This is an amiable enough romantic comedy with some neat one-liners and a couple of funny moments that are somewhat overshadowed by the mismatching of Clark Gable, the ageing king of Hollywood, and Doris Day – the eternal virgin before she became a virgin. Gable is a quarter of a century older than his leading lady and, placed opposite her relatively fresh-faced looks, his own rumpled features make him look even older than he really was. Of course, back in the 50s cosmetic surgery wasn't available to movie stars the way it is today but, even allowing for the fact that he's supposed to be playing a somewhat rumpled figure, it's clear he wasn't ageing well. Nevertheless, he's still pretty good in the role of an irascible old school newspaper editor who bridles at the idea that journalism can be taught to novices by the likes of teacher Doris, who has never once worked in a newspaper office, and he manages to make his gruff character entirely likable. The outcome is entirely predictable, but it's a fairly diverting journey to reach it, helped by Gig Young's turn as a know-it-all professor whom Gable initially mistakes for Day's love interest.
Review of Teacher's Pet
