Between the Pages

Doris Day plays Cathy Timberlake, a young woman who has come to New York City from the country.  She meets businessman Philip Shayne (Cary Grant) after his car splashes her with mud.  There’s an instant attraction between them, but while Cathy dreams of marriage and children, Philip isn’t one for commitment.  Nonetheless they plan a break in Bermuda together,  but things start to awry…

I really enjoyed this film – I’ve seen it described as “a frothy delightful romantic comedy” which sums it up perfectly.  Sure, the storyline is somewhat outdated (Cathy’s worry that their being in Bermuda together – unmarried – will cause a scandal, and a scene where Philip and another man casually discuss hitting their partners took me aback) – but if you can take it for what it is, there’s plenty to enjoy here.

Grant and Day both look fabulous, and as always, Cary Grant is charming and sauve, and has some very funny lines.  Both stars play their parts very well, but it’s worth mentioning the supporting roles played by Gig Young, as Roger – Philip’s younger and more idealistic assistant who feels that he has sold his soul; and Audrey Meadows, as Connie – Cathy’s more streetwise room-mate.  Young and Meadows were both terrific and Young in particular provided many incredibly funny moments.

Overall, this is a funny and engaging movie – perfect for kicking back and relaxing with for a couple of hours.

Year of release: 1962

Director: Delbert Mann

Writers: Stanley Shapiro, Nate Monaster

Main cast: Cary Grant, Doris Day, Audrey Meadows, Gig Young