Movie Notes: Pillow Talk

January 26th, 2010

= 4 stars

Starring Doris Day, Rock Hudson, Tony Randall
Directed by Michael Gordon

Synopsis

Career woman Jan (Doris Day) becomes increasingly annoyed with neighbor and womanizing composer Brad (Rock Hudson), with whom she shares a telephone party line. Hilarity ensues.

The Good

• A neat template for every romantic comedy since 1959: man and woman dislike each other, but eventually fall in love. Surrounding details are today’s cliches — lies that get larger and larger, sexual innuendo, assorted friend and neighbors as comic relief, a cute musical soundtrack, a series of dates.
• Hudson and Day have undeniable chemistry, in particular Day’s bright smiles induce the same in Hudson.
• Enough variation to hold interest, mainly Hudson’s attempt to pass himself off as a visiting tourist from Texas.
• One smart musical moment, where Day recognizes some music being composed by Hudson. The melody is echoed by the soundtrack.
• Sexual innuendo is kept suggestive, a refreshing change from the raunchy comedy that has become all-too-common.

The Bad

• Ultimately, quite superficial, and the last flip-around where Jan finally falls for Brad is a but sudden. Thankfully, it isn’t dwelled on too long.

Conclusion

In addition to It Happened One Night and Roman Holiday, Pillow Talk is a nearly perfect template for the romantic comedy.

IMDB: Pillow Talk
Wikipedia: Pillow Talk
Rotten Tomatoes: Pillow Talk 92%