Review of But Not for Me (1959) by Rick R — 24 Jun 2014

But Not for Me (1959).

This movie named after the old Gershwin brothers song, is another, much later Clark Gable romantic comedy that came along the same lines as Teacher's Pet (1958) or It Started in Naples (1960) where Gable, although still very much the romantic lead, seems to be the brunt of every "age joke".

Here, he's Russell Ward, an over-worked Broadway producer, with alimony to his ex-Wife, Kathryn (Lilli Palmer) and a few bombed plays behind him. Russ is trying to get a play going by a difficult author, Jeremiah MacDonald (Lee J. Cobb). But, the play is having some difficulties getting funding because the subject is of an older man pursewing a younger woman.

When Russ finally decides that this is a good time to retire and give everyone their notice, his young private secretary, Ellie Borden (Carroll Baker) confesses that she's been madly in love with him. This gives Russ the angle to the play that he's been needing, and he re-starts his efforts to get the play going again. Naturally, he wants Ellie in the starring role.

Kathryn is the third wheel, always there to remind Russ that he can't be serious, while fellow actor, and much more age appropriate Gordon Reynolds (Barry Coe) is patiently waiting for Ellie to come to her senses.