Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Dick Van Dyke & Debbie Reynolds in Divorce American Style 1967

In light of yesterdays post (The Happy Ending, 1969) I thought it would be interesting to discuss a film that was made 2 years earlier, also with Jean Simmons that takes a lighter look at relationships. The plot of this one finds Dick Van Dyke and Debbie Reynolds unhappily wed. Through a series of standoffs where neither party is willing to blink first, they end up getting a divorce. This leads to awkward dating episodes, greatly reduced circumstances for Dick, heartless lawyers and another divorced couple (Simmons in a role that could been seen as an extension of her role in The Happy Ending and Jason Robards) scheming to get Dick to marry Jean and get Debbie married off to Van Johnson, so everyone's money woes can be solved. If you like your comedy black with just a touch of sugar, this film will please. Also in the cast are Van Johnson, Shelly Berman, Lee Grant and a young Eileen Brennan. Look for a wonderful cameo by nightclub performer Pat Collins - the Hip Hypnotist.

This film is available on DVD, though it's not well known. There are some scenes from it uploaded to YouTube, but not the whole film. I just love the trailer above, put together by FilmBuff2000. It really captures the feel of the film.

Obscurity factor: 6 (on DVD, partially available on YouTube, largely forgotten)

1 comment:

  1. Wish I could guess tomorrow's winning horse as well as I guessed Ben's next obscure movie!

    ReplyDelete