Marriage Mischief in Vintage Style!

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MOVIE REVIEW
For Love Or Money
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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 1963, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Michael Gordon
Writer(s): Larry Markes, Michael Morris
Cast: Kirk Douglas, Mitzi Gaynor, Gig Young, Thelma Ritter, Leslie Parrish, Julie Newmar, William Bendix, Dick Sargent
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step back into the era of the 1960s, FOR LOVE OR MONEY serves up a delightful cocktail of comedy and romance. The film, directed by Michael Gordon, debuted in 1963, sporting a stellar cast including Kirk Douglas, Mitzi Gaynor, Thelma Ritter, Julie Newmar, Gig Young, Leslie Parrish, and more, who navigate through a series of romantic mishaps with a distinct flair.

The story revolves around Deke Gentry, portrayed by Kirk Douglas, who is typically seen in more intense roles. Deke takes on a rather unusual assignment: orchestrating marriages for the three daughters of his well-to-do client, Chloe Brasher, played by Thelma Ritter. The daughters—Kate (Gaynor), Bonnie (Newmar), and Jan (Parrish)—depict varied takes on 1960s femininity, from intellectual pursuits to health fanaticism to artistic inclinations.

Douglas' dive into the deep end of the comedic waters marks a notable shift from his standard filmography. While he navigates his role with commitment, the transition reveals strengths and gaps in his performance, illustrating the complexities of switching genres without losing one's footing. Despite occasional misses in capturing the genre's quintessential charm, Douglas provides a fresh perspective that showcases his adaptability.

As Kate Brasher, Gaynor lights up the screen in her farewell film role before transitioning to the small screens and stage. Her presence complements Douglas, creating a central romantic thread that is both believable and engaging. Though not as front and center, supporting performances by Newmar and Parrish add depth to the ensemble, enriching the film’s narrative mosaic.

Ritter departs from her more familiar supporting roles to take center stage as Chloe, the matriarch with a master plan for her daughters' love lives. Ritter delivers a mix of authority and wit, driving much of the film’s humor and engaging in clever banter with Douglas, highlighting the script’s sharper moments.

Young delivers a standout performance as the sophisticated yet flawed Sonny Smith. His role as a playboy caught in the tangled webs of Gentry’s matchmaking schemes introduces a comedic zest that permeates the film, significantly enhancing its entertainment value.

FOR LOVE OR MONEY is a spectacle of 1960s aesthetics, with lush color palettes and sets that immerse viewers in the period's style. Gordon’s direction captures this ambiance, although the screenplay by Larry Markes and Michael Morris occasionally runs a little thin. I would have liked to have seen the focus be a little more targeted instead of playing out over so many in the cast.

In conclusion, FOR LOVE OR MONEY encapsulates the charm and challenges of its time, delivering a narrative enriched with performances that resonate well beyond their era. While the film navigates through some predictable moments and would have benefited from a crisper screenplay, it remains a warmly recommended piece for those who appreciate a blend of nostalgic cinematography and light-hearted storytelling.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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