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The Grass Is Greener

The Grass Is Greener

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Excellent ensemble leads English comedy
Review: For fans of the four leads, this film is deligthfully silly and very enjoyable. Cary Grant gives a sly twist to the stereotypical stiff English gentleman; Deborah Kerr (always a pleasure to watch) is perfect as his wife; Jean Simmons provides dotty support as Kerr's friend, and Robert Mitchum has a little fun for once with a comedic role. If you enjoyed the romantic dramas "An Affair to Remember" and "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison," this is a nice antidote; for fans of Grant, Kerr and Mitchum, this is a must-see. (For fans of Kerr or Mitchum, don't miss the third film in their trilogy of pairings, "The Sundowners.") A bit long but otherwise quite fun.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Grant's Coolest Role!
Review: Grant is so suave and cool in this one! As a big-time Cary Grant fan, I am qualified to say that this is one of his best! A little older, very mature, funny, romantic, Grant is cool and calculating handling his wife with the eye for the American. This is a must see for any Grant fan! ENJOY!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: not worth it!
Review: I bought this film, because
1. I like Stanley Donen (Singin' in the rain etc.)
2. I especially love Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr
3. I think Jean Simmons is a pretty fine actress
BUT
I must say that this film wasn't worth seeing it. The story was about nothing, there wasn't any interesting plot.
I admit there was one or two funny scene (for example when the two couple telephoned to each other or the pistol duel) but the rest there were long and boring without any humour.

If you like interesting films: buy All about Eve, or if you like Cary Grant or Deborah Kerr as I do: buy anything else...

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: DVD is low on features
Review: I don't even know what Dundee cake is, but I like this movie. Cary Grant as the befuddled, cool, supercilious, angry, calm, loving, clever, wronged, vengeful, forgiving Lord Rile does indeed excel. Deborah Kerr as the lady of the house who falls for Robert Mitchum, quite good. Mitchum's not bad at playing the cad. Jean Simmons as the bibulous, gossipy friend Hattie -- priceless.

But the dialogue, the verbal joustings, the rapid-fire wit: a marvel. As it turns out, there's jousting of a non-verbal variety, too. There's a weekend spent fishing. There are mysteries solved. There are lies covered and uncovered. There are knowing glances. There are panicky schemes and "friendly" phone calls. And most of the time, for the happy viewer, there is laughter. And admiration of this very elegant, very witty, funny and serious film.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Do you like Dundee cake, Mr Delacro?
Review: I don't even know what Dundee cake is, but I like this movie. Cary Grant as the befuddled, cool, supercilious, angry, calm, loving, clever, wronged, vengeful, forgiving Lord Rile does indeed excel. Deborah Kerr as the lady of the house who falls for Robert Mitchum, quite good. Mitchum's not bad at playing the cad. Jean Simmons as the bibulous, gossipy friend Hattie -- priceless.

But the dialogue, the verbal joustings, the rapid-fire wit: a marvel. As it turns out, there's jousting of a non-verbal variety, too. There's a weekend spent fishing. There are mysteries solved. There are lies covered and uncovered. There are knowing glances. There are panicky schemes and "friendly" phone calls. And most of the time, for the happy viewer, there is laughter. And admiration of this very elegant, very witty, funny and serious film.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: DVD is low on features
Review: I have long been a major fan of this movie, having first seen it on televion in the 1960's. I bought the first tape when it was available and replaced that with the widescreen version when that became available. I was glad to replace that one too with the new dvd. I enjoy the dvd which features a really crisp picture and good sound but I was disappointed that there were almost no features to go with it. The dvd doesn't even include the theatrical trailor that was on the widescreen tape version. Other tapes from Universal include production stills and notes, screen tests, news reel footage and interviews of the time. It's a pity none of that type of material was included. Considering that two of the major actors (Kerr and Simmons) and the director are still very much with us, it is very disappointing that no commentaries were included either.
So, I love the story and the performances and the disc is a welcome addition to my dvd collection, but it's an adequate meal that could easily have been a banquet!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Marvelous Movie With Top Talent!
Review: I recently caught this movie on cable and had to add it to my collection. Everyone in this film is brilliant, Deborah Kerr, Cary Grant, Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons. While touring a mansion Mitchum's character meets up with Kerr's and sparks fly. Watch how the always suave and debonair Cary Grant catches on to their attraction and how hard he tried to save their marriage. Jean Simmons is hilarious as Kerr's ditzy best friend. A bit soap-opera-ish at times but worth the effort of watching the story unfold. It also beats anything that is out there among the current crop of movies. They sure don't make 'em like this anymore, nor is there anyone this talented in showbiz anymore!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Amusing If You Don't Expect Much
Review: I'll bet that when Mitchum was announced for the movie Hollywood sniggered. Yet I think he did a good job, and held his own with Grant. I've always liked Jean Simmons and think she's a fine actress. For all her fine-boned aristocratic looks, she can play a wide variety of roles. Check out the variety of her talent, before she came to America, as Ophelia in Olivier's Hamlet, as the native girl in Black Narcissus, and as the young Estella in Great Expectations. Grant had three heavy-weight actors to play with, and I think the combined skill level shows in the movie. It's one more drawing room comedy that, for me, gets a little tiresome, but it's watchable and amusing. I think a lot of the credit for this goes to the Grant/Mitchum casting, and to Simmons.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: This is a comedy?
Review: Seriously, I didn't even think that this was a comedy until I came here and saw people saying "it wasn't funny." I got it as part of a boxed set of Cary Grant films (purchased here), and it's the only dud of the lot.

There was one scene that, I will grant you, was light and entertaining. Not laugh out loud, but funny enough (I won't spoil it by saying which one). Aside from that, the film struck me as a rather unbelievable farce about infidelity.

Most of all, you could almost feel the very talented cast trying to keep this elephant airborne. Grant and Simmons, in particular, are strong - but their efforts are ultimately squandered. Bob Mitchum is OK, but generally miscast, and Kerr's beauty and talent are basically wasted. No amount of acting would allow you to believe that anyone could act as impetuously and stupidly as she does here. She goes from happily married to tramp in about 5 minutes, for no discernible reason.

Overall acting: C (Grant/Simmons: B)
Directing: F
Writing: D-

I understand that this film caters more to English tastes, and that's fine, but I found it most un-satisfying.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great movie, so-so DVD
Review: The digital transfer is good, but I was dissapointed how few "extras" were on the disk.

The movie itself speaks for itself. One of my favorite comedies with Cary Grant in it. I love this movie.


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