I admit that this is not one of the landmark filmed musicals of our time, but it's not, as Maltin says, a BOMB! Bea Arthur's performance alone (which is much better than the Vera Charles character in "Auntie Mame") is worth 3 stars. The remainder of the elements shouldn't drag this film down beyond 1.5 or 2 stars. And I hate to sound unintelligent, but I just don't see what everyone finds so bad and embarrassing about Lucille Ball's performance. I just watched "Auntie Mame" and didn't think Rosalind Russell was much if any more convincing. That's not a criticism of Russell. Just comparing the two performances, I don't see how Ball's performance is much worse. As far as style and visual appeal, the 1958 version is much better.. but this is not an unworthy or "embarrassing" remake at all!