tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post1337629553445263552..comments2024-02-05T21:23:49.249-08:00Comments on Lady Eve's Reel Life: Gene Kelly's Brief Sojourn, "Let's Make Love" (1960)The Lady Evehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-70488094172869766642012-12-12T23:33:35.979-08:002012-12-12T23:33:35.979-08:00Hi Mikado (et al) -
So glad you enjoyed my musings...Hi Mikado (et al) -<br />So glad you enjoyed my musings on "Let's Make Love" - it was the last of several pieces about or related to Marilyn Monroe that I posted a few months ago. <br />As many times as I've wished Marilyn had survived to finish "Something's Got to Give" and gone on to make "What a Way to Go!", I never got as far as thinking about her playing Margaret Dumont's daughter. The mind reels, indeed... The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-4221319024845931462012-12-12T22:26:11.610-08:002012-12-12T22:26:11.610-08:00Hello -
Just checked out and loved your review. ...Hello -<br /><br />Just checked out and loved your review. I have to say "Specialization" gets on my nerves, while I like a "pre-mod" MM in "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." I also agree this film is dullish at the beginning, though I attribute that more to Yves than MM.<br /><br />I've seen most of "What a Way to Go" and just thought...Margaret Dumont: Marilyn Monroe's Mama. The mind reels.The Mikado, et al.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09935464602120412414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-58572130851919937232012-08-26T21:22:09.564-07:002012-08-26T21:22:09.564-07:00Page, I didn't realize when I chose "Let&...Page, I didn't realize when I chose "Let's Make Love" that Gene Kelly was in it quite as briefly as he was. 30 seconds? 60? Not very long. This, of course, forced me to get creative.<br /><br />After reading of the experiences of producers and directors and other actors involved with the films Marilyn made once she was a superstar (and increasingly unstable), I developed great sympathy for them. For example, Marilyn lost it over the fact that another blonde was in the cast of "Let's Make Love" - this was verboten and she wanted the woman fired and scenes re-shot. When the studio looked into the matter and watched the rushes, they discovered the actress she was raving about was a redhead and had been throughout shooting. There was no other blonde. That was when Fox began to believe she was out of her mind.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-43162519946031758452012-08-26T13:44:26.724-07:002012-08-26T13:44:26.724-07:00LE.
I apologize for being so late to your review.
...LE.<br />I apologize for being so late to your review.<br /><br />I loved your starting out with the current events of 1960. I actually cheered upon reading about JFK being elected. : ) <br /><br />It really is sad that Monroe was struggling so much during this time in her life. It's amazing that any director would agree to work with her but I guess they had no choice given her popularity and ability to fill the seats.<br /><br />It says a lot about Gene's professionalism. and need for perfection that he was able to swoop in during his already busy schedule. get his cameo done and then get out of there. I wonder how he would have reacted given a larger part where he would have been present. held up for days on end with Monroe's 'issues'?<br /><br />You've given us another interesting piece here. LE. I really enjoyed it.<br /><br />See ya later! <br />PagePagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15063277863578004836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-75007548519016411582012-08-25T16:11:31.315-07:002012-08-25T16:11:31.315-07:00CFB, You may be best left with your faint memory o...CFB, You may be best left with your faint memory of "Let's Make Love" - but I would be curious to know what you think if you do watch it again.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-30424566181854917742012-08-24T16:23:22.041-07:002012-08-24T16:23:22.041-07:00I can always count on you to provide fascinating b...I can always count on you to provide fascinating background to a film. I must admit I don't remember anything about this film and remember it being pleasant but little more. Classicfilmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01278928051994100842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-45714855900657955642012-08-22T21:01:36.082-07:002012-08-22T21:01:36.082-07:00Dawn, I watched "Let's Make Love" th...Dawn, I watched "Let's Make Love" three times in preparation for this post and I have to say I may have one more viewing in me, but that is just about it (much as I enjoy the cameos and the blossoming of Yves Montand's character). Stepping back in time, though, I enjoy doing that and will probably do it again.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-21939537456498004722012-08-22T20:12:39.938-07:002012-08-22T20:12:39.938-07:00R.D., My take on Yves Montand in "Let's M...R.D., My take on Yves Montand in "Let's Make Love" is that once he reveals more of his character than the befuddled billionaire, he becomes more and more engaging. By the end, he has charmed me. I have trouble watching Marilyn in this one. Only toward the end, after she has put some clothes on and looks revived and refreshed (less tired and untidy) does she seem to fully project that glow and energy that was her gift. I don't care for any of her musical numbers with the possible exception of "Specialization." I also have problems with the look of this film. Dull! So much so that I looked into those responsible for set decoration and art direction - Oscar nominee/winners all. If only it had had some of the color and style of "Bell Book and Candle" - and a bit of its subtler sexiness.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-4571989379951614252012-08-22T11:49:45.618-07:002012-08-22T11:49:45.618-07:00Eve, I saw this not long ago and must have liked i...Eve, I saw this not long ago and must have liked it more than most. I actually liked Marilyn in the picture and thought the part capitalized on her strengths as an actress-personality, rather like "The Prince and the Showgirl." I was surprised to learn that Arthur Miller contributed to the script. I'd be hard pressed to identify anything Miller-like about the movie. I was disappointed that Kelly's cameo was so brief, even for a cameo. What really surprised me, though, was how good and how charismatic Montand was in that fantasy sequence where he imagines he CAN sing and dance. He was terrific! I came away from the movie wishing he had been given the opportunity at some point in his career to star in a musical built around his charm and music-dancing talent.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-18261812166872550042012-08-22T11:20:51.747-07:002012-08-22T11:20:51.747-07:00I really enjoyed your stepping back in time post. ...I really enjoyed your stepping back in time post. I agree... this is not Marilyn's best film, but her performance is very cute and lot of fun. The cameos are awesome, they really make the film worth watching on a rainy afternoon with a hot cup of tea...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09421976438809816553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-7381136906909110522012-08-21T21:18:42.150-07:002012-08-21T21:18:42.150-07:00Rachel, As I understand it, Gregory Peck was consi...Rachel, As I understand it, Gregory Peck was considered ideal for a character who begins the film as rather dull and awkward. The fact that he didn't sing or dance and had no reputation for comedy was seen as a plus. Interesting that a sophisticated French song-&-dance man ended up in the role. I'm not sure Jack Lemmon would have agreed to work with Marilyn so soon after "Some Like it Hot" (she severely exasperated cast and crew on the film), plus he was already involved with Wilder's "The Apartment." Gene Kelly might well have been ideal, but I don't think he could have saved this one. I don't like to write negative reviews so approached "Let's Make Love" from a perspective more interesting to me (and so glad you liked it).The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-87418180500427288052012-08-21T19:39:44.684-07:002012-08-21T19:39:44.684-07:00I've always been warned away from this film by...I've always been warned away from this film by Monroe fans and your review helps me understand why. I wonder why Gregory Peck was slated for the fumbling billionaire role; on paper it sounds like something for Jack Lemmon or well, Gene Kelly. I like that you give so much background on this film and why it was troubled, in lieu of just beating up on it. Glad you reviewed it!Aubynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00446079492480611898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-57770902949015644662012-08-21T16:35:20.907-07:002012-08-21T16:35:20.907-07:00FlickChick, Even in some of her other lesser films...FlickChick, Even in some of her other lesser films ("River of No Return," "The Prince and the Showgirl"), Marilyn was lovely and had an electric presence onscreen, so the fact that she seems washed out and somewhat frowzy at the beginning of "Let's Make Love" is perhaps the biggest indicator of all that the film is going nowhere. The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-70290103326905643432012-08-21T15:40:47.048-07:002012-08-21T15:40:47.048-07:00The sadness of Marilyn hangs over this film like a...The sadness of Marilyn hangs over this film like a dark cloud. The cameos were by far its brightest moments, Gene being one of them (and anything with Tony Randall always gets my attention. A wonderful write-up on all other things Gene that were going on. Mr. Kelly was, indeed, more than a cameo!FlickChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17351624749230610755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-54551357936320863492012-08-21T13:40:20.520-07:002012-08-21T13:40:20.520-07:00MCB, Gene Kelly was quite versatile - a great danc...MCB, Gene Kelly was quite versatile - a great dancer, he could also choreograph, act, sing and direct. Considering the changing times he lived in, he was fortunate to be so multi-talented. Otherwise, I doubt his career could possibly have spanned the '30s through the '90s. Marilyn Monroe made a few clinkers during her heyday and "Let's Make Love" is definitely one of them. The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-72165497553493374372012-08-21T13:32:33.165-07:002012-08-21T13:32:33.165-07:00Kim, This seems to have been one of those producti...Kim, This seems to have been one of those productions that was hit by a "perfect storm" of problems. The Writers Guild strike certainly didn't help - Arthur Miller rewriting a romantic comedy/musical seems beyond bizarre. Marilyn originally was excited about the film - but her performance for much of it consists primarily of much wriggling, simpering and cooing of sexy songs while attired in skimpy/sheer little costumes.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-30091067847086678072012-08-21T13:23:02.776-07:002012-08-21T13:23:02.776-07:00Caftan Woman, My best advice on "Let's Ma...Caftan Woman, My best advice on "Let's Make Love" is to fast forward to Milton Berle's appearance and watch from there. Yes, Gene Kelly must've loved to work, he was always occupied with a project of one kind or another - and kept busy till the end of his life.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-76215412999911469982012-08-21T13:16:39.757-07:002012-08-21T13:16:39.757-07:00Lasso, His part was small but his talent was huge....Lasso, His part was small but his talent was huge. He and Milton Berle and Bing Crosby add the magic this picture desperately needed.The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-24323161254978500902012-08-21T13:12:53.730-07:002012-08-21T13:12:53.730-07:00John, Gene Kelly has the least screen time of any ...John, Gene Kelly has the least screen time of any of the uncredited cameo guests - very little at all. But it is with the appearance of Berle (especially), Crosby and Kelly that the movie picks up. Had Marilyn only lived to make (and been capable of making) "What a Way to Go!", she and Gene Kelly would have had a chance to co-star in a film (he played one of Shirley MacLaine's husbands - along with Dick Van Dyke, Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum and Dean Martin).The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-22944108662909076092012-08-21T12:59:46.828-07:002012-08-21T12:59:46.828-07:00Thanks, Jacqueline, I don't usually write abou...Thanks, Jacqueline, I don't usually write about films I don't much care for, so it was an interesting exercise to look at it from the perspective of background and in the context of Gene Kelly's career at the time. The Lady Evehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963115499930520653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-58207683617087616942012-08-21T11:15:03.465-07:002012-08-21T11:15:03.465-07:00Interesting, well-researched background, Eve. &quo...Interesting, well-researched background, Eve. "Let's Make Love" may be my least favorite Monroe film. I can't help but think Gene Kelly would have been better than Montand in the male lead, especially in the segment where he's being coached by Milton Berle. I loved Berle's disbelief at the billionare's total lack of comedic timing. I enjoyed Kelly as the cynical reporter in "Inherit the Wind" - now that was quite a cast. Gene Kelly's musicals came at the end of an era - the music and people's tastes were changing.Motorcycle Boynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-58643401176540423052012-08-21T09:52:18.681-07:002012-08-21T09:52:18.681-07:00As always, Eve, you article is well-written and wo...As always, Eve, you article is well-written and wonderfully informative. Let's Make Love has an interesting premise, so had it been done right it could have become a classic. It is sad that Monroe was really never allowed to escape the caricature that Hollywood created for her. Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-2972727569075609692012-08-21T09:13:15.660-07:002012-08-21T09:13:15.660-07:00I really enjoyed your fascinating article. Gene K...I really enjoyed your fascinating article. Gene Kelly must have loved to keep busy. "Let's Make Love" is a family I have avoided through the years, but I must take a peek one of these days just for the cameo appearances.Caftan Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05936895555808823221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-85237828230678945682012-08-21T08:31:28.380-07:002012-08-21T08:31:28.380-07:00Thanks for the great write up and for the backgrou...Thanks for the great write up and for the background information. It's funny how Gene Kelly's small part means so much to the picture.Lasso The Movieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03221402578681699727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8509825018139758536.post-26734748418162248972012-08-21T08:16:01.495-07:002012-08-21T08:16:01.495-07:00Fascinating background information. I forgot Kelly...Fascinating background information. I forgot Kelly was even in this film, be it a cameo.It actually would have been nice if Kelly and Monroe could have co-starred in a film together.John/24Frameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14719659042858962026noreply@blogger.com