For Love or Money

This is one of those pictures from the 60's that's not to be taken seriously but enjoyed just for the fun of it. What helps you do that is the stars, as well as some familiar TV faces.

I confess that I'm not a Kirk Douglas fan, but there are some movies where I make an exception, and this is one of them, as a comic role is not his usual forte, but here he does very well with it. I also think he has good chemistry with Mitzi Gaynor, who's great in every role she plays.

And who can help liking a movie with the one-and-only Thelma Ritter in it? There's no one quite like her!

Gig Young plays the kind of role he's famous for and does it to perfection.

There are familiar TV faces: William Bendix, Julie Newmar, Dick Sargent, William Windom, Leslie Parrish, as well as a couple that may not be as familiar, until you take a second look: Elizabeth MacRae (Luann on "Gomer Pyle"), and Alvy Moore (Mr. Kimble on "Green Acres"). Quite a cast!

Watch and enjoy!

Particularly significant facets of this entertaining film involve Kirk Douglas and Thelma Ritter. Douglas is primarily known for his tough portrayals which often have slightly amusing undercurrents. In "For Love or Money," he demonstrates an outstanding flair for romantic comedy. He has made only one other romantic comedy, "My Dear Secretary" (1947), when the actor was just beginning what would become a legendary screen career. In the 1963 film discussed here, based upon the novel by John Tessitore, Douglas---as attorney Deke Gentry---presents a not-so-surprising romantic comedy skill. He is most believeable as the lawyer hired by Ritter's hotel matriarch, Chloe Brasher, to "arrange" suitable marriages for her daughters, delightfully portrayed by Mitzi Gaynor, Leslie Parrish and Julie Newmar. The story calls for Gentry to end up as Gaynor's groom, rather than Gig Young's stereotypical rich playboy Sonny Smith, initially Gentry's choice for her. Douglas expertly and solidly carries off his role. That Kirk Douglas, one of the finest actors of our time, is successful in this slight change from his usual screen personal, should surprise no one. Ritter's case, though, not only is surprising but gratifying. Brooklyn-born Ritter was one of the top character actresses of her era. She became a semi-star portraying dowdy---if likeable---domestics, mothers, secretaries and "sidekicks" to the female stars with whom she performed. Ritter, as the ditzy, alchoholic maid, Alma, to Doris Day in "Pillowtalk" earned the veteran actress a "Best Suporting Actress Oscar" nomination in 1959. But never, before "For Love or Money", did this excellent actress have the opportunity to truly display her skill as a properly adorned female lead. She does here. Like Eliza Doolittle at the ball in "My Fair Lady," Ritter finally is shown in finest decorative wear. Anyone unfamiliar with her previous screen work would easily take Ritter to be a veteran of roles such as Chloe Brasher. Six years before her 1969 death, Ritter at last got the opportunity she long had deserved. And she made the most of it. Unfortunately, "For Love or Money" does not seem to be available on VHS. It sometimes is shown on cable tv. The viewer should make every effort to see it.

What's "For Love or Money" about? It's about 108mns long. Starring Kirk Douglas, Mitzi Gaynor, Gig Young, Thelma Ritter, and directed by Michael Gordon, "For Love or Money" is Universal Studios-plush (i.e., tacky) and frantic like a '30s comedy, but badly in need of a Cary Grant (though I'm afraid even Grant couldn't do much with this script). The action begins with Ritter in a helicopter hovering over Douglas' sailboat and shouting orders at him through a speaker (sunning himself with a broad on-deck, Douglas doesn't even hear the helicopter until it's right above them). Kirk is an attorney, Ritter is a rich battle-axe with three nubile daughters, and for some reason she wants him to play matchmaker so her children don't wind up married to beatniks. Gordon keeps Douglas leaping about, constantly answering ringing phones and juggling conquests (the oddest attempted match-up may be statuesque Julie Newmar with Dick Sargent as a tax investigator). Gaynor plays this juvenile fare very low-keyed and on the seductive side, but she's continually being stood up or put on hold (one aches for her to do this quiet come-on in a different picture). How bad is "For Love or Money"? After an hour, all I could concentrate on were the decorations in the various apartments and wondering if it was actually just one set being systematically redressed. NO STARS from ****

For Love or Money stars Kirk Douglas as an attorney to Thelma Ritter, a very wealthy widow, with three daughters. She wants Douglas to match them with marriageable suitable men. The comedy begins as Douglas tries to be a matchmaker to all three sisters with hilarious results! However, there's a catch...Douglas can never let on to the sisters that he's trying to play cupid for them or let them know the role their mother is playing in the matchmaking.

The reasons for watching this light romp are the screen chemistry between Douglas and Mitzi Gaynor, who plays the eldest of the three sisters and is very head strong. In addition, its a great film to watch for all the Thelma Ritter fans, who are use to her playing maids (All About Eve, A Letter to Three Wives). She plays the role of the wealthy widow like she was born into it.

Another reason to watch is the climax at the end, which I will not spoil, because you just don't see it coming. It made this film a joy to watch.

Now, here's an issue...this film never made it to video or DVD. For anyone looking to watch this gem, you will have to search for it on cable.

Bright, shiny and fluffy soufflé that is almost so lightweight that it practically floats away under its own silliness. That it doesn't is a credit to the cast.

Kirk Douglas not known for his comedy chops brings his usual intensity to the part he just molds it into a softer direction. His role is written more for a Cary Grant but he does pretty well in the part.

More at home and therefore more at ease are his co-stars Mitzi Gaynor, Gig Young and Thelma Ritter. Young's part, one that he could play in his sleep, of the slick playboy is rather small but he injects a merry tone into the picture whenever he shows up.

Mitzi, and her gravity defying hair which though it never moves still looks good on her, is sly and knowing decked out in some eye popping creations. The red dress and white coat with matching red lining is a particular knockout.

Thelma Ritter, somewhat underused since she brings the film to life the minute she shows up, is her usual wry, caustic fabulous self. For once not a maid or a spinster she like Mitzi is decked out in one beautiful if at times outlandish outfit after another.

Julie Newmar and Leslie Parrish, both early in their careers, don't have much to do as the younger sisters but are stunning creatures nonetheless.

Nothing more than a fizzy comedy from the mid-60's with over bright colors to show off its Technicolor photography, cool cars, handsome men, gorgeous women in beautiful clothes and a mind to entertain. If you are looking for any kind of depth look elsewhere but to relax and see talented performers having some fun this will fill the bill.