A Lighthearted Tale of Love and Mistaken Identity

Read Time:4 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
That Funny Feeling (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 1965, 2025 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 63m
Director(s): Richard Thorpe
Writer(s): David R. Schwartz, Norman Barasch, Carroll Moore
Cast: Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin, Donald O'Connor
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: A playful blend of romance and comedy, this mid-century Hollywood classic aims to whisk its audience into a world of humor and charm. Anchored by Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, the film carries a lighthearted energy that speaks to the golden age of romantic comedies, where mistaken identities and quirky misunderstandings set the stage for laughter and love. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers enough charm and sincerity to make it a breezy, enjoyable experience.

Joan Howell (Dee) is at the story's heart, a young actress juggling her aspirations and a day job as a maid. In a moment of impulsive creativity, she invites Tom Milford (Darin,) a dashing publisher she’s dating, to what she claims is her apartment. But wait, there’s a twist! This premise sets the tone for the following antics as Joan and Tom navigate their budding romance amidst a backdrop of deception and hilariously awkward encounters. Dee’s portrayal of Joan exudes warmth and sincerity, making her character feel genuine, while Darin balances suave confidence with a touch of vulnerability, giving Tom an engaging personality.

The ensemble cast plays a vital role in elevating the script. As Joan’s roommate, Audrey, Nita Talbot brings humor and a sense of practicality to the mix, creating an excellent foil for Joan’s idealistic outlook. As Tom’s perplexed friend and boss, Harvey Granson, Donald O'Connor injects moments of levity with his seasoned comedic timing. Together, the supporting characters create a lively and engaging world, even as the story leans on familiar tropes.

Visually, the movie is a polished display of mid-20th-century glamour. Jean Louis’s costume designs for Sandra Dee stand out, emphasizing her character’s charm and sophistication, even if they occasionally feel too extravagant for her modest lifestyle. The vibrant sets and meticulous attention to detail showcase the era’s studio-driven commitment to aesthetics, adding escapism to the viewing experience. The production design effectively mirrors the story’s themes of appearances versus reality, highlighting the contrast between the characters’ outward personas and their true selves.

The humor in the film is a mix of situational comedy and clever dialogue, though it leans more heavily on the former. This balance works well for the most part, but there are moments where the comedic beats feel slightly forced or overly reliant on the setup’s contrivances. Nevertheless, the film’s charm lies in its willingness to embrace its lighthearted identity, never taking itself too seriously and delivering on the promise of feel-good entertainment.

This film highlights the strengths and limitations of Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin’s partnership in the broader context of their collaborations. While their real-life relationship adds an extra layer of intrigue to their performances, it’s clear that the material they were given didn’t always rise to the occasion. Like their other projects, the film prioritizes accessibility and marketability over innovation, resulting in a fun yet fleeting addition to the romantic comedy genre.

The film offers a delightful snapshot of its era for audiences seeking a nostalgic escape. It captures the polished charm of 60s Hollywood, complete with catchy music, lively performances, and a whimsical narrative that prioritizes heart over complexity. While its adherence to formula may prevent it from standing out among its peers, it remains a testament to the era’s ability to craft movies that resonate with audiences on a simple, emotional level.

Dee’s career reflects Hollywood’s golden age when young stars were often thrust into the spotlight, their personas carefully curated for public consumption. While not her most significant work, this film showcases her innate ability to bring authenticity and warmth to the screen.

Ultimately, this film reminds us of a time when romantic comedies were designed to be comforting escapes. It may not break new ground, but it succeeds in delivering moments of laughter and romance that resonate. For fans of vintage cinema, it’s a charming window into the past, offering a glimpse of the era’s unique blend of glamour, humor, and heartfelt storytelling.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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