Review of That Touch of Mink (1962) by Nick B — 29 Apr 2010

Bottom Line: That Touch of Mink contains a scattering of scintillating one-liners, many of which feel as though they were ad-libbed by the cast. Most of the script, however, reads more like a recitation of the neurotic sexual/ nuptial anxieties of the U.S. middle class in the 50s and 60s. On the cusp of the sexual revolution, That Touch of Mink flirts with feminine sexual initiative and promiscuity, but ultimately touches down safely on the side of sex _after_ and _within_ marriage.

Many of the jokes revolve around (and sometimes lampoon) the sexual anxieties a circa 1959 U.S. movie-going audience could be depended upon to have, which means that many of them feel dated. There are moments, however, especially when Doris Day stops overacting and simply plays the straight-man (as it were) to Cary Grant's dry, sophisticated wit, when the movie sparkles. Gig Young, playing Grant's financial advisor, puts in an especially enjoyable performance, clearly having a great time playing a slightly fey-slightly asinine-slightly brilliant foil to Grant's steady charm.

The film is nothing spectacular, but it's a fairly solid production with a handful of bright moments.