Send Me No Flowers (1964)

Exceedingly lightweight, Send Me No Flowers gets by due to its engaging cast, rather than its sometimes irritating script. Said script also has a fundamental flaw -- the most predominant example being that Doris Day and Rock Hudson are married when the story opens, thus robbing the film of the sexual tension and interplay that make the stars' earlier pairings work. Without that, there's a bit of a hole at the center of Flowers, and the screenwriters have not supplied enough wit and vitality to disguise this fact. In addition, the basic premise of the film is too "Hollywood" and is supported by plot turns that are much too predictable and clichéd. Although Norman Jewison directs lightly and sprightly, the limits of the screenplay still place a big burden on the cast. Fortunately, Hudson and Day are in top form, displaying the same chemistry that was such a big asset on previous outings and going through the mechanics of the plot with a commitment that makes the clichéd seem almost fresh. As usual, Tony Randall steals the show with his impeccable timing and delivery, and there's also able assist from Paul Lynde and Edward Andrews. In the end, Flowers is no bed of roses, but the stars make it an appealing little springtime bouquet. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide