Ancora una volta con sentimento

This film is just plain funny. Yul Brenner is perfect as the fiery uncompromising symphony conductor, Kaye Kendall likewise as his companion of many years who has kept his orchestra afloat by her unfailing ability to soothe the many feathers ruffled by the maestro -- until, that is, she returns one night to find him compromised with a beautiful 21-year-old pianist. The first-rate performances here are not limited to their acting alone; this is a fine piece of work and everyone involved can be justifiably proud of their part in making it so. The mystery, to me, is why this upbeat and thoroughly delightful comedy is virtually unknown and why the only way in which viewers can verify this is to catch it on its infrequent showings on late-night television. This should really be available on VHS or DVD; my question is, why isn't it?

Sadly lost to viewers and DVD/VHS buyers in the United States, this is one of the funniest films Kay Kendall made in her short life, and that is no mean feat. Yul Brenner also shines as one of the world's greatest egomaniac types--a symphony orchestra conductor.

I finally found a copy of this which I had not seen since it came out. I still found it wonderfully funny and vintage Kendall. Perhaps the reason why this movie has not survived in the public arena is that it deals with a couple "living in sin" who have to marry in order to divorce after a 7 or 8-year liaison in order to satisfy public morality. Seems unbelievable now, but can think of no other reason, other than perhaps Kay Kendall's estate is difficult about her films.

Another Kendall movie which seems to be unattainable is "Simon and Laura" with Peter Finch. This film takes a rather cynical look at the TV industry, viewer loyalty, and "soaps" and these aspects might be a reason for its suppression. Since writing this, it has just been released on DVD in the U.K.(March 2007)

Two films came out in the same year based upon plays by Harry Kurnitz, directed by Stanley Donen and starring Yul Brynner. The less said about 'Surprise Package' the better as it is too ghastly even to contemplate. This one is quite an improvement although once again Brynner, this time playing an orchestral conductor as opposed to a gangster, proves that he is utterly devoid of a sense of comedy. His portrayal of egomania is convincing. The redeeming feature of the other one was Noel Coward whilst here it is Kay Kendall. Her vivacity is intoxicating and her comedy timing impeccable. The scene where she plays the harp for the orchestra trustees is a comic gem. There are some excellent one-liners and it looks fantastic courtesy of lighting cameraman Georges Perinal and production designer Alexandre Trauner. Sadly this film represents the final bow for the glorious and incomparable Kay Kendall who died before its release.

Delightful, enchanting, deliciously funny. Kay Kendall was all of these things in her far too short life. Her last film, Once More With Feeling is very rarely seen, more's the pity. As a companion piece to The Reluctant Debutante this is a wonderful tribute to a dazzlingly beautiful and talented young woman. The fireworks between Kendall and Yul Brynner as her "apparent" husband (who really isn't) are a joy to watch and give one a view of a masterfully comic actress whose talents would have taken her way up into the stratosphere of cinema greats. Great pacing and set pieces from director Stanley Donen. Yes, this movie is a piece of fluff but the sheer professionalism of both leads make it a must see. If you can get your hands on a copy then you're in for a real treat. A beautiful looking production with top performances all round. Would that the movies of today could be this enjoyable!