What a charmer… this is from “PILLOW TALK”…the last Classic Movie in Bigfork this season, ranked 5th in gross earnings in 1959, was nominated for four Oscars, won an Oscar, and in 2009 added to the National Film Registry. A period review said it was “…one of the most lively and up-to-date comedy-romances of the year.” With a cast including Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony Randall and Thelma Ray, “Pillow Talk” is now a popular classic. Come to The Edge Center April 11th, enjoy this light-hearted movie, and leave smiling.
Learn the “story behind the story” of “Pillow Talk” along with a cartoon from the same year on Thursday at 6:30PM. The free movie presentation by the Classic Movie Series and treats matched to the movie will include a background presentation by Jack Nachbar.
In “Pillow Talk” two people sharing a phone line, one a cad, who sings the same song with different names to different women he is trying to woe, and the other, a beautiful lady who hears the scheme and becomes disgusted with his antics. Then things get complicated.
The pretty lady is Doris Day. Today she is living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California and professionally is known for both her acting and singing career. Born in 1924 as Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff; she will turn 90 next year. She started singing for big bands in 1939 and her first starring film role was in “Romance on the High Seas” in 1948. She appeared in 39 films, and, as a box office star, ranked number one for three years, in the top 10 for ten years and currently sixth all-time (male and female). She made her last film in 1968, “With six you get egg rolls.”
For another part of her professional career, Doris recorded 640 songs, released 29 albums, with songs spending 460 weeks in the top 40 charts. Her singing popularity began right after her first hit recording, "Sentimental Journey", in 1945. She also had an impressive television with her own show: “The Doris Day Show” for five seasons.
The handsome cad in “Pillow Talk” is Rock Hudson. At six feet four inches, Roy Harold Scherer, Jr. was an imposing handsome character even before his stage name of Rock Hudson. Born in 1925 and died in 1985, he became a well-known leading man in American films of the 1950s and 60s. He starred with Doris Day in three movies: “Pillow Talk, “Send Me No Flowers” and “Lover Come Back.” He was also recognized for his dramatic acting side in films like “Giant” (Oscar Nomination) and Magnificent Obsession.” In later years he had a significant career in television including as a star in “McMillan and Wife” and a reoccurring role in “Dynasty”.
As far as “Pillow Talk” was concerned, Rock Hudson, at that time, did not want the part, until he met Doris Day. He always credited Doris Day for teaching him “to do comedy.” Hudson was voted titles like “Star of the Year” and “Favorite Leading Man” by numerous movie magazines. He started in 70 motion pictures in his career that spanned four decades.
Tony Randall plays the best friend of Rock Hudson in “Pillow Talk” providing additional comedic power to the film. Born in 1920 and died in 2004, Tony Randall was an actor, comic, producer and director. Probably best known for his role as Felix Unger in the television adaptation of Neil Simon's play, “The Odd Couple”. Tony wanted to be known for more than the fussy half of the Odd Couple and deserved it. He acted on Broadway, was in radio and on television. His early fussy role in TVs “Mr. Peepers” was similar to the Felix Unger character. He was the comic foil to Rock Hudson and Doris Day in all three of their movies doing an excellent job. He also received a Tony award for his dance with ballerina Alexandra Danilova and even played the lead in the musical comedy “Oh Captian” in 1958. He received an Emmy for his Unger role in 1975. Read more about him at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36052-2004May18.html
Thelma Ritter plays Doris Day’s housekeeper in “Pillow Talk”. Her character is cynical, feels strongly about how men and women should relate, and drinks. Thelma was born in 1902 died in 1969 and was best known for her comedic roles as working class characters. With six Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress and winning a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, she had an excellent career in the movies. She also was in numerous TV series episodes in the 1950s such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, general Electric Theater and The United States Steel Hour. Read more about her at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelma_Ritter
So, for the last movie of the season, The Edge Center ends up with a funny and entertaining movie: one that should leave you with laughs and more information about the period, the movie making and the stars. Please join us Thrusday April 11th at 6:30 PM. And if you need just a little more of a push read the following period review from the New York Times:
http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C05E3D81431EE3BBC4F53DFB6678382649EDE
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