Le rendez-vous de septembre

I don't know what other people have said about this movie, but if they said anything bad, they need to be shot. The casting is perfect and the acting is great. It has Gina Lollobrigida which is a definite plus to any movie. Rock Hudson pulls off his character with perfection. The story line is one of the best of all romantic comedies. I heartily recommend the movie to all.

For some reason, this lightweight comedy from 1961 became something of an icon in India, where I come from. We were kids when it was first released but Bobby Darin's theme music became so popular that it was played practically everywhere for the next few years. I think the film was re-released three times between 1961 & 1964 in Bangalore, with the locally edited trailers mistakenly adding footage from other films of the era like Palm Springs Weekend! I first saw the film as an 8-year old in 1963, but had to wait 28 more years before I saw it as an adult - on British TV in 1991. On the whole, I like this film as a period piece of what some people call "Kennedy era entertainment" - lightweight, fluffy comedies that are nice to watch now and then.

We love the film and have watched it countless times. Last year we were lucky to find out where the location of Mr Talbot's "villa" was. It is in reality one of the most luxurious hotels in the world dominating the the hill overlooking the bay of Portofino in the Italian Riviera. The staff in the hotel confirmed that the film was shot there. However, when we view the film, the shots from the terrace down to the harbour don't quite line up, so we imagine that another location was also used. If you ever get to Portofino, it is worth the climb to see the view and the coffee wasn't as expensive as it was down in the harbour. Best wishes Peter and Ita Kay.

Rock Hudson and Gina Lollabrigida star in "Come September," a 1961 comedy beautifully photographed to showcase the glorious scenery of Portafino, Italy, and the exquisiteness of Gina Lollabrigida, a knockout if there ever was one. Haven't seen her lately, but 25 years later, she was every bit as gorgeous.

Hudson plays a millionaire who comes to Italy to spend time in his villa each September. This year, he arrives early, looking forward to a dalliance with Lollobrigida as well. But she's through with him and planning to marry someone else - until she hears his voice.

When Hudson arrives at his fabulous villa, he discovers that his major domo (expertly played by Walter Slezak) has, for the last six years, been turning his place into a hotel. There is a bus load of young girls staying there with their chaperone, who slips on a champagne cork and is put out of commission. Thus, the girls can't leave and Hudson feels compelled to chaperone them.

When Lollobrigida hears the advice he's giving the young women to keep them out of the clutches of some young men who have arrived with reservations - she's not happy. The young men figure Hudson is too old to compete with them so they try exhausting him, hoping to get some time alone with the women.

Though this comedy sags in the middle, it's a cute story and the cast is delightful, including Sandra Dee and Bobby Darrin, who sings the title song and also "Multiplication" at a night club. A great talent, his is a sad story of a gifted song stylist who didn't live to mine his full potential. It is during this film that he met his future wife, Dee.

Hudson is handsome and fit and again shows his ability for comedy, and Lollabrigida gives an energetic, sexy performance. Their dance together in the nightclub is a high point.

One of the posters mentioned that Hudson's films today are diminished because of his now-known sexual preference. I submit this is ridiculous. Straight people have played gay people for years, and vice versa. The fact that we may not be aware of it doesn't make it any less true.

Hudson plays a straight man in this, and he's effective. When did it become a mandate that actors could only play themselves? It's not called acting for nothing.

This Universal International film was a vehicle for Rock Hudson who showed an uncanny gift for comedy. As such, "Come September" is a product of the times in which it was made. That was the time when Hollywood had an advantage in using natural beautiful European scenery which was affordable then. Robert Mulligan directed this comedy that although pleasant didn't fare as well as other, better made comedies, of that era.

Probably one of the best scenes in the movie involves Rock Hudson dancing a fast number with Gina Lollobrigida, something probably no one could have expected for an actor not associated with musical comedies. Mr. Hudson, an actor not known for his dancing abilities, comes across as having the time of his life. The chemistry between the actor and Gina Lollobrigida saves the movie because the story is thin.

Also in the movies we see Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, who later became a couple. Walter Slezak and Brenda DeBanzie, both veterans actors, also appear in the movie. A very young Joel Grey has a small part.

The Ligurian region of Italy is shown in all its splendor. Great views of Portofino can be seen from the top of the Talbot mansion. The film is mildly entertaining if one doesn't expect too much out of the material.