Frank Sinatra plays the part of Charlie Reader, a New York theatrical agent who endeavors to live the life that Hugh Hefner championed in the 50s. But he doesn't try very hard, because--he says--the women come to him. Quite a few films of this era featured stylish bachelor pads with revolving girlfriends.
Charlie says Sylvia (Celeste Holm) is "special", a cut above the other playthings in his life. She plays violin for the NBC Orchestra. And she is a pragmatist, happy in her profession, but hoping Charlie will eventually see the light and want to settle down a la Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls". (Sinatra and Holm will pair up for "High Society", released the following year.)
Longtime buddy, Joe (David Wayne) unexpectedly drops in to visit Charlie. His jaw hits the floor when he sees the beautiful menagerie that Charlie is juggling. The grass is always greener.
Then along comes the fresh-faced talent of Julie Gillis (Debbie Reynolds). She lays out her life plan, which revolves around three children and an imminent marriage to some guy she has yet to meet.
It's the cinematic cliché of the male dream (freedom) versus the female dream (matrimony). Although this film does not shine with production values or sparkle with the witty repartee we might hope for, it has some nice moments. The highlight is probably the title song, which is performed multiple times to good effect. Sinatra uses it to give a master class in phrasing and cool.
Charlie says Sylvia (Celeste Holm) is "special", a cut above the other playthings in his life. She plays violin for the NBC Orchestra. And she is a pragmatist, happy in her profession, but hoping Charlie will eventually see the light and want to settle down a la Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls". (Sinatra and Holm will pair up for "High Society", released the following year.)
Longtime buddy, Joe (David Wayne) unexpectedly drops in to visit Charlie. His jaw hits the floor when he sees the beautiful menagerie that Charlie is juggling. The grass is always greener.
Then along comes the fresh-faced talent of Julie Gillis (Debbie Reynolds). She lays out her life plan, which revolves around three children and an imminent marriage to some guy she has yet to meet.
It's the cinematic cliché of the male dream (freedom) versus the female dream (matrimony). Although this film does not shine with production values or sparkle with the witty repartee we might hope for, it has some nice moments. The highlight is probably the title song, which is performed multiple times to good effect. Sinatra uses it to give a master class in phrasing and cool.