Come September (1961)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

I can't tell you how many TV screenings of this one I've missed out on in the past – so I got to it now that its director has passed away (though the copy I acquired displayed the occasional glitch!); being a glossy romantic comedy, it seems Mulligan – who would come to specialize in meaningful dramas – had yet to find his niche by this time. On the other hand, ever since PILLOW TALK (1959), leading man Rock Hudson had flourished in the genre and would continue to do so for the next few years; however, this isn't among his best-regarded efforts – and neither, incidentally, is his follow-up teaming with co-star Gina Lollobrigida, STRANGE BEDFELLOWS (1965), which I've yet to watch. Even so, COME September proved surprisingly engaging (if distinctly overlong) and, if anything, the idea of having a couple rekindling their affair for one month every year and the complications which arise when the hero turns up unexpectedly at the rendez-vous is nice enough. Though the stars have to share screen-time with a bunch of teenagers – virtually a pre-requisite during this era – led by Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin (who would hitch up in real-life after this, and the latter gets to sing too!), they're all given sufficient space…as is, for that matter, chief supporting player Walter Slezak (wonderful as Hudson's amiably shrewd butler – and who knew he was so fluent in Italian?). Being set in Europe, the film-makers can't resist making this, at least partly, a travelogue; that said, a number of the situations – especially the initial mix-up at the villa-cum-hotel, the resilience shown by middle-aged Hudson when he's chaperoning the kids, and Slezak's wiles at the end to get hero and heroine back together – provide more than enough felicities along the way…even if the only really laugh-out-loud moment is reserved to a drunken parrot keeling over while clutching to its stern (and obviously perplexed) mistress' finger!

This Universal International film was a vehicle for Rock Hudson who showed an uncanny gift for comedy. As such, "Come September" is a product of the times in which it was made. That was the time when Hollywood had an advantage in using natural beautiful European scenery which was affordable then. Robert Mulligan directed this comedy that although pleasant didn't fare as well as other, better made comedies, of that era.Probably one of the best scenes in the movie involves Rock Hudson dancing a fast number with Gina Lollobrigida, something probably no one could have expected for an actor not associated with musical comedies. Mr. Hudson, an actor not known for his dancing abilities, comes across as having the time of his life. The chemistry between the actor and Gina Lollobrigida saves the movie because the story is thin.Also in the movies we see Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, who later became a couple. Walter Slezak and Brenda DeBanzie, both veterans actors, also appear in the movie. A very young Joel Grey has a small part.The Ligurian region of Italy is shown in all its splendor. Great views of Portofino can be seen from the top of the Talbot mansion. The film is mildly entertaining if one doesn't expect too much out of the material.

Come September is a unique comedy, sparkling with the touch of the Italian summer, American opulence and oriental moods. A must see for people who love cinema and want to keep smiling. This escapist saga is about two people who are in love but cannot get married due to various reasons, the principal one being the hero's unpreparedness. Paradoxically, the time he really decides to tie the knot, he faces the most bizarre week of his life which leads to another September, god knows, how many more.The best part of the film is that it leaves a lot to the imagination, at at the same time guarantees that you go home feeling good, having spent some quality time. Icing on the cake is the beautiful Italian landscape , it evokes both a sense of grandeur and nostalgia, though Mulligan has ensured that the film does not become a tourist's guide to Portofino and Italian Riviera.The film is a showcase for Lollos beauty and pneumatic appeal and Rock's masculinity. Assistance in the form of the comic skills of Walter Slezak makes this film a laugh riot in the climactic scenes. This is Lollobrigida's biggest hit in the US and India, and deservedly so; Rock Hudson makes a great partner for her, much as he was doing in this early 60's era with Doris Day in many films.Childish it may be, Come September is loved even today. I have spent many afternoons viewing the film and admiring the Italian sun.. it acts as an relaxant in my otherwise busy work schedule

This picture is a picture postcard on film--everything is beautiful, the scenery and the actors. The acting is adequate--Sleazak and Lollabridgida are excellent. Hudson does an OK job, he's more eye candy than anything, but then again this is not Shakespeare you are watching. What I found interesting was the generational conflict between the Hudson/Lollabridgida generation and Darren/Dee generation. Up to this time everyone seemed to looked to adults as models of deportment and style, in this movie we see that undergoing some change. It is particularly interesting considering modern times when young people are impressed by the likes of Brittany Spears, etc and not people of an older generation who know something of life. Anyway, when you get around to seeing this movie, don't think to hard about it, just sit back in a comfortable chair, with your favorite snack food and enjoy the scenery.