Please Believe Me

Sometimes I wonder why people who don't understand little movies like these didn't just turn them off. No offense to the other reviewers. They are, of course, entitled to their opinions.

However, for the romantics out there that can easily grasp the comic confusion of 3 men after (and sometimes not) one supposed heiress, this is a well-made romantic comedy that would hold up today with gorgeous scenery and a lovely soundtrack. I'm a chick who loves chick flicks. This isn't a guy flick by any stretch unless said guy digs chick flicks. We chicks don't get films like The Departed (this one doesn't care for it), but we romantics get a film like this.

2 of the 3 leads didn't quite make the first tier of films (one died at age 32, sadly). If this film had one more certifiable movie star, then this would have sent it to the level that might have made it memorable to many. I'm so grateful I take a chance and record films like these on TCM and then discover new faces and a new film to keep on my DVR.

This isn't the finest review. This is a suggestion to the lovers of light romantic comedy to record it the next time they see it and give it a look see. It works for me and did for this film, too:)

Silly bauble put over by expert comic players. This was early in Deborah Kerr's Hollywood career before From Here to Eternity moved her to the front ranks and Metro was still trying to figure out what to do with her. Here her English reserve is put to good use as the three men put the big rush on her and she slowly loosens up but always manages to keep them at bay by her brains and dignity. She always was a quite charming comedienne able to elevate material like this.

The film also has several other excellent comic actors who similarly buoy the script with their charm. Peter Lawford wasn't much of a dramatic actor but for suave sophistication with a light touch, which is needed here, few were better. Two wonderful all around actors, Robert Walker and James Whitmore, are paired as a devious couple of wannabe swindlers who seem too goodhearted to be very successful at their work. The weak link, if he can be called that, is Mark Stevens, he's not bad but he lacks the breezy skill and screen presence of his fellow actors.

The film is a minor credit on all the performers resume and one of the endless trifles churned out by MGM at its peak but on that basis it's a very pleasant diversion

Zippy little comedy that never bogs down thanks to both director Taurog's pacing skills and writer Curtis's snappy dialogue, though plot developments don't make much sense. But then, this is a comedy. There's more amusement than hilarity even though the ensemble cast doesn't meld that well. The plot's something about the guys trying to romance Kerr out of her big Texas ranch. But get a load of that big inheritance ranch that none of plotters nor even Kerr have seen. It's a hundred miles of nothing, so someone's in for a big surprise. Meanwhile the guys shuffle in and out of Kerr's life whether on shipboard or in hotel rooms, while she slowly succumbs.

Kerr does well enough as the lady-like mark, though I don't think she looks comfortable. However, Mark Stevens comes across as something of a bland dead spot among Kerr's prospective suitors. Fortunately, he later found his strength as a successful director and producer. The surprise is tough guy Whitmore who shows a spirited comedic side that viewers of the Asphalt Jungle or Battleground might never suspect. And who would think horror meister Val Lewton-- Cat People, I Walked With A Zombie--- would act as producer of a comedy like this one.

Overall, it's a fairly pleasant little diversion if you're not expecting too much. Plus, I can't help thinking the filming would have been better done in Technicolor rather than the bland b&w that flattens what should be livelier visuals.

Deborah Kerr plays no-nonsense British lass who inherits a ranch from her Texas pen-pal and sails for the States; aboard ship, she is wooed by three bachelors: a lawyer, a millionaire playboy, and a con-artist. Sleek, genteel comedy plays like a blue-haired drawing-room farce. Kerr chirps along happily, but there's really no character here for her--just the outline of one (we can't even be sure what she did for a living back in London). Although there are no big laughs, amiable second-banana James Whitmore steals all his scenes with little effort. Extremely minor offering, one of the very last from famed producer Val Lewton, and perhaps just glossy enough to engage Kerr's fans. ** from ****

When the story begins, Alison (Deborah Kerr) learns she has just inherited a ranch in Texas. She and those around her assume she's wealthy. On the cruise ship across the Atlantic to the States, three men all set after her. Terence (Robert Walker) is a crook and plans on bilking Alison. Jeremy (Peter Lawford) is rich and plans on winning her with his charm. And, finally, Matthew (Mark Stevens) is with the DA's office and falls for her...but also wonders if she might be a crook because she's often with Terence and his 'gentlemans gentleman' (James Whitmore)...a crook Matthew recognizes.

The film started off well and I enjoyed it through the long ocean voyage. But when the film made it to land, it really sank. The plot just got dumb and the film dragged....so much so that I longed for it all to end.