For Love of Ivy (1968)

Upon learning their maid will be leaving to earn an education, the son of the family decides to set her up with a man.

Director:

Daniel Mann

Writers:

Robert Alan Aurthur (screenplay), Sidney Poitier (original story)

Stars:

Sidney Poitier, Abbey Lincoln, Beau Bridges

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sidney Poitier	...	Jack Parks
Abbey Lincoln	...	Ivy Moore
Beau Bridges	...	Tim Austin
Nan Martin	...	Doris Austin
Lauri Peters	...	Gena Austin
Carroll O'Connor	...	Frank Austin
Leon Bibb	...	Billy Talbot
Hugh Hurd	...	Jerry
Lon Satton	...	Harry
Stanley Greene	...	Eddie
Paul Harris	...	Dealer
Tony Major	...	Dealer
Clark Morgan	...	Dealer
Christopher St. John	...	Dealer
Bob Carey	...	Dealer

Storyline

A white family has had the same black maid for many years. When she tells them she wants to go back to school and will be leaving soon, the 20ish year old son decides what she needs is a change and begins searching for a man to wine her, dine her, but who won't marry her thinking that this will turn her aside from her plans. The man he finds doesn't entirely cooperate.

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Plot Keywords:

maid | manhattan new york city | harlem manhattan new york city | black american | master servant relationship | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

17 July 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Liebling

Filming Locations:

Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

ABC Pictures International, Cinerama Productions Corp., Palomar Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Jennifer O'Neill.

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Quotes

Jack Parks: Looks like you've got a pretty good setup here.
Ivy Moore: Too good. I don't want to die here.
Jack Parks: You've got to die somewhere.
Ivy Moore: Well, isn't it better not to go ignorant and alone?

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Connections

Referenced in Maya Angelou and Still I Rise (2016)

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Soundtracks

For Love of Ivy
Vocal by Shirley Horn
Lyrics by Bob Russell
Music by Quincy Jones

User Reviews

For Love of Sidney

America' love affair with Sidney Poitier, which reached its peak in the 60s, resulted in the need for star vehicles for the actor. One such piece was based on a story conceived by Poitier. Called, "For Love of Ivy," it cast the charismatic actor in a role in which he could wear the latest fashions--slickly tailored suits, sweaters, tuxes, and the like. His female costar, Abbey Lincoln likewise dresses in a varied and stylish wardrobe, looking quite pert and attractive.

The two seem to enjoy their little romantic romp in a lightweight domestic comedy, supported by Beau Bridges and Carroll O'Connor. Too bad the script tends to become a bit limp about midpoint, and never quite regains its zip.

The movie plays better in home video format, where one can lounge back and relax in home surroundings, rather than in the more formal setting of the theater. Then the proceedings become a bit sluggish, it helps to be comfortable. Still, it's fun watching these attractive performers engage in their comedic entanglements, in a brightly designed production, and to a Quincy Jones score.