Il granduca e mister Pimm

After years of only knowing about the title, I finally watched this on Amazon Prime Video with Mom just now. A nice mixture of romance and slapstick comedy, we both enjoyed much of the goings on that ensured. Fine performances by Glenn Ford and Hope Lange when they were an item at the time as well as Charles Boyer, Ricardo Montalban especially when doing many of the physical gags, and especially Telly Savalas playing a different role than I usually know him as. I'll just now say that Mom and I most highly recommend Love Is a Ball.

Director David Swift also co-wrote this harmless adaptation of Lindsay Hardy's book "The Grand Duke and Mr. Pimm" about an American heiress on the French Riviera unknowingly set up by a marriage broker to fall in love with a handsome, klutzy Duke. Unfortunately for all, he's secretly in love with the broker's secretary while she has eyes for a temporarily-grounded boat captain, now working for the matchmaker in confidence. Despite lush locations, the picture doesn't look as marvelous as it should--nor do the comically-mad circumstances sparkle like those nutty romantic plots of the 1930s. Still, the cast makes the most of it, with leads Glenn Ford and Hope Lange (then a dating twosome in real-life) enjoying terrific chemistry. First-rate supporting work from Ricardo Montalban, Charles Boyer, Telly Savalas and character actor John Wood, who disappears after the first-third. ** from ****

Tremendously entertaining and fun romantic comedy, set on the Riviera, filmed in warm sunshine with a top cast of real professionals. Saw it at the Royal in San Francisco, 3-31-63; co-feature was the Stewart Granger swashbuckler SWORDSMAN OF SIENA. Walked to the theatre from my apartment on a pleasant evening, for a comfortable evening at the movies, in a well appointed neighborhood house, for which I had a Pass. In the old days, one could expect a good time at the movies most times out, and always get value for money. In my case, it was a cinch

The real reason to see this movie is the CARS. Shot in the early 60's, I actually remember seeing a promo on the Carson show. It takes place during the Grand Prix, but in addition to the race cars, you can see what are now classics, 3500 GT Spyder Maserati, 300SL cabriolet, Rolls Royce cabriolet, 50's Corvette, Mercedes gullwing, the list just goes on. For any REAL car nut, this movie is a gem!

This piece of light comedy is very under-rated by many of those that I have spoken to about it, and invariably improves upon second viewing.

The timing of Mr.Boyer's deliveries are impeccable. Those who are familiar with Telly Savalas in his tough-guy roles will be astonished at his performance here. Hope Lange gives one of her warmest performances in this movie; although playing a spoiled rich girl, she never loses our affection and sympathy.

The supporting cast members play their parts wonderfully, each one adding just the right flavouring to the mix.

Ricardo Montalban does so well (Maybe just a little too simple for a European noble fallen on hard times - but I think that is acceptable in this part, where they want humour, someone believably attractive without being a challenge to Ford), that we never for a moment want him to win the female lead, yet we are pleased that he does find a good match. His closing scenes restore our respect for him.

Glenn Ford is charming in a low-key fashion. Charming yet rugged, with principles. A good, strong partner for Miss Lange's character.

The closing scene between Lange & Ford never fails to leave me smiling.