Comment dénicher un mari

In the 1950s and 1960s, Americans especially were more concerned about taxes than at any other time. At least, that's what Hollywood might lead one to believe, based on the number of films it turned out in those years with tax-related themes. Of course, we should be concerned about taxes. But, comedies such as "The Mating Game" helped put taxes into perspective. Toss in doses of romance, good-naturedness, neighborliness, friendships, and resentment and greedy wealth, and one has the makings of an entertaining and funny movie.

This film is an American version of the Larkin family. It's based on a 1958 short novel, "The Darling Buds of May," by British author H.E. (Herbert) Bates. In the book, the Larkins reside in rural Kent, the southeastern most county in England. Canterbury is located there. Yorkshire Television produced a TV series that ran from 1991 through 1993 in England under the original name of the book. This American adaptation made significant changes, mostly to accommodate for the culture differences. So, the setting here is in rural western Maryland. Apparently it was all shot in the MGM studios in California.

All the cast are excellent in this farcical story. Another reviewer thought Tony Randall was miscast as Lorenzo Charlton, but I agree with others who saw him as the perfect reticent and reluctant object of romance for Debbie Reynolds' Mariette Larkin. The two ogres in this film are played by Fred Clark (as Oliver Kelsey) and Philip Ober (as Wendell Burnshaw). They were a couple of the best character actor villains in those days. The chasing scenes involving Mariette are a lot of fun, and the exchanges with Lorenzo over taxes are very funny. But two actors stand out – Paul Douglas and Una Merkel as Pop and Ma Larkin. They steal every scene in which they appear.

This was indeed a fine performance by Douglas, who often played tough guy roles or serious parts in films. It was his last film. Douglas died a few months after this film came out. He suffered a heart attack at age 52.

People who want all the details of movies to make sense or to be realistic may not enjoy this film. But those who love comedy will get many smiles and laughs from "The Mating Game."

I saw this movie in 1959 when I was 11 years old at a drive-in theater with my family.

Way back then, I thought it was very funny . . . even though I was too young to understand 90% of what makes this marvelous movie such a delight! I saw it again this morning on "Turner South". As I watched it, I was absolutely convulsed with laughter! "The Mating Game" is a unique classic from a by-gone age. If you're too young to have experienced the enchanting period in history that produced this film, I feel very sorry for you. There's no way you can watch movies like this and understand how they can (even today) deliver such a delightful slice of heaven to "old timers" like me.

Having said that, all I can do is respectfully request that younger people refrain from commenting on films like "The Mating Game".

Movies like this were made for the generation that preceded the current group of your people. And as such, these films speak a very different language than any of you can understand.

In other words – if you don't understand the issues the film is addressing, please don't embarrass yourself by offering comments which – frankly – make no sense.

The premise is funny where straight well-educated Tony Randall is sent to get Paul Douglas and family to pay up their taxers. Douglas is a nice rural type who has never bothered to file taxes in over 20 years! Una Merkel is his farm wife and Debbie Reynolds plays the eldest of his children. Naturally, Randall falls for Reynolds.

A vicious neighbor played by Philip Ober wants the Douglas homestead. He sends the IRS after the family. With Fred Clark and Charles Lane at the head of the IRS, you'd think the family is in for lots of trouble.

Reynolds musical ability is put to task briefly.

The film falls apart in a rather lengthy drunken sequence when Lorenzo Charlton (Randall) gets bombed out and parades around singing a Cole Porter tune. Other silly scenes is a brawl between Randall and a jealous suitor of Reynolds with his friends.

The ending is contrived. Get out your civil war documents and watch the interest build up. Mainly for the silly at heart.

The film itself was not particular memorable but you have to watch it for Debbie Reynolds alone. In this comedy/romance film Debbie Reynolds plays a young, and very pretty farm girl tomboy with more spunk than tough guy James Cagney or Clint Eastwood could ever display. The picture quality is from an era (1950's - 1960's) that I wish film producers would bring back as the color is most brilliant, clear, crisp, and the landscape scenes picturesque.

Debbie Reynolds was a perky and beautiful 27 years old when she filmed this comedy/romance, and even after most recently being cheated on by her then famous husband Eddie Fisher who she had two (2) children with, her on screen presence hid her personal relationship issues she was then struggling with addressing.

There is a great list of supporting actors such as Paul Douglas, Tony Randall and Fred Clark. It is a simple plot and the comedy is not than funny, but what makes this film so special is how director George Marshall brings this quaint picture to life with a memorable performance by both Debbie Reynolds and Tony Randall.

I can watch this film over and over just for Debbie Reynolds alone, but also as this era of film making and the picture quality is from a forgotten era but deserving of a more memorable one. I give the film a 7 out of 10 IMDB rating.

Holy cow! Could there be a cuter woman than Debbie Reynolds is in this movie? I think not.

It's a fresh movie whose unlikely plot calls forth Tony Randall, an IRS auditor, to investigate possible unreported income by the Larkins, our stars. Problem is, the Larkins deal in trading only, no cash.

So the hokey antics revolve around the goofy, yet budding relationship between Reynolds & Felix Unger (if you will.)

Farm owners, Mom & Dad, portrayed by Paul Douglass & Una Merkel are great as the happy go lucky folks who must endure the intrusion & threats levied by Tony & the IRS.

But it is Reynolds that shines here. Kind of an Annie Oakley daughter, she's truly delightful.

Finally, the climax is pretty cool, that's for sure (as it pertains to the ultimate findings of the audit.)

A fun, inconsequential fare I recommend for a viewing.

Bob R.