The Tunnel of Love (1958)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Gene Kelly

Writers (WGA):

Peter De Vries (novel)
Joseph Fields (play) ...

Release Date:

20 April 1959 (Sweden)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

FROM THE BOLD BLUSHING STAGE HIT OF SEX IN THE SUBURBS! (original print ad - all caps)

Plot:

The Pooles are unable to have a baby after years of trying. They apply to the Rock-A-Bye Adoption Agency...

Plot Keywords:

Baby | Adoption | Pregnant | Barbecue | Pregnancy

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 2 wins

Cast

Doris Day	...	Isolde Poole
Richard Widmark	...	August 'Augie' Poole
Gig Young	...	Dick Pepper
Gia Scala	...	Estelle Novick
Elisabeth Fraser	...	Alice Pepper
Elizabeth Wilson	...	Miss MacCracken
Vikki Dougan	...	Gladys Dunne, actress
Doodles Weaver	...	Escort
Charles Wagenheim	...	Day Motel Man
Robert Williams	...	Night Motel Man
Esquire Trio	...	Themselves, Party Musicians (as The Esquire Trio)

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Perspecta Stereo | 4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (PCA #19000) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Company:

Arwin Productions

Trivia:

Johnny Carson replaced Tom Ewell in the original Broadway production.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: In the scene when the women are on their bikes discussing the $1000 you can see leaves falling from the trees. However when the guys are inside, reference is made that the month is March.

Soundtrack:

Have Lips, Will Kiss in the Tunnel of Love

Unusual casting in a strange comedy

1958 was before Ross Hunter embarked Doris Day on the fabulous career she had in the '60s, in which she would become a top box office draw - in fact, THE box office drawer for years. In "The Tunnel of Love," she plays a sweet, vivacious woman who is desperate to have a baby and can't, so she and her husband, played by Richard Widmark, plan to adopt one. When the adopted baby bears a strong resemblance to Widmark, he becomes sure that the child is the result of an evening he can't remember with the investigative social worker (Gia Scala).

Based on a play, this kind of light, subtly sexual comedy became very popular on the dinner theater circuit in the '60s and '70s, joining the ranks of "Mary, Mary", "The Marriage Go Round," "Boeing Boeing," etc. It is not particularly well directed by Gene Kelly and sports the very strange casting of Richard Widmark as Day's confused husband. I can't agree with the comments here. Though an actor known for playing tough roles and cruel men, he does a credible job here mainly because he knows enough not to play for laughs. He creates a full character, that of a caring if foolish man who adores his wife but screws up occasionally. Gig Young plays the philandering husband next door. He's fine, but the character is very unlikable.

There's not really much to recommend here. I suppose at the time it was considered somewhat suggestive, but it doesn't play well today.