start of the "let's-create-a-family-by combining-each-of-ours" genre and soon several variations of the theme plowed their ways into theaters (including the much forgotten "Mulligan's Stew" where childless parents adopt a variety of ethnic representatives). It was a way to have "modern" family dramas survive in the ever changing marketplace. Looking like situation comedies found on television it was no surprise that they influenced what TV families of the 70's would look like. There was a chance to examine the ever increasing reality of divorce (disguised as widowship), yet still have a complete family unit. Of those that survived on television, "The Brady Bunch" and "Eight is Enough" are perhaps the most well known. No wonder abortion became popular! Soon these shows would be replaced by the examination of same sex parents (disguised as "good heterosexual friends") in such shows as "My Two Dads," and "Kate and Allie." Shows such as "The Cosby Show," "Home Improvement," and "Family Matters" brought television full circle so perhaps the 21st Century will see more single parent television and in another ten years a remake of "With Six You Get Eggroll." Of course the title would have to change for political correctness. How about "With Sex You Get Kids?" No wait, the pro-life groups won't like that. Ahhh, the sixties.

I absolutely love this movie. People have commented that Doris Day's later movies were not as good as the ones from the early '60s, but I disagree. The storyline here is very engaging, and the characters are superb. I totally lose myself in this movie when I watch it, and I laugh out loud every time. It is fun to follow the timeline of the movie... if you analyze it the entire thing takes place over about 5 months. It begins in June (with Flip and Stacey's graduation), and ends around Halloween (hence the brief appearnces of the Halloween masks). The supporting cast is terrific too, some great old faces that everyone will recognize. If you love the classic comedies of Doris Day, I heartily recommend this one.

I saw this as a boy & I loved it! I still do because it's a retro look at life in the iconic 60's. It's full of physical comedy, camp, & the up's & down's of blending a ready made family! Doris Day & Brian Keith are an amazing team together. Keith was a good romantic choice, and a good looking man! I love Doris, what a fantastic multi-dimensional actress, just can't say enough about her! Pat Carroll as her sister & in her debut film, shows off her zany comedic timing as a gifted comedian. This is one of my most favorite movies! Not being a great reviewer, but a good critic I recommend seeing this light, bright comedy, and I think you'll feel better after watching! I gave it a 10 because I love it!

Doris Day's last feature film is a pleasant success, although it somehow isn't recalled as a such. Backtracking for a moment… Ms. Day's 1960s "sex comedies" were very big at the box office. The best of these films were critically acclaimed at the time, and are fondly remembered today. But, by 1967, Day began receiving scripts that lacked the wit (and hit potential) of earlier films. Day knew this, but found herself committed to a few unworthy movies, by manager/husband Martin Melcher. They weren't the first "bad" movies Day did, but they did come at a time when she was a "superstar". Day was able to make these bad movies better through her presence; as usual, she put a good effort into each assignment.

By 1966, Day was firmly entrenched in the "Quigley Top 10" poll of box office stars, and had become a very dependable, consistent attraction. The films she didn't care for were responsible for Day falling out of the "Ten Best" list, in 1967. She saw "With Six You Get Eggroll" as an improvement. And, it was. Day's last films heralded a return to form; and, she appeared at a very respectable #14 in her final 1968 "Quigley Poll" appearance. It was a CBS-TV series deal that prevented Day from continuing her film career. She was in demand, and would have had to continue in films (she needed the money). But, Day was committed to work on the television series, against her wishes, by the now deceased Mr. Melcher.

Seeing the success of the earlier released Lucille Ball comedy "Yours, Mine and Ours" (1968), the studio promoted "With Six You Get Eggroll" as similar fare. Actually, this film is a little better, overall (both are good movies). Herein, lumber yard owner "Abby McClure" (Day) is resigned to being single, after being left with her deceased husband's business, and three sons. But, she is "lonely" (a euphemism), as director Howard Morris clearly highlights with the overhead shots of Day on her bed. Day reluctantly accepts self-professed sex-minded sister Pat Carroll's arrangement of a date with widow Brian Keith (as Jake Iverson). Their courtship is marvelously depicted, thanks to fine scripting and performances.

Some have debated whether or not the characters played by Day and Keith have pre-marital sex. Everything about in the characters' behavior suggests that they do. If fact, the biggest reason for the marriage is that they find it increasingly frustrating to "sneak around" and be "alone" (more euphemisms). The rest of the film deals with the inevitable problems the marriage causes in their living arrangements. Now, considering Day's business (which she's good at), you've got to wonder they didn't just build another bedroom for one of the children. Unfortunately, the business sense of Day's character is left standing at the alter. The plot question becomes: Will the children learn to get along, or break up the newlyweds?

Representing the opposing fronts are her son John Findlater (as Flip) and his daughter Barbara Hershey (as Stacy). Youngsters Jimmy Bracken and Richard Steele handle their roles (and surprising bathtub scene) very well. Sounding like a cross between "Under My Thumb" and The Zombies, The Grass Roots do an original, exceptional, and very sixties-sounding song called "Feelings"; listen to them as Day visits a youth nightclub. Stand-up George Carlin turns up as fast-food patron. Two future "M*A*S*H" regulars lead a mob of tripping hippies. And, you can have a lot of fun picking out sit-com favorites. By the third act, the film has become more unfocused and ordinary, but it never really obliterates its appeal.

******* With Six You Get Eggroll (8/7/68) Howard Morris ~ Doris Day, Brian Keith, John Findlater, Barbara Hershey