A Trilogy of Romance

I realize that we usually talk about just one movie, but what the hay, I feel like talking about three and maybe a mention of a forth. The three movies I would like to discuss are "Pillow Talk," "Lover Come Back," and "Send Me No Flowers." If you are not familiar with these titles they are the three movies that Rock Hudson, Doris Day and Tony Randall stared in together. I have to say that I am a huge Doris Day fan, actually sitting here I can't think of a single movie I have seen with her that I have not liked. However, this is not a review for praising Doris Day, what it is though is a review to praise the team of Rock Hudson, Doris Day and Tony Randall.

Although Rock Hudson and Doris Day alike made many romantic movies in their career, I would argue that the best ones by far are the ones that they made together. The two had what a perfect on-screen chemistry and once you add Tony Randall to the mix you have a fabulous comedic team.

In "Send Me No Flowers," Rock Hudson plays Doris Day's husband and also happens to be a hypochondriac. In one of his many trips to the doctor's office he mistakenly thinks he only has two weeks to live. Loving his wife so, he decides to set out and find her a new husband, only for her to think he is having an affair. "Lover Come Back" features the couple playing competing advertising executives. Doris Day gets tired of Rock Hudson wining and dining his way to the top, and comedy and romance ensue over a manipulation on Rock Hudson's part that goes wrong. And last but not least, "Pillow Talk," which is my personal favorite of all three of these movies. Rock Hudson and Doris Day play two people that share a phone on a party line. They frequently annoy one another until one day when Rock sees Doris and becomes quite smitten. He invents a new character called Rex, a smooth talking southern gentleman that quickly romances Doris. All goes well of course until Doris finds out the scam. "Pillow Talk" was the first movie of this comedic trio and has set the bar for so many other romantic comedies to come. This movie uses split screen shots to tell a good deal of the story, which only adds to an already outstanding script. The scenes where Rex and Jan (Doris' character) are talking on the phone are really a remarkable sight. In one scene where they are talking on the phone, both characters are in a bath, through the use of the split screen they touch their feet together. Oh well I guess you should just check it out to see what I am talking about. If you need immediate visualisation this was done in "Down with Love," this movie was nothing more than a type and shadow of a Rock Hudson and Doris Day movie.


Almost all romantic comedies follow a certain formula, this is present in all three of these movies and so many movies have been styled after this method since their release. For example, there is always a conflict for the main characters, an explosion of the relationship resulting from the conflict and finally resolution and happily ever after. Now I know that not all romantic comedies follow this, but the vast majority of them do. Tony Randall creates the Best Friend aspect of these movie, this is always an important element to romantic comedies. The best friend is always an aide in resolving the conflict and brings much needed quick witted humor to the story. Yet I would have to say that the humor he brings to these movies is just an added bonus, because the banter that goes on between Rock Hudson and Doris Day is laugh out loud hilarious. Also, I have to point out that the style of this movie, wardrobe, set design and cinematography were to become mainstream as well.

I would highly recommend that you see these three movies. Maybe they will not appeal to all people, but if they do you will be adding three really good movies to your favorites lists. I will leave you with a particularly funny quote from "Pillow Talk," this quote came from http://www.imdb.com/ :


[Jan and Brad are on the phone discussing a phone schedule]


Jan: We're just going to have to live with each other...


[Jan pauses, waiting for a response]


Brad Allen: Well?
Jan: I was waiting for you to say some off-color remark.
Brad Allen: Is that all you have on your mind?
Jan: Never mind my mind! You just stick to your half hour and I'll stick to mine!