Pillow Talk (1959): Romantic Mayhem ensues when Doris Day and Rock Hudson share a party line

After much ado, hullabaloo and rigmarole, welcome back to BEFORE MY TIME CLASSIC MOVIES! I was without a computer for a while, and then I was without a keyboard after I got a tablet, but I now have a keyboard (shout to my dad!). So hopefully, time permitting, I'll be able to post here much more often...so without further ado, hullabaloo, or rigmarole, this entry's film...PILLOW TALK!

One of my all time favorites, Pillow Talk marks the first of three films for stars Rock Hudson and Doris Day, and in this reivewer's opinion, is the best of the three. They would go on to make 1961's Lover Come Back and 1964's Send Me No Flowers, but Pillow Talk feels fresh and new. The other two (especially Lover Come Back) come off as cheap imitations. the film was directed by Michael Gordon, and in addition to Day and Hudson also stars Thelma Ritter, Tony Randall, and Nick Adams. Ritter is a scene stealer as Day's alcoholic housekeeper, Alma. Randall, who would also appear in the forthcoming two films alongside Day and Hudson, is perhaps best known as Felix Unger on the TV Series The Odd Couple (1970-1975). Pillow Talk was produced by  Ross Hunter, who's films were always lavish, chic affairs. He is perhaps best know for producing many remakes of classic soaper films such as Imitation Of Life (1959, Starring Lana Turner), Back Street (1961, Starring Susan Hayward) and Magnificent Obsession (1954, starring Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson).

The plot concerns two people who share a party line: glamorous single gal interior designer Jan Morrow, and amorous playboy songwriter Brad Allen. The two are constantly at fisticuffs with one another over the phone, but have never met in person. Jan accuses Brad of being a sex maniac, and Brad accuses Jan of being jealous and living vicariously through his many affairs. When the two finally meet in person, Brad puts on a fake Southern accent and calls himself Rex Stetson. Adding to the mix, is Tony Randall's character, Johnathan, a pampered rich guy who tries to romance Jan and is also backing Brad's next play.

The film has a quick wit and many memorable recurring gags. For example, for many of Brad's conquests he sings and plays a song that goes "You're my inspiration, (insert name)," and since Jan has heard it over the phone before it's eventually how she discovers that Rex is really Brad Allen. Doris Day is at her glamorous best in gowns by Jean-Louis, and the film marked a turning point in her career. After a few flops like Tunnel of Love and It Happened to Jane, She was approached by Hunter to star in Pillow Talk. (I should also mention that for the time the film is quite racy. Most audiences of today would not be phased by it.) Day was initially reluctant to sign onto the project. She didn't feel like she was sexy enough. in her 1975 memoirs, Ross Hunter, rather vulgarly states that he told her she could could the role because she had a good - ahem - backside! Needless to say, Day is perfect in the role and has a top notch chemistry with Rock Hudson. Hudson also had apprehensions when approached for the role; he'd never been in a comedy. Known for his romantic leading roles like in the aforementioned Magnificent Obssession and Giant (1956, co-starring Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean), Hudson is a comedy natural and has a particularly great moment where he is trying to get into Doris Day's character's small car.

The film is a hilarious delight all the way through, marked by great performances and a great script. Doris day sings the memorable opening number and there's a cute song in a club called "Roly Poly", but the film is not a musical. It is a romantic comedy through and through and one of the best of it's kind.