Goodbye Charlie (1964)

Goodbye Charlie is a lot like its Andre Previn/Dory Langdon theme song -- it gives a good impression of swinging, even though, at heart, it's pretty square. Nothing in Charlie really clicks the way it's supposed to, but it's harmless and diverting enough that most people won't mind spending a couple of hours in its presence. The lion's share of the blame for its flaws rests with the George Axelrod play upon which it is based and the Harry Kurnitz screen adaptation. There's simply not a lot to this tale, either in terms of plot, theme, or character development. The authors started with a high concept, but never really gave it enough juice to help it develop a good head of steam. Worse, most of the jokes -- very important in this kind of sex comedy -- provoke smiles rather than belly laughs. Director Vincente Minnelli doesn't do enough to take up the slack; the film is professionally directed, but a little hesitant, as if Minnelli feels uncomfortable with the mildly racy aspect of the material. Still, it does have his flair for creating pleasing visuals, and the production design is smart and sharp. Best of all is the cast, who sail through the goings-on like the pros they are. If Debbie Reynolds is not ideal casting, you'd never know it from the verve with which she attacks the part, swaggering so much that she'd practically dare you to prove there was no hair on her chest. (She also has never looked more stunning in her life.) Tony Curtis and Pat Boone do everything they're supposed to do, and there's nifty support from Martin Gabel, Joanna Barnes, and a young Ellen Burstyn. It's no great movie, but Goodbye Charlie's cast makes it reasonably smooth sailing. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide