Cast
View All
Doris Day
as Ellen Wagstaff Arden
James Garner
as Nicholas Arden
Polly Bergen
as Bianca Steele
Thelma Ritter
as Grace Arden
Fred Clark
as Mr. Codd
Don Knotts
as Shoe Clerk
Elliott Reid
as Dr. Herman Schlick
Edgar Buchanan
as Judge Bryson
John Astin
as Clyde Prokey
Pat Harrington, Jr.
as District Attorney
Eddie Quillan
as Bellboy
Max Showalter
as Hotel Desk Clerk
Alvy Moore
as Room Service Waiter
Pami Lee
as Jenny Arden
Leslie Farrell
as Didi Arden
Crew
Director
- Michael Gordon
Producer
- Martin Melcher
- Aaron Rosenberg
Reviews
CinemaSerf
"Ellen" (Doris Day) has been missing for years and even pronounced legally dead when she is returned to civilisation by the US Navy and turns up at her mother-in-law's house. "Grace" (Thelma Ritter) gets quite a surprise, bit luckily she has a thick rug o which to cushion her fall a few times before telling her that her son "Nick" (James Garner) was not going to live his life in solitude for ever and had just married "Bianca" (Polly Bergen). What's more, he has taken her for their honeymoon to the same hotel they went to first time round. "Ellen" is determined to get her man back and so sets off to track them down. Needless to say he gets quite a shock when she shows up, and being legally married to wife number two creates quite a quandary for everyone, especially hotel manager "Codd" (Fred Clark) who probably has the best part here and isn't used to his elite establishment having wife-juggling competitions in it's suites. Calamities galore now ensue as he has to walk quite a tightrope. Does he love "Ellen"? Does she love him? Does he love "Bianca"? She him? Is "Ellen" even alive? Is he allowed to love her? Is he a bigamist? It's quite a fun romp at the start, but once we've laid the foundations it gets a bit repetitive and the humour made me cringe more than laugh after a while. There's some chemistry between Garner and Bergen but somehow Day and he didn't click the way she did with Rock Hudson in, say, "Pillow Talk" (1959). It's still all watchable enough and the denouement with Edgar Buchanan's flabbergasted "Judge Bryson" is quite entertaining.
Jan 12, 2025
Thematic Analysis
Move Over, Darling represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Michael Gordon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Move Over, Darling took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 244 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Move Over, Darling shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Life Less Ordinary, which focuses more on action than character development, Move Over, Darling subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Broken Embraces and Sayedat el kasr explore similar territory, Move Over, Darling stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 19, 1963
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Revenue: $12,705,882
