Designing Woman

Witless romp featuring Gregory Peck as a sports-writer who has a whirlwind courtship with fashion guru Lauren Bacall, leading to a quick trip to the altar. CinemaScope fluff directed by a water-treading Vincente Minnelli does allow Peck to loosen up for a change, but the screenplay seems to have been written around the opportunities for mini-fashion shows (indeed, costumer Helen Rose devised the movie's premise, which helped win a Best Screenplay Oscar for writer George Wells). It's very slow on laughs until the amusing farcical conclusion. Peck and Bacall are not quite the sparkling romantic duo they're meant to be, nor is the lackluster supporting cast any help. Good to look at, perhaps, but certainly not memorable. *1/2 from ****

source: Designing Woman

Trailer—Designing Woman

This one may not be for everyone but for me, a fan of old Hollywood style who enjoys a clever script delivered by voices with the timbre of Peck and Bacall, some boxing and musical theatre scenes and references, allusions that require a knowledge of cultural mores - hang on this film was made for adults! I do not find the film slow because I don't need something "happening" every two minutes. I tend not to enjoy serve-volley comedy that much. I enjoy character driven comedy that takes a bit of time to develop so that the line or action is funny only because it is that particular character who delivers them. If you see it for nothing else, the scene in which Peck takes Bacall to the fights is one of the funniest ever staged.

I was pleasantly surprised by how good this was, the writing light and humorous (I didn't expect to be laughing out loud as often as I did). Peck reveals a comic timing that's amazing and Bacall's deadpan deliveries in both narration and on screen are a delight. I can highly recommend this for a light, fun laugh. While dated at times (since it's based on fashion designs from half a century ago and you can see the influence of Audrey Hepburn in the models used), this would make a great date movie for a couple where both enjoy vintage films. You'll never be able to look at a plate of ravioli without smiling again.

While I am devoted to musical theatre I had somehow missed this gem. For once the elements of light comedy, musical theatre and drama are mixed perfectly to create an engaging and entertaining film. Highlights include fine acting by all of the stars and an excellent display of the ground-breaking choreography of Jack Cole, who doesn't have to satisfy star turns and can display his talents fully. In the tradition of classic farce, the clashing lifestyles of a sportswriter and a fashion designer are played for humor rather than war. A serious subplot involving Mob involvement in boxing blends in well.

Cute and charming movie. Bacall and Peck have great chemistry as a newlywed couple who have more differences than they think starting out together. Bacall is funny and chic in her gorgeous gowns by Helen Rose and Peck is funny and charming as a gruff sports writer. This is a true gem.

I thought the film had some enjoyable performances. Peck is a little wooden but perhaps this was meant to be part of his character. I liked the hoodlums very much and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. The monologues by the characters work very well and the film still surprises and entertains the viewer.

It's not exceptionally funny or momentous, just pleasant in the same agreeably polished sort of way the Rock Hudson-Doris Day comedies are. Peck is a New York sports writer who meets Bacall's fashion designer while on leave in California at a posh hotel. They marry on a whim after a brief courtship and soon discover their clashing lifestyles will be a greater problem than they anticipated. Delores Gray plays Peck's old flame who isn't quite ready to fade into the background; Sam Levene and Tom Helmore lend capable support as Peck's editor and Bacall's business partner, respectively. A minor Minnelli production that breaks no new ground, it's a delightful diversion all the same.