The Reluctant Debutante (1958)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Vincente Minnelli

Writers:

William Douglas-Home (play)
William Douglas-Home (screenplay)

Release Date:

9 March 1959 (Sweden)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

MGM presents the Comedy-Romance in luscious COLOR!

Plot:

Jimmy and Sheila Broadbent (Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall), welcome to London Jimmy's 17-year-old daughter...

Plot Keywords:

Debutante | Drummer | Ball | Male Female Relationship | Guard

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Rex Harrison	...	Jimmy Broadbent
Kay Kendall	...	Sheila Broadbent
John Saxon	...	David Parkson
Sandra Dee	...	Jane Broadbent
Angela Lansbury	...	Mabel Claremont
Peter Myers	...	David Fenner
Diane Clare	...	Clarissa Claremont

Runtime:

94 min | 96 min (TCM print)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Perspecta Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Finland:S | USA:Approved (PCA #19004)

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Company:

Avon Productions (II)

Trivia:

For years John Saxon said he had been bothered by something about Sandra Dee during filming that he just couldn't put his finger on. Decades later he figured out what it was - because she'd lied about her age, she was only 14 years old.

Quotes:

Sheila Broadbent: What! David Fenner? Let me speak to him again. David, this is Sheila. About your mother, darling...
David Fenner: Well, I'm afraid she's dead, actually.
Sheila Broadbent: Yes, I know, darling, that's why I'm so sorry about asking you to give her my love.
David Fenner: I'm afraid I can't, because she's dead.
Sheila Broadbent: I know, darling, that's why I'm so sorry. It was such a silly mistake to make.
David Fenner: Well, she couldn't help it, actually.

Movie Connections:

Remade as What a Girl Wants (2003)

A thoroughly delightful romp which will keep you coming back for more

I love this film... So does my wife, we love it together. love love love. Rex Harison is very dry, with always brilliant delivery a little Henry Higgins'esquire on occasion but funnier in my opinion this time round. Kay Kendall's Sheila is astonishing and full of wonder for her snobbery, competitive instincts and neurosis. She makes me hoot.

The foolish David Fenner is infuriatingly silly yet gold to watch.

The music captures the feel of the 50's beautifully, with an almost Cliff Richard like quality... Actually my wife is disputing that comment, it's much more American than Cliff in her opinion. It's jazzy. jazz jazz jazz. Big band. It makes me want to dance every time I see it. One of my favourite quotes from Sheila whilst dancing... "mmmmm, this song drives me out of my mind"

You can watch this film over and over, we have been for the last 15 years and it doesn't get old at all. Watch it with different friends and they will love you for it. That's what we do. love love love.