Film Overview"Kiss Them for Me" is a 1957 American romantic comedy-drama directed by Stanley Donen and produced by Jerry Wald. The movie, adjusted from a play by Luther Davis, features top-tier stars such as Cary Grant, Jayne Mansfield, Leif Erickson, and Ray Walston. The movie script was written by Julius J. Epstein, based on the Broadway play of the exact same name, which was influenced by Frederick Hazlitt Brennan's novel "Shore Leave."
Plot The film centers around three embellished Navy pilots returning from active duty in the Pacific during World War II. They are Andy Crewson (Cary Grant), a lovable womanizer, McCann (Ray Walston), a shy and reserved chief that's eager to have a good time, and Mississip (Larry Blyden), who is happily wed and hesitates to participate in the antics. The trio is sent out to San Francisco for a four-day leave for rest and relaxation and 9 days of promotion to help War Bond sales.
Characters and RelationshipsMuch of the funny and drama in "Kiss Them for Me" comes through exploring the complex personal relationships of the characters. Crewson rapidly becomes disenchanted with the promotion scheme and manages to protect a suite at the city's classy hotel on their own. At this moment, they are signed up with by Gwinneth Livingston, depicted by Suzy Parker, a largely introverted navy nurse, and Alice Kratzner (Jayne Mansfield), a wigged-up and squeaky-voiced admirer of military guys.
Conflict and Resolution The conflict develops when Crewson begins to fall for Gwinneth, a clever, reasonable lady who is currently engaged. On top of that, he is pursued by an enthusiastic and powerful shipbuilder, Eddie Turnbill (Leif Erickson), who seeks to exploit Crewson and his good friends' hero status to secure a Navy agreement. While Crewson initially resists the shipbuilder's temptations, which include lots of female company, alcohol, and other pleasantries, he ultimately pertains to the conclusion that calm and peace are what he really desires rather than the mayhem of fame, war, or the riches and power provided by Turnbill.
In the end, Crewson and Gwinneth admit their sensations for each other. Crewson, turning down the military life and the material advantages of a handle Turnbill, decides to open a hotel in an undeveloped part of California with Gwinneth. On the other hand, Mississip stays devoted to his spouse, and McCann finds joy with Alice.
Critical Reception Released by 20th Century Fox in December 1957, "Kiss Them for Me" received combined reviews from critics due to its unconventional nature and representation of war heroes. Nevertheless, the movie's interesting characters, witty discussion, and captivating romance were commemorated by audiences. Cary Grant's performance was especially favored, while Jayne Mansfield and her representation of the scattered-brained blonde bombshell brought an excellent amount of humor and lightheartedness to the movie.
In conclusion, "Kiss Them for Me" is an amusing, romantic, and somewhat cynical view of war heroism, popularity, and the personal choices that individuals make in the face of frustrating social expectations. It is an expedition of various types of guts and different types of joy, underscored by excellent performances and intriguing character characteristics.
Top Cast
