Review of The Facts of Life (1960) by Bunny R — 07 Jan 2011

Just a lame comedy that turns seriously romantic and pretty good at that. Who'd know that the these two improbable friends would find serious love? We sure don't and until they hit their island paradise,.... they don't either. Hey, it could happen to you.

And that's exactly what make this quaint sixties film (barely, at 1960) watchable. Oh, forget the sixties clothes if that is a turn off. Forget Hope's lame dialog too. The point of this film is deadly serious. Just imagine two of many couples going on a vacation only to find at the last possible minute that their spouses not only will be late but will not arrive?

This is one hell of a perdicament for Hope and Ball. But they go through all the motions of adulterous lovers trapped by their past.

I would suggest this movie be watched by anyone even thinking of leaving their spouse. The problems encountered will make you think about it.

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for Costume Design (for Edith Head and Edward Stevenson). For her performance, Lucille Ball was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress - Comedy.

Written, directed, and produced by the longtime Hope associates Melvin Frank and Norman Panama, the film was more serious than many other contemporary Hope vehicles.

Won Oscar for: Best Costume Design (Edith Head and Edward Stevenson).

Oscar Nominated:

Best Art Direction, Black and White (J. McMillan Johnson, Kenneth A. Reid, and Ross Dowd).

Best Cinematography, Black and White (Charles Lang).

Best Original Song (Johnny Mercer for "The Facts of Life").

Best Original Screenplay (Melvin Frank and Norman Panama).

Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Lucille Ball).