If a Man Answers

Last updated
If A Man Answers
If A Man Answers (1962, Movie Poster).jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Henry Levin
Screenplay byRichard Morris
Based onIf a Man Answers
by Winifred Wolfe
Produced by Ross Hunter
Starring Sandra Dee
Bobby Darin
Micheline Presle
John Lund
Cinematography Russell Metty
Edited byMilton Carruth
Music by Bobby Darin
Hans J. Salter
Production
company
Universal Pictures
Distributed by Universal International
Release date
  • October 10, 1962 (1962-10-10)(USA)
Running time
102 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$2 million (US/Canada) [1]

If a Man Answers is a 1962 American romantic comedy film directed by Henry Levin and stars then real-life husband-and-wife Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee. It was produced by Ross Hunter Productions, Inc, shot in Eastman color, and distributed by Universal-International. The screenplay was written by Richard Morris from a novel by Winifred Wolfe. [2]

Contents

Plot

Chantal Stacy (Sandra Dee) is a very cute girl who is the daughter of Germaine Stacy (Micheline Presle), a former French showgirl, and John Stacy (John Lund), a conservative Boston antiques dealer, who met in Paris. Chantal was the product of their "soufflé-and-beans romance." Her father worries about her French side leading her into pregnancy before her Boston side finds a husband; a foghorn sounds every time a man gets too close to her.

Her father gets a promotion and the family moves to New York City. Chantal gets picked up on Fifth Avenue by Eugene "Gene" Wright (Bobby Darin), a photographer who invites her to model for him. During Chantal's first shoot, her father shows up to the set, punches Gene, after seeing the skimpy outfit Chantal is modeling in, and takes his daughter home. Chantal admits to her mother that she likes Gene and wants to continue modeling for him without John's interference; with her mother's advice, she marries Gene. However, now that she is his wife, Gene refuses to let Chantal model, effectively making her a housewife.

Shortly after their marriage, Chantal's college friend Tina (Stefanie Powers) arrives in New York. A spoiled rich girl, she goes after Gene, and he responds positively to Tina's flirting tactics, making Chantal start to become nervous about her marriage. When Chantal is at a loss, her mother gives her a book on "How To Train Man's Best Friend" and advises Chantal that many men aren't treated as well as pets. She begins to use the dog-training techniques from the book on her husband and to her delight, the results are astounding. Germaine later explains that the book was not really for Chantel to train her husband to obey her like a dog but rather, it has been teaching her how to live with her husband.

Tina continues to stir up trouble, by admitting in a drunken stupor that she is desperately lonely and envious of Chantal's marriage and telling Gene about the dog-training book. In response, Chantal's mother suggests another trick she used to keep her father interested: taking a lover. Chantal is shocked at first, but Germaine says that her lover, "Robert Swan," was only imaginary. She kept up the act by sending herself flowers and having her girlfriends call and hang up "if a man answers" the phone, resulting in making her husband jealous. All of this is confirmed when the girls ask John about his accounts. Before Chantal leaves to go home to try out these techniques, her mother tells her that whenever Gene confronts her, she needs to respond honestly; this would make him wonder if his wife is really telling the truth about having an affair (despite being told all about the trick, John still genuinely wonders if Robert Swan exists).

All of this seems to work, after Chantal periodically sends herself two-dozen white roses and has her mom call in and click the receiver when Gene picks up the phone. Eventually, Gene goes to the florist to track down Robert Swan. Chantel goes to explain the entire situation, but Gene still pleads with her to end her affair, making her wonder why her mother's old tactics did not turn out as planned. To add to her confusion, Gene actually invites a "Robert Swan" (Cesar Romero) to dinner and then asks him to move in and share Chantal in a polyandrous relationship. Chantal, in disbelief, phones her mother about the situation. Shocked, Chantal's mother and father come over to meet the fantasy man that has been sprung to life. Her father's suspicions that Robert Swan is a living person all the more real.

After snooping around Swan's luggage and some thought, Chantal realizes Swan is actually Gene's father, Adam Wright, acting the role of her (and her mother's former) lover. She and her mother decide to play along, turning the tables on the men for a few moments. Germaine finds out from John that he, Gene, and Adam were all in on the "Swan" act from the very beginning, to which she "admits defeat" and commends her husband for "being loyal to his sex." In the end, they all reconcile, and it is revealed that Chantal is pregnant, just as Chantal's mother suspected.

Cast

The role of the Model was played by real-life beauty queen Pamela Searle. In 1959 she was crowned Miss. England, and later came in third in the Miss Universe contest.

Production

The film was based on a novel by Winifred Wolfe published in 1961. The New York Times called it "too cute to be clever." [3] Film rights were bought by Universal. In March 1961, producer Ross Hunter assigned Richard Morris to write the script. Morris had never written a script before and was best known for doing the lyrics on The Unsinkable Molly Brown. [4]

In August 1961, Hunter announced the film would star Nancy Kwan, Claudette Colbert and David Niven. [5] In October, Tammy Grimes was being discussed for the star. [6] However, the lead role eventually went to Sandra Dee who made it after the birth of her child. [7] By December, Dee's co star was Bobby Darin. [8]

Reception

Philip K. Scheuer criticized the score in a review for the Los Angeles Times . [9]

A. H. Weiler, in a review for the New York Times , stated, "If a Man Answers is an airy antic that would not hurt a dog but appears to be fashioned for the young in mind as well as the young in heart." [10]

Awards

This comedy was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture (Comedy) and Best Supporting Actor (Cesar Romero). It was also nominated for a Golden Laurel for Top Female Comedy Performance (Sandra Dee).

Home media availability

Universal first released the film on DVD on August 3, 2004. [11] It was re-released on February 7, 2017, as part of Universal's 4-Movie Laugh Pack DVD series, being packaged with 3 other films starring Sandra Dee ( That Funny Feeling , Tammy Tell Me True , and Tammy and the Doctor ). [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bobby Darin</span> American musician and actor (1936–1973)

Bobby Darin was an American musician, songwriter, and actor. He performed jazz, pop, rock and roll, folk, swing, and country music.

<i>The Happy Ending</i> 1969 film by Richard Brooks

The Happy Ending is a 1969 drama film written and directed by Richard Brooks, which tells the story of a repressed housewife who longs for liberation from her husband and daughter. It stars Jean Simmons, John Forsythe, Shirley Jones, Lloyd Bridges and Teresa Wright.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandra Dee</span> American actress and model (1942–2005)

Sandra Dee was an American actress. Dee began her career as a child model, working first in commercials and then film in her teenage years. Best known for her portrayal of ingénues, Dee earned a Golden Globe Award as one of the year's most promising newcomers for her performance in Robert Wise's Until They Sail (1958). She became a teenage star for her performances in Imitation of Life and Gidget, which made her a household name.

<i>Beyond the Sea</i> (2004 film) 2004 biographical musical drama film by Kevin Spacey

Beyond the Sea is a 2004 American biographical musical drama film based on the life of singer-actor Bobby Darin. Starring in the lead role and using his own singing voice for the musical numbers, Kevin Spacey co-wrote, directed, and co-produced the film, which takes its title from Darin's song of the same title.

<i>Gidget</i> (film) 1959 American comedy film by heatrical poster Directed by Paul Wendkos

Gidget is a 1959 American CinemaScope comedy film directed by directed by Paul Wendkos and starring Sandra Dee, Cliff Robertson, James Darren, Arthur O'Connell, and the Four Preps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruby Dee</span> American actress (1922–2014)

Ruby Dee was an American actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and civil rights activist. Dee was married to Ossie Davis, with whom she frequently performed until his death in 2005. She received numerous accolades including two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, a Obie Award and a Drama Desk Award as well as nominations for an Academy Award. She was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1995, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2000, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004.

<i>Here Comes the Groom</i> (1951 film) 1951 film by Frank Capra

Here Comes the Groom is a 1951 American musical romantic comedy film produced and directed by Frank Capra and starring Bing Crosby and Jane Wyman. Based on a story by Robert Riskin and Liam O'Brien, the film is about a foreign correspondent who has five days to win back his former fiancée, or he'll lose the orphans he adopted. Filmed from late November 1950 to January 29, 1951, the film was released in the United States by Paramount Pictures on September 20, 1951.

The 33rd Academy Awards, honoring the best in film for 1960, were held on April 17, 1961, hosted by Bob Hope at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California. This was the first ceremony to be aired on ABC television, which has aired the Academy Awards ever since.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slim Keith</span> American socialite (1917–1990)

Nancy "Slim" Keith, Lady Keith of Castleacre was an American socialite and fashion icon during the 1950s and 1960s, exemplifying the American jet set. Keith was married 3 times; first to American film director Howard Hawks, second to American producer Leland Hayward, and finally to British banker and aristocrat Kenneth Keith, Baron Keith of Castleacre.

<i>Come September</i> 1961 film by Robert Mulligan

Come September is a 1961 American romantic comedy film directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin.

<i>Take Her, Shes Mine</i> 1963 film by Henry Koster

Take Her, She's Mine is a 1963 American comedy film starring James Stewart and Sandra Dee and based on a 1961 Broadway comedy written by the husband-and-wife team of Henry and Phoebe Ephron. The film was directed by Henry Koster with a screenplay written by Nunnally Johnson. It features an early film score by prolific composer Jerry Goldsmith. The character of Mollie, played by Elizabeth Ashley on Broadway and in the film by Dee, was based on the Ephrons' 22-year-old daughter Nora Ephron. The supporting cast features Robert Morley, John McGiver and Bob Denver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal life of Frank Sinatra</span> Personal life and relationships

Frank Sinatra had many close relationships throughout his life. He was married four times and had at least six other notable relationships in between. He had three verified children, as well as more than one of questionable paternity.

<i>State Fair</i> (1962 film) 1962 film

State Fair is a 1962 American musical film directed by José Ferrer and starring Pat Boone, Bobby Darin, Ann-Margret, Tom Ewell, Pamela Tiffin and Alice Faye. A remake of the 1933 film State Fair and the 1945 film State Fair, it was considered to be a financially and critically unsuccessful film. Richard Rodgers, whose collaborator Oscar Hammerstein had died in 1960, wrote additional songs, both music and lyrics, for this film adaptation of the 1932 novel by Phil Stong.

<i>Tarnished Lady</i> 1931 film

Tarnished Lady is a 1931 American pre-Code drama film directed by George Cukor and starring Tallulah Bankhead and Clive Brook. The screenplay by Donald Ogden Stewart is based on his short story, A Story of a New York Lady.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandra Fisher</span>

Sandra Maureen Fisher, was an American figure painter based in London and who was born in New York City.

<i>That Funny Feeling</i> 1965 film by Richard Thorpe

That Funny Feeling is a 1965 American romantic comedy film directed by Richard Thorpe and starring Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin, and Donald O'Connor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlene Holt</span> American actress (1928–1996)

Verna Charlene Stavely, professionally known as Charlene Holt, was an American actress known for her supporting roles in television and film.

<i>Tammy Tell Me True</i> 1961 film by Harry Keller

Tammy Tell Me True is a 1961 American Eastmancolor comedy film directed by Harry Keller and starring Sandra Dee and John Gavin, Beulah Bondi, Charles Drake, Virginia Grey and Julia Meade.

<i>Things and Other Things</i> 1962 studio album by Bobby Darin

Things and Other Things is an album by American singer Bobby Darin, released in 1962. It reached number 45 on the Billboard 200. The single "Things" charted in the Top Five.

Winifred Wolfe (1923–1981) was an American novelist, playwright, and television writer best known as the author of the novels Ask Any Girl (1958) and If a Man Answers (1960). She was head writer of the television soap operas As the World Turns and Somerset during the 1970s.

References

  1. "Big Rental Pictures of 1962". Variety. 9 Jan 1963. p. 13. Please note these are rentals and not gross figures
  2. "Film Fashion: If A Man Answers". Made by Letty. 2011-06-02. Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  3. Maman Calls the Turn: IF A MAN ANSWERS. By Winifred Wolfe, 261 pp. New York: Doubleday & Co. $3.95. By BEVERLY GRUNWALD. New York Times 21 May 1961: BR39.
  4. More TV Notables Grabbed for Films Los Angeles Times 31 Mar 1961: B7.
  5. NEW YORK LURES MOVIE PRODUCER: Ross Hunter to Work Here on Films and a Musical By EUGENE ARCHER. New York Times19 Aug 1961: 10.
  6. 'Chapman Report' Lengthens Roster Los Angeles Times 2 Oct 1961: C13.
  7. Looking at Hollywood: Sandra Gets Glamor Treatment in Next Film Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 11 Nov 1961: 17.
  8. FILMLAND EVENTS: Second Property Purchased by King Los Angeles Times 11 Dec 1961: C15.
  9. Scheuer, Philip K. "'If a Man Answers' Teams Dee, Darin: Young Marrieds Depicted; 'I Love Louisa' Up for Liz." Los Angeles Times. 18 Oct 1962: C17. Via Proquest.
  10. Weiler, A. H. "Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin in 'If a Man Answers'." New York Times. 22 Nov 1962: 51. Via Proquest.
  11. If a Man Answers (DVD). August 3, 2004. ASIN   B00023P4RE.
  12. 4-Movie Laugh Pack (DVD). February 7, 2017. ASIN   B01NBAU6UB.