(Maybe spoilers herein)
In spite of an ominous start (a bit too much about the family history of the Montand character) and the annoying Montand (awkward-looking and charmless), the film grew on me as I sat through it. It turned out to be none of what the trailer tried so hard to sell: a story about people who are love- and sex-obsessed. Instead I was pleasantly surprised.
It is refreshing and marvellous to watch Marilyn as the ambitious and good-hearted stage performer, so unlike one of those "dumb blonde" roles considered typical of her screen persona. I *love* the catchy musical numbers,which are just the right amount, not too much to distract one from the plot. My favorites are My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Specialization and the title song. Marilyn is not at her most stunning here, probably a result of excessive dependence on drug and alcohol..but she still looks adorable, cheerful and full of life throughout the film. Overall the film is a delight to watch, marked for the decent script, sometimes funny dialogue, smooth direction and a great cast (after all I would say Montand is acceptable) I am sure I will visit this overlooked gem multiple times.
In spite of an ominous start (a bit too much about the family history of the Montand character) and the annoying Montand (awkward-looking and charmless), the film grew on me as I sat through it. It turned out to be none of what the trailer tried so hard to sell: a story about people who are love- and sex-obsessed. Instead I was pleasantly surprised.
It is refreshing and marvellous to watch Marilyn as the ambitious and good-hearted stage performer, so unlike one of those "dumb blonde" roles considered typical of her screen persona. I *love* the catchy musical numbers,which are just the right amount, not too much to distract one from the plot. My favorites are My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Specialization and the title song. Marilyn is not at her most stunning here, probably a result of excessive dependence on drug and alcohol..but she still looks adorable, cheerful and full of life throughout the film. Overall the film is a delight to watch, marked for the decent script, sometimes funny dialogue, smooth direction and a great cast (after all I would say Montand is acceptable) I am sure I will visit this overlooked gem multiple times.