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The Thrill of It All

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Kathryn McGarr

When housewife Beverly Boyer (Doris Day) becomes the TV spokeswoman for Happy Soap, her doctor-husband (James Garner) feels neglected. Hoping to bring her home, Dr. Boyer torments his wife emotionally. He even pretends to have an affair. In the end she decides (in teary-eyed joy) that she wants nothing more than to be a doctor's wife and churn out more children.

Is It Any Good?

4

Kids will enjoy THE THRILL OF IT ALL because, for all its sexual innuendo, the focus isn't really on married life. The leads are supported by two child actors, so it's technically a family film. Most of the action takes place at their house, where Hollywood legend Zasu Pitts plays Maggie the maid. The irascible owner of Happy Soap (Reginald Owen), his son (Edward Andrews), and daughter-in-law (Arlene Francis) provide additional comic effect.

Physical comedy -- like when Beverly falls bottom-first into a vat of tomatoes -- should keep the kids' attention even if the plot is a bit sophisticated. There's one memorable gag after another. Tweens and older will also appreciate the clever dialogue. It should be no shock that The Thrill of It All is hilarious. Carl Reiner wrote the screenplay and appears in a cameo role.

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