I'd Rather Be Rich

Sandra Dee's grandfather is dying, so when he wants to see her fiancé before he dies and Andy Williams' plane is delayed, she makes a spontaneous decision to pick another young man, Robert Goulet, to pose as her fiancé. As her grandfather is dying and won't be much more for this world, it will be all right and end there. But no, grandfather Maurice Chevalier starts to show signs of a recovery and getting better. When Andy finally does get there, things get really sticky and he and Bob take an instant and obvious dislike for each other. Bob is a chemical engineer and needs Maurice's influence and contacts. But he comes up with a crazy idea to pester Andy with a booby-trap of a log cabin, allowing the film to get a bit silly with physical comedy. But, this is a very funny and relaxing remake of "It Started with Eve," with Deanna Durbin, with the sexes reversed with Sandra Dee in the role of Robert Cummings who was the grandson in the original movie. The stars are good in the roles and an added bonus is getting the chance to hear Andy Williams sing - he has a beautiful voice - and the presence of such talented supporting actors as Maurice Chevalier, Hermione Gingold and Charlie Ruggles. Amazingly enough, we only hear Goulet very briefly in the film. But they both sing the title song in the opening credits. A young Rip Taylor appears as a airport counter clerk. But who actually gets Sandra Dee? This version may be different from the first. Who knows? But what we do know is that it's better to marry a rich man than a poor man. Have fun no matter what with this fun movie with crooners for the leads.

This is a great piece of 60's escapism. I'm surprised they didn't have Maurice Chavalier sing the title song instead of Andy Williams and Robert Goulet. Sandra Dee is a rich young woman in America engaged to a night club singer{or owner- I can't remember). She is called to her French grandfather's{ Maurice Chavalier} presumed deathbed. He wants to make sure she is happy. He's convinced that her fiance isn't the right one because he doesn't knock her shoes off when he kisses her. Apparently Sandra's grandma always got her shoes knocked off when her husband {Chavalier} kissed her. Enters Robert Goulet who is a neighbor and sparks fly, helped by her grandfather's sly maneuvering. It was alot of fun and I really enjoyed seeing Andy Williams do a straight acting role. I know I am prejudiced because I adore Andy Williams {I grew up watching his show every week and listening to my Mom playing his records} but I really feel he did a great job. I wish I could see it again, over and over!

Two of entertainment's best singers, Andy Williams and Robert Goulet, square off over the affections of Sandra Dee in this delightful film. This is NOT a musical, but some great songs are seamlessly woven into a comedy made even better by the enjoyable performance of Maurice Chevalier.

Williams and Goulet show their talent is not limited to singing with some pretty good acting. Today it seems most romantic comedies feature bedroom scenes, rough language and vulgarity, but you will find this movie to be just "feel good" entertainment.

If you watch this movie before you go to bed, don't be surprised if you wake up feeling good and humming "We're Almost There", or "I'd Rather be Rich".

Delicious, fantastic movie, reminds you of the old-fashioned screwball comedies but with a flair of beauty and pure fun! The cabin sequence is, of course, the best, but everything from beginning to end makes you laugh and truly can be described as a pleasant escapism.

Music from three of the hottest singers at that time also tend to lend a large touch of class to this genre. One of the best released in 1964.

The interaction between Maurie Chevalier and Hermine Gringold was also very cleverly done and not overdone. The fact that she, in a way, "won" the battle of wills in the end brings about a cheerful factor in what is otherwise considered a formula situation.

One of the other better parts of the picture, of course, was the "fist" fight by Andy Williams and Robert Goulett. Amazingly enough, through all the punches, very little bruising and more teamwork involved than anything else.

And of course, you can't overlook the amusing seasoned actor, Charles Ruggles, whose stuttering and homey voice always makes me smile. :)

This is one of my all-time favorites and I am NOT a big fan of musicals (per say). The story has a good plot and the actors were very comfortable in their roles. Maurice most especially seemed to show that he had a blast with this one.

Put it on DVD immediately!