Don't Go Near the Water (1957)

Review by All Movie Guide
A middling service comedy, Don't Go Near the Water certainly has the look of a winner. Glossy and slick -- much like the public relations officers the film is concerned with -- Water skims along the surface of its comedic subject without ever getting its feet very wet. While there's more than a touch of satire here, it's surprisingly toothless, the kind that flirts with cynicism without letting itself get too involved in what that cynicism really means. However, for those that don't mind its superficiality, Water should be very enjoyable. Certainly Dorothy Kingsley and George Wells' screenplay is professionally put together, and their gags are properly built up, with pay-offs that reward more often than not. Charles Walters' direction is efficient and smooth, if not especially inspired or imaginative, and the cast is made up of pleasant actors and committed comics. Glenn Ford handles the lead role well, offering more in the way of personality and appeal than exceptional comic timing, which is not a bad thing at all. Anne Francis, Gia Scala and Eva Gabor are delightful to look at, which is what is required of them, which leaves the likes of Keenan Wynn, Fred Clark, Mary Wickes and Mickey Shaughnessy to keep the comedy bright -- a goal they do their best to achieve. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide