One of Webster's definitions of humor describes it as being ludicrous or absurdly incongruous. So, people who decry this movie as such might themselves be without a sense of humor. As for claims of miscasting of Richard Widmark, I think that shows how we become so set in our views that we stereotype actors.
I don't ever recall having seen this film in the theater when I was in high school, or on TV in later years. It is part of the Doris Day DVD collection I recently bought. And these 50 plus years later, I found this to be a very entertaining and well-acted movie. The script is a very good general portrayal of the times and how people felt about children, family, fidelity, etc. Gig Young's part might be a rare exception in real life, but his straying character is important for the movie where Widmark's character plays off of him.
Young's Dick Pepper is an inconsiderate, boozing, neighbor with a family that he seems hardly to care about. He has wandering eyes and is very much a sleezy character. Widmark's Augie Poole loves and dotes on his wife. While tolerating his crass neighbor, he feels and shows a sense of guilt and betrayal of Isolde, played by Doris Day. Augie had taken too many pills for his nerves and passed out when he had a dinner date with Estelle Novick, a social worker. He doesn't remember what happened that night, but thinks the worst when the adoption home gives them a baby that very closely resembles him.
I think Widmark was exceptionally good in his role. Like most other reviewers, I probably had a notion of Widmark as a gangster, tough guy or bad guy, with an occasional Army or Navy hero thrown in. But here he gives a great performance - out of his usual character - of any man, and how he might have felt and thought and behaved like in such a situation in the 1950s. I think the consternation, anxiety and angst that Widmark shows at different times makes him so real. The stereotypical actors we might normally think of for this role would not have given it that real human touch. Theirs would have been the light treatment where everyone has a good laugh in the film. This was a masterful job, in my view, of humor with pathos. Only a very good actor could pull that off, and I think Widmark did it very well.
To be fair with moviegoers, I must say that I think I probably would not have enjoyed this film as much when it was made. Again, mostly because of my idea of what Widmark should play. We also had different ideas back then of Doris Day and the roles she should play. And that's probably why this movie didn't do well at the box office.
But today, I'm glad I can enjoy this film as a very good example of acting by the entire cast in a rather sophisticated comedy. The comedy comes mostly from innuendo and misunderstandings among the characters. Although, there are some funny lines spread throughout the film - mostly between August and Dick.
As for the plot - I like to remember that Hollywood puts out fiction even with its most adept efforts for accuracy in biographical and historical films. But for comedy, some of the very best films of all time have been those with the most unlikely plots. About the only thing in this movie that doesn't make sense is its title with accompanying song. But then, that's in the congruity of Hollywood humor. Or did I miss something in that too?
Here are some of the best funny - or poignant lines from this film.
Augie Pool, "If Van Gogh had been married to a woman like you, he'd still have both his ears."
Dick Pepper, "Oh, what a lovely thing. Just to look at her sends the blood coursing through my veins." Augie Poole, "In contrast to the usual route it takes."
Augie Poole, "What's another moose head over the fireplace in your life?"
Augie Poole, "You know, Miss Novick, uh.... It's hard to think of you as a woman of science." Estelle Novick, "I run into that all the time". Augie, "I'll bet."
Alice Pepper, "It wouldn't hurt you to play with your children once in a while." Dick Pepper, "We have nothing in common. They bore me. Being a parent is just feeding the mouth that bites you."
Augie Poole, "Oh, stop patronizing me, you Madison Avenue extrovert."
Alice Pepper, "Just remember, you're the host." Dick Pepper, "Okay, okay. I promise not to enjoy myself."
Alice Pepper, "Boy, if Dick ever waited on me, I'd either have him committed or have him watched."
Augie Poole, "Oh, I, I was never cut out to lead a double life. I can't even have a single life."
Dick Pepper, "Maybe it is best to come clean and tell her everything. Confession is good for the soul." Augie Poole, "Only in the sense that a tweed coat is good for dandruff."
Dick Pepper, "You go to the Bible for inspiration. Let me remind you of something. When Daniel got out of the lion's den, he didn't go back for his hat."
