The Tunnel of Love (1958)

Best movie of this year hands down!

SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

i know i wasted 90 mins of my life.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

For me there's only one real reason to watch this film: a chance to see Richard Widmark in a romantic comedy. I can't say he seems totally comfortable in the role, but it works, and it is nice to see him in this.The plot is fairly simple: A couple (Doris Day and Widmark) want to adopt a baby, and Widmark finds himself having a sort of affair with the investigator for the adoption agency. Of course, there are plenty of misunderstandings...sort of stock and trade for most Doris Day romantic comedies.Day is Day. Nothing new or different from her; the usually effervescence. Gia Scala plays the voluptuous investigator. Elisabeth Fraser plays the wife of Gig Young...the next door neighbors. And speaking of Gig Young, if you don't know the story of his death, read about it on Wikipedia, and then consider how shallow most of his screen appearances were in this era. Each film role seemed a mere carbon copy of the last one. And his major talent seemed to be pouring a drink. Too bad; he really was quite a good actor.So, what's wrong with the film? Nothing much except that it's sort of...well, I was going to say dumb, but that would be wrong/ Stereotypical might be a better word.I've often wondered what Richard Widmark was like in real life.While I'm not particularly impressed with this film, it's "okay" as such films go. A weak "7".

If you flash back to the old "A" and "B" movie classifications, this is Definitely a B movie, made better than the script by the cast.This is a sad attempted farce about idealic upper-class suburban life. Just look at the opening: Augie and Isolda live in a barn and have never-ending mice, and other, problems. Unfortunately, the concept of a couple having difficulty having or adopting a baby is not good comedic material. Gene Kelly made the right choice in NOT going for guffaws. However, it does have it's moments.The cast gave everything they could, making it difficult to picture anyone else in the parts. Doris Day adds her usual upbeat, energetic presence and believability of a woman who is silly-in-love with her husband. Poor Richard Widmark was saddled with the weak, failure, straight-man role. (He does have the second funniest line when reviewing the real estate listings!) Elisabeth Fraser does a magnificent job balancing the sweet but wiser wife and friend. Gig Young brings his characteristic charm, with out which this womanizing, horrible father would inspire absolute revulsion. (He has the best line in the film, when his wife asks him if he misses the kids, who are away at camp. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would have THOUGHT that, but would dare not say it!) Buried under too much subtlety is the reasons for Gia Scala's actions. (She's actually using her job with the adoption agency to do research for her doctorate. Think about it - what was she doing in New Guinea?!)Unfortunately, that time romanticized drinking. (Remember the 3 martini business lunches?) Sadly, both Gig Young and Gia Scala lost their contracts with studios for undependability because of drinking and drug problems. But this time in history will probably be known for lack of accurate information and tastelessness. (Gia Scala did commit suicide, but not until 1972 - not something to make a cheap joke about, as in the "OH my my" review.) If you want some light entertainment, give this film a try. But bear in mind that it started life as a low-end B film farce with a weak script, was shot in less than 10 weeks, but had big stars for much needed shine. And Doris Day fans, remember that this is NOT her typical vehicle.

The Tunnel of Love ran for 417 performances on Broadway for the 1957-1958 season and starred Tom Ewell and Nancy Olson. It was written by Joseph Fields and repeating their roles from the original production are Elizabeth Fraser and Elizabeth Wilson.The play didn't survive the journey to Hollywood, mainly because of the horrible miscasting of Richard Widmark as the husband. He and wife Doris Day are trying to either have a child or adopt one whichever comes first. After a night's indiscretion with social worker Gia Scala, Widmark thinks he's the father of her kid and when she hits him up for a loan, that seems to clinch the deal.Widmark was in a role that should either have gone to Dean Martin or Glenn Ford. In their screen roles I've seen aspects of Augie Poole's character that would have fit Dino or Glenn easily. But in Widmark's hands it drops like a lead bassinet.Best in this film is Gig Young playing one of his male lead best friend types he started perfecting around this time. It seemed for a while like you couldn't make a domestic screen comedy that either he or Tony Randall weren't in playing the same kind of parts. He took over from Darren McGavin who did the part of the wolfish playboy neighbor on Broadway whose growing family doesn't slow him down in the hanky panky department a bit.My guess is that Widmark was trying to expand his range a bit. The best comedy effort in his career was on the I Love Lucy Show and there he was just a foil for the movie star struck Lucy Ricardo. Doris was all right in her part, but she certainly did much better work with Rock Hudson who also would have been good casting as the male lead.Best thing about The Tunnel of Love. Doris sang and recorded the title song that's sung over the opening credits. If the rest of the film had been as good as the song.

Maybe I'm a bit protective of my favorite actress, but I have seen one too many movies where Doris Day is intentionally deceived by the man she loves. Usually Miss Day is dooped in light-hearted fun, but I almost felt as victimized as she in "Tunnel of Love." I did not enjoy this movie one bit.