Lover Come Back
Dir: Delbert Mann
1961
***
There are good rom-coms and there are bad rom-coms, all are influenced by the best and originals (as we know them now) that really took off in the late 50's, early 60's. Rock Hudson and Doris Day were the go to rom-com couple of the day and they made 3 popular films together; Pillow Talk (1959), Lover Come Back (1961) and Send Me No Flowers (1964). The discussion of which is best is still passionately argued among fans of the pairing, of which there are many. I think it's slightly unfair to remember this series of films as the Hudson/Day movies when the best part of each film is actually the supporting roles of Tony Randall. Randall steals the show in Lover Come Back for me, he is funny and full of character and energy. Day is beautiful and Hudson's character is questionable, nothing special if you ask me, it's all about Pete Ramsey. I do like Lover Come Back but it's got a lot to answer for. The story and characters are morally questionable and anything but romantic, a lot like rom-coms (or chick-flicks as they are often lazily referred to as) are today. I love the direction, love the bright colour and all three actors. I just don't like the story.