Although "The Long, Long Trailer" is an average film, it seems like a classic next to this anemic followup by Lucy and Desi, their second feature film during the run of "I Love Lucy." Lucy has a guardian angel who only she can see and she claims he looks like James Mason, which seems reasonable as he is played by James Mason. Lucy and Desi try to make the most of it, but the magic of the TV show is missing, thanks to a lame script about insecticides. Mason looks bemused, probably wondering what the heck he's doing in this movie. The cast features Schafer ("Gilligan's Island") as a meddling cousin and Kulp ("Beverly Hillbillies") as an impertinent maid.
27 Reviews
entertaining and good if dated marriage advice
Patmarie6 August 2004
Saw this today and enjoyed it very much. Lucy and Desi of course are great and here seemed more like real people and less like stereotyped caricatures. Though made in the Fifties, much of the relationship philosophy here seemed sound and to still ring true today. One need only to look at I Love Lucy to see that limited options for wives were a widely accepted norm at that time, but this film tires to question and break out of that. When Susan is told that she and her husband have been traveling two separate paths for a long time, she asks something along the lines of, "Does the woman always have to follow her husband's path?" Her angel laughs and says "Of course not!" but gives good reasons why that's what she needs to do at this point. The well-intentioned but scary Fifties attitude toward the environment was uncomfortable but the marriage advice seemed good. The Long, Long Trailer may have had more laughs but this was more satisfying. And anything that ends in Yosemite is a plus.
"Guardian angels don't have wings, do they?"
classicsoncall16 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I think even die-hard Lucy fans, if pressed, would have to admit that there was something missing here in both the story line and the comedy elements. The Lucy/Ricky charisma of the TV show just wasn't there, and in retrospect, it's a bit sad to realize that the trouble in the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz marriage was being recreated in the dialog between their characters in this film. You wouldn't have known it at the time of course because these things were kept hush-hush for the sake of the TV show; I didn't know it back then because I was just a kid watching and enjoying "I Love Lucy". Oh well, one grows up to have those illusions shattered.
At least they look good together on screen, especially in the Technicolor format, even if they're fighting with each other most of the time. James Mason steps in as the ostensible guardian angel to try and help things along in the troubled marriage, but even he's absent once things get rolling during the camping trip. The 'Shadows of Africa' movie interlude had me going for a while, thinking it was a real movie credit for Mason until Ms. Ball showed up as the replacement Jungle Lady for the uncredited Marilyn Maxwell. That was probably the cleverest device the picture offered.
Back to that camping trip, I couldn't help thinking that the film makers borrowed a page from the Western genre when Ricky, er, Lorenzo Vega serenaded Susan (that would be Lucy) by the campfire with the title song. That was the highlight of the picture for my money, better than the tent gimmick or Susan's sleeping bag hip-hop that might have been better served with a laugh track, but otherwise just ho-hum within the story itself. For TV and movie fans, the other nice diversions were the characters of Nancy Kulp as the Vega's easily irritated housemaid, and Natalie Schafer in a decade prior warm-up for the role of wealthy Mrs. Thurston Howell on 'Gilligan's Island'. All said and done though, you're better entertained watching any single episode of "I Love Lucy".
At least they look good together on screen, especially in the Technicolor format, even if they're fighting with each other most of the time. James Mason steps in as the ostensible guardian angel to try and help things along in the troubled marriage, but even he's absent once things get rolling during the camping trip. The 'Shadows of Africa' movie interlude had me going for a while, thinking it was a real movie credit for Mason until Ms. Ball showed up as the replacement Jungle Lady for the uncredited Marilyn Maxwell. That was probably the cleverest device the picture offered.
Back to that camping trip, I couldn't help thinking that the film makers borrowed a page from the Western genre when Ricky, er, Lorenzo Vega serenaded Susan (that would be Lucy) by the campfire with the title song. That was the highlight of the picture for my money, better than the tent gimmick or Susan's sleeping bag hip-hop that might have been better served with a laugh track, but otherwise just ho-hum within the story itself. For TV and movie fans, the other nice diversions were the characters of Nancy Kulp as the Vega's easily irritated housemaid, and Natalie Schafer in a decade prior warm-up for the role of wealthy Mrs. Thurston Howell on 'Gilligan's Island'. All said and done though, you're better entertained watching any single episode of "I Love Lucy".
It's okay...mainly for die-hard Lucy/Desi fans
hotcrossplums11 March 2008
First of all, I am a big I Love Lucy fan. I own this movie as part of the three movie DVD set (Forever Darling; Long Long Trailer; Too Many Girls). This is the least enjoyable of the three.
Even being a big Lucy/Desi fan, I didn't find much to enjoy about this movie. Even the funny scenes weren't funny. This is a pretty boring movie. It's kind of like a long, unfunny I Love Lucy episode in color. And when the two main characters fight, you can't help but think of how Lucy and Desi fought in real life.
I will say that the camping scenes looked so beautiful that it made me want to take my husband up on his standing offer to go camping together.
Even being a big Lucy/Desi fan, I didn't find much to enjoy about this movie. Even the funny scenes weren't funny. This is a pretty boring movie. It's kind of like a long, unfunny I Love Lucy episode in color. And when the two main characters fight, you can't help but think of how Lucy and Desi fought in real life.
I will say that the camping scenes looked so beautiful that it made me want to take my husband up on his standing offer to go camping together.
Interesting attempt to be different
johnaquino23 February 2022
I haven't been a big fan of The Long, Long Trailer. It has some funny bits, but there's a lot of yelling at the end, it goes from funny to yelling, and that whole thing about her collecting big rocks! Forever Darling actually begins as a fairly witty and sharp film--it had been written for someone else--and Desi gets to play someone different. James Mason is a good sport--playing a guardian angel, doing a parody of himself (maybe in Botany Bay) in a parody of Mogambo film-within-the film. He's not really adept at situation comedy, although he did well in a few comedic films like Touch of Larceny. The film switches gears at the end, with a lot of slapstick yelling in a swamp. And the reason they took an old script was to quickly capitalize on the success of Trailer. Its failure ended their joint film career. But it's faster-paced than Trailer and it's a reasonable time-passer.
The End of Funny?
ideabook16 February 2011
Nothing I add here will help this film, of course, unless you're a Lucy fan. For once, her energy doesn't work and she fails to do much of anything: romance, comedy or otherwise. As H.L. Menken once said 'it both shines and stinks like rotting mackerel'. Too bad. This is the last film Arnaz and Ball made together. Arnaz will never be seen again as an 'A' list star. Went right to the 'C' list. Not Ball, who not only survives but will go on to even greater heights and prosperity. Arnaz, the other way.
Sort of shows just who had the talent in the family.
'Forever, Darling' was supposed to be the first of many Desilu films.
The studio, known only for TV selected this film as their first project. The poor box office and critical reception it received led Arnaz to scrap those plans and close Desilu Films as well as his production company (Zenra). Desilu would not make another film until the 1968 release of 'Yours, Mine and Ours'. Arnaz had nothing to do with that film, didn't pick the script or push its being made. He did ensure the Studio keep an option on it, which at least kept it around as a vehicle for Ball. Which is why he got it.
While 'Forever, Dear' barely recouped the $1,250,000 production costs ($11,260,820.90 today) 'Yours, Mine and Ours' was made for $2,100,000 ($14,955,964.60) in 1968 and earned $36,000,000 ($256,387,964.60) at the box office and other rights. Ball, who was then the sole owner of Desilu Studios, made the film in partnership with Paramount Studios who had recently purchased her company and owned half of rights. When Ball went to the bank in 1969 her share from the movie was so big ($128,193,982.30)and unexpected that she had failed to cover her assets for income taxes and wound up taking a large hit.
Ball always seemed to walk away from her projects financially better. This continued with her new production company (Lucille Ball Productions (LBP)) who owned and produced her final major run series 'Here's Lucy'. The series earned a lot of money and enjoyed a brief spurt of high ratings in seasons 2-4. However, it was her first series that fell out of the top 20 programs (5-6). When she figured she had enough episodes in the can LBP/Ball sold the rights to it as well.
A quick note on the film and Arnaz. Arnaz was getting pretty cocky in 1956. He was at the top of the TV business and was staring in the top rated TV show and married to his co-star. He made Desilu considerable money but was under pressure to make more. To help free up his time he tried to distance himself from 'ILL'. It took up too much time and, not known then, forcing him to work with Ball, now something he hated. Arnaz wasn't jealous of her success but was seething with vile over the lack of recognition for what he did with Desilu. Ball propped him up, which made it worse. So, as a master stroke, Arnaz would bring in a clunker like this film and using his own skills make it work and show them all he had it.
The failure of the film was the first major failure for Arnaz and marks the spot where his career, and life, started to spiral downward. The film represented the last bold extension of Arnaz hubris. He stuck it out and got it cut off. He was never the same.
He remained as head of Desilu Studios until November 22, 1962 when he was ousted in a partnership coupe led by his wife and a team of bankers, lawyers, accountants and industry experts. He took a $3,100,000 ($24,947,973.33)buyout and then spent the next 10 years blowing all of it. He was broke by 1975 and forced to write his bio 'A Book' to earn money. He hung in there but basically out of the business. It was ironic, here he was, in the 1970's, a guy with a great resume in the biz but unable to find a job. His reputation was, outside of the Lucy franchise, not very good. Add his drinking and other very large issues and you've got a guy who's finished in Hollywood. Ball of course still loved him, and bailed him out of many problems caused by his drinking and his spending. Much of that area isn't widely known and has frustrated writers doing research. Ball didn't make it this far in show biz without learning how to keep her mouth shut.
That said, you know, this film is an OK watch if for nothing else the 50's connection. I read a 1956 review that gave the film high marks for production values, in particular the great outdoor scenes at Yosemite which were so typical of the era and for what the critic thought was a standard view of 1950's America. Maybe he meant the Arnaz marriage, which had made them the Royal Couple of the era. This film marked the beginning of the end of their reign. And, just like the Arnaz' marriage, the 50's would be gone and as we drive away we can see them in our rear-view mirrors, forever left back in that era. Maybe that is what the title means after all.
Sort of shows just who had the talent in the family.
'Forever, Darling' was supposed to be the first of many Desilu films.
The studio, known only for TV selected this film as their first project. The poor box office and critical reception it received led Arnaz to scrap those plans and close Desilu Films as well as his production company (Zenra). Desilu would not make another film until the 1968 release of 'Yours, Mine and Ours'. Arnaz had nothing to do with that film, didn't pick the script or push its being made. He did ensure the Studio keep an option on it, which at least kept it around as a vehicle for Ball. Which is why he got it.
While 'Forever, Dear' barely recouped the $1,250,000 production costs ($11,260,820.90 today) 'Yours, Mine and Ours' was made for $2,100,000 ($14,955,964.60) in 1968 and earned $36,000,000 ($256,387,964.60) at the box office and other rights. Ball, who was then the sole owner of Desilu Studios, made the film in partnership with Paramount Studios who had recently purchased her company and owned half of rights. When Ball went to the bank in 1969 her share from the movie was so big ($128,193,982.30)and unexpected that she had failed to cover her assets for income taxes and wound up taking a large hit.
Ball always seemed to walk away from her projects financially better. This continued with her new production company (Lucille Ball Productions (LBP)) who owned and produced her final major run series 'Here's Lucy'. The series earned a lot of money and enjoyed a brief spurt of high ratings in seasons 2-4. However, it was her first series that fell out of the top 20 programs (5-6). When she figured she had enough episodes in the can LBP/Ball sold the rights to it as well.
A quick note on the film and Arnaz. Arnaz was getting pretty cocky in 1956. He was at the top of the TV business and was staring in the top rated TV show and married to his co-star. He made Desilu considerable money but was under pressure to make more. To help free up his time he tried to distance himself from 'ILL'. It took up too much time and, not known then, forcing him to work with Ball, now something he hated. Arnaz wasn't jealous of her success but was seething with vile over the lack of recognition for what he did with Desilu. Ball propped him up, which made it worse. So, as a master stroke, Arnaz would bring in a clunker like this film and using his own skills make it work and show them all he had it.
The failure of the film was the first major failure for Arnaz and marks the spot where his career, and life, started to spiral downward. The film represented the last bold extension of Arnaz hubris. He stuck it out and got it cut off. He was never the same.
He remained as head of Desilu Studios until November 22, 1962 when he was ousted in a partnership coupe led by his wife and a team of bankers, lawyers, accountants and industry experts. He took a $3,100,000 ($24,947,973.33)buyout and then spent the next 10 years blowing all of it. He was broke by 1975 and forced to write his bio 'A Book' to earn money. He hung in there but basically out of the business. It was ironic, here he was, in the 1970's, a guy with a great resume in the biz but unable to find a job. His reputation was, outside of the Lucy franchise, not very good. Add his drinking and other very large issues and you've got a guy who's finished in Hollywood. Ball of course still loved him, and bailed him out of many problems caused by his drinking and his spending. Much of that area isn't widely known and has frustrated writers doing research. Ball didn't make it this far in show biz without learning how to keep her mouth shut.
That said, you know, this film is an OK watch if for nothing else the 50's connection. I read a 1956 review that gave the film high marks for production values, in particular the great outdoor scenes at Yosemite which were so typical of the era and for what the critic thought was a standard view of 1950's America. Maybe he meant the Arnaz marriage, which had made them the Royal Couple of the era. This film marked the beginning of the end of their reign. And, just like the Arnaz' marriage, the 50's would be gone and as we drive away we can see them in our rear-view mirrors, forever left back in that era. Maybe that is what the title means after all.
The ultimate bug spray
bkoganbing11 February 2015
Forever Darling was one of the attempts to make Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, arguably the hottest show business couple at the time this came out to make a jump to the big screen as a comedy team. It was mildly amusing, like a long episode of I Love Lucy.
The passion's just kind of gone out of the marriage of Lucy and Desi, sadly as it was in real life. She's a socialite and he's a scientist and that was the part of the film that I had the most trouble swallowing.
So after one boring evening once too often with Lucy's idiot cousin Natalie Schaefer and husband Ralph Dumke, Desi's ready to call it quits. But Lucy's guardian angel who appears in the form of her favorite movie star James Mason advises that she take more of an interest in Desi's work as a scientist. He's looking for the ultimate bug spray.
Lucy's not an outdoor girl, but she goes on a camping trip with Desi and that last third of the film is just one I Love Lucy episode. The inflatable rubber raft truly gets the better of both of them.
As for Mason he has an extended sequence when Lucy and Desi are watching a film that stars James Mason and Lucy in a blond wig. Mason satirizes himself rather nicely. For the rest of the film he looks somewhat uncomfortable.
Fans of Lucille Ball and they sure are legion in the part of the country I reside in which is Western New York state should be pleased with Forever Darling. But three episodes of I Love Lucy will satisfy your craving better.
The passion's just kind of gone out of the marriage of Lucy and Desi, sadly as it was in real life. She's a socialite and he's a scientist and that was the part of the film that I had the most trouble swallowing.
So after one boring evening once too often with Lucy's idiot cousin Natalie Schaefer and husband Ralph Dumke, Desi's ready to call it quits. But Lucy's guardian angel who appears in the form of her favorite movie star James Mason advises that she take more of an interest in Desi's work as a scientist. He's looking for the ultimate bug spray.
Lucy's not an outdoor girl, but she goes on a camping trip with Desi and that last third of the film is just one I Love Lucy episode. The inflatable rubber raft truly gets the better of both of them.
As for Mason he has an extended sequence when Lucy and Desi are watching a film that stars James Mason and Lucy in a blond wig. Mason satirizes himself rather nicely. For the rest of the film he looks somewhat uncomfortable.
Fans of Lucille Ball and they sure are legion in the part of the country I reside in which is Western New York state should be pleased with Forever Darling. But three episodes of I Love Lucy will satisfy your craving better.
The Weakest of the Three Lucy - Desi films
theowinthrop13 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This is not a total failure, as the three principles do mingle well, and they do try. Mason, the most dramatically successful of the three actors, actually could play comedy on occasion (think of him as the "chubby chasing" old goat in GEORGY GIRL) but his best work was in drama. In fact two years before this film his best remembered performance (as Norman Main in A STAR IS BORN) ended with that classic drowning suicide. Hardly a chuckle in that - though to be fair the complete film was to spoof some swashbucklers that Main was making).
Susan and Lorenzo Vega are an up-scale married couple (he is a chemist working on an insecticide) who have been married five years, but who seem to be drifting apart. The near explosion occurs when they are having dinner with two of Susan's friends (Nathalie Schaefer and Ralph Dunke) who are a wee bit too snobby and complacent for Lorenzo to really enjoy the company of. And since he is preoccupied with the deadline of testing his new powerful insecticide, he is not in the mood for their nonsense. He explodes at the dinner, causing them to leave in anger. Susan is also angry as they are her friends. So Lorenzo and she have a spat, and he does not sleep that night.
Enter Darling, the Guardian Angel of Susan. This is Mason. At first Susan is amazed that he resembles James Mason, but it soon develops that his features are not really like Mason's but she sees Mason because the actor is her favorite actor. He is trying to convince her that she has to work harder to save her marriage with Lorenzo. Susan has to try to be more supportive of her husband.
The complications that develop somewhat resemble another film of a few years earlier: THE BISHOP'S WIFE. There the angel (Cary Grant) falls for the wife (Loretta Young) of the Bishop (David Niven) he is trying to correct the religious motivations of. Grant spends far too much time "entertaining" Young, until Niven becomes jealous - hardly the intention of the angel's boss. Here Darling is not pursuing his charge. Instead he is fighting her off for awhile because of the way she sees him. There is a cute moment when Lucy is watching a film starring Mason and sees herself replacing the heroine. The interesting thing is that the film is reminiscent of Mason's original acting fame as one of those men (like George Sanders and Eric Von Stroheim) you love to hate - the star who whipped the villainess to death in THE MAN IN GRAY, or the nasty uncle of the piano protégée in THE SEVENTH VEIL. He is a sheik who is mistreating a female prisoner (who of course is falling for him while he does so). As a spoof on Mason's background it is mildly good.
Eventually he manages to get Susan back on track, leading to her going on the trek to Yosemite Park to test the new insecticide - to help her husband. And of course, being Lucille Ball, her attempts just drive Desi up the wall.
It is a tolerable if unmemorable comedy. That is the best I can say for it. But it has some moments worth waiting for. And with it, we leave the last of the three Lucy-Desi films. A curious bunch. Their best work is still the television series.
Susan and Lorenzo Vega are an up-scale married couple (he is a chemist working on an insecticide) who have been married five years, but who seem to be drifting apart. The near explosion occurs when they are having dinner with two of Susan's friends (Nathalie Schaefer and Ralph Dunke) who are a wee bit too snobby and complacent for Lorenzo to really enjoy the company of. And since he is preoccupied with the deadline of testing his new powerful insecticide, he is not in the mood for their nonsense. He explodes at the dinner, causing them to leave in anger. Susan is also angry as they are her friends. So Lorenzo and she have a spat, and he does not sleep that night.
Enter Darling, the Guardian Angel of Susan. This is Mason. At first Susan is amazed that he resembles James Mason, but it soon develops that his features are not really like Mason's but she sees Mason because the actor is her favorite actor. He is trying to convince her that she has to work harder to save her marriage with Lorenzo. Susan has to try to be more supportive of her husband.
The complications that develop somewhat resemble another film of a few years earlier: THE BISHOP'S WIFE. There the angel (Cary Grant) falls for the wife (Loretta Young) of the Bishop (David Niven) he is trying to correct the religious motivations of. Grant spends far too much time "entertaining" Young, until Niven becomes jealous - hardly the intention of the angel's boss. Here Darling is not pursuing his charge. Instead he is fighting her off for awhile because of the way she sees him. There is a cute moment when Lucy is watching a film starring Mason and sees herself replacing the heroine. The interesting thing is that the film is reminiscent of Mason's original acting fame as one of those men (like George Sanders and Eric Von Stroheim) you love to hate - the star who whipped the villainess to death in THE MAN IN GRAY, or the nasty uncle of the piano protégée in THE SEVENTH VEIL. He is a sheik who is mistreating a female prisoner (who of course is falling for him while he does so). As a spoof on Mason's background it is mildly good.
Eventually he manages to get Susan back on track, leading to her going on the trek to Yosemite Park to test the new insecticide - to help her husband. And of course, being Lucille Ball, her attempts just drive Desi up the wall.
It is a tolerable if unmemorable comedy. That is the best I can say for it. But it has some moments worth waiting for. And with it, we leave the last of the three Lucy-Desi films. A curious bunch. Their best work is still the television series.
Forever Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
au_law200126 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I love those two. I'll never forget them, and I'll never forget that i Love Lucy show that kept me laughing. My parents loved them as well, and I watched with them. But this movie, is just wonderful and a classic by Lucy and Ricky. This is another one where they play husband and wife. A few spoilers herein. They are newly weds and after years of marriage they seem to loose the passion because they are worlds apart, but an angel appears, no wings or a halo, visits Susan and advices Susan to work things right with him. And she does her best to do things with him, even going to a trip with him, only to turn into a disaster. But in the end when things turn out right with the experiment, thanks to the angel, they end up getting along with each other, but even those you love the most are the ones you argue with the most, next to enemies and, something. Overall, I recommend this movie to all fans of the I Love Lucy Show. This is another story of husband and wife trying to keep things right, even through the good times and bad times, they love each other very much! And the song that Lorenzo sings at the end is also unforgettable. Lovely. Watch this if you want an alternative to all those crazy soap operas, or those sick of lovey-dovey Taiwanese or Korean soaps like Meteor Garden or Lavender, or those sappy love stories from animated or live Japanese shows like To Heart. It's Forever Darling!
Lucy and Desi's mediocre followup to their classic "The Long Long Trailer"
Emaisie3928 June 2007
After the classic "Long Long Trailor"(1954) raked in millions at international box-offices, MGM allowed Desi Arnaz to produce a follow-up that was based on an old script that Metro was going to star Lucy in with William Powell back in 1945. Well this story about a married couple- a scientist and his domestic wife who seeks advice from an Angel played by the superb James Mason- does not work that well. Lucy is excellent and she gives it her all but the plot line is too fanciful. Some sections are quite amusing but overall it is not a success. Also Lucy looked so beautiful in their previous film but atrocious set design and flat color cinematography do nothing for Lucy's looks or the visual aspect of the film..It makes it look like its a lower budgeted effort. Desi did produce it on the cheap at their Desilu studios and it does look it. At least if the film had the gorgeous cinematography of "Trailor" it would not be such a let down. Nonetheless it has its entertaining moments and Lucy and Desi fans should eat it up.
It seems to last forever...
moonspinner553 April 2008
Squabbling marrieds Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are given help from Lucy's guardian angel, played with self-bemusement by James Mason. The big joke in the material is that Ball's character sees the angel as a dead-ringer for Mason the Movie Star, but that's about the only laugh to be had in this leadweight scenario. Knowing what we do now about the troubled real-life relationship between Ball and Arnaz (big television stars by this point), it's only unease we get from watching them constantly bickering on screen. I doubt the film was very fresh even in 1956, mostly due to the turgid, hapless screenplay by the normally talented Helen Deutsch. Nothing on display here is diverting, with the jokes, costumes, pacing and production all sub-standard. Any mid-run episode of "I Love Lucy" runs rings around this comedic misfire. NO STARS from ****
Laugh away your marital discord !
srikant19 January 1999
The perfect film for settling marital irritations. Settle down with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, as they take you through a hilarious time while they settle all their marital incompatibilities. A must see for anyone who loves a good laugh.
If you're my guardian angel how come you look like James Mason?
jamesjustice-9211 September 2019
Only after a while since I watched "The long, long trailer" I have discovered this movie that brings Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz back together in a feature film, only this time it lacks much more. The jokes are still there but there are only a few of them that really hit the mark. The plot is somewhat similar to the "Trailer" having to deal with marital problems all over again and this time it feels unnatural and strained making the movie a lot harder to sit through and try and get some grains of wisdom it offers you. Some scenes are overly long and simply ill-fitting to the whole plot but what makes all of them points fade is naturally the pair of Lucy and Desi - although we've seen them quarrel millions of times it's still is a great pleasure to observe them. This movie shows us new sides of them both that we haven't noticed before, highlighting their performances and making us think of our own relationships and what can be done to prevent bad things from happening.
It's either DDT or Talcum powder
wjefferyholt23 September 2020
A plodding mid 50's comedy staring two of television biggest couples can't settle on just what they want to do with some potentially interesting writing. While you can see what the story might have been it takes to long to set up the point of conflict and then settles into the typical tv sitcom ending where everything is fine, though nothing in the film would have made for a happy ending. I found the film on YouTube although I also found it in Amazon Prime for a two-dollar rental. Either way it would have cost too much and I found myself jumping around until a 90-minute film in about 30 minutes.
Darling
Monika-521 July 2000
Lucy and Desi return in a film about what happens when the love starts to leave the marriage of their characters, Susan and Lorenzo. It's not a wacky comedy like The Long, Long Trailer or I Love Lucy, but it's more sweetly poignant and gently humorous. I especially like the scene where Susan and Lorenzo are at a movie and he falls asleep, and she screams and wakes him up right away! The startled, confused look on Desi's face is priceless! And for 60s TV buffs, Nancy Kulp (Jane Hathaway on the Beverly Hillbillies) and Natalie Schafer (Mrs. Howell on Gilligan's Island) are both in this film. Definitely worth renting.
Nice light comedy romance and look at life after the honeymoon
SimonJack10 February 2015
"Forever, Darling" is a 1956 comedy-romance with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, It's also a nice story about how things change in the first years of marriage. And, how people can salvage the love they have to make it last a lifetime. Lucy is visited by her guardian angel who tells her that her marriage is on the skids. Unless she does something to save it, they will wind up following the paths of others whom the couple know who no longer have any romance. Lucy plays Susan Vega and Desi is Lorenzo "Larry" Vega who is a scientist-researcher. James Mason plays Susan's guardian angel.
Those who might expect some zany antics that Ball made her signature trade in her long-running TV sitcoms may be disappointed. The star kept that zaniness for her TV shows. Her films mostly have a nice blend of witty dialog, some crazy antics and other comedic situations; This film also has a dramatic element concerning marriages. Ball and Arnaz ended their marriage four years after this film. That' also when The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour on TV ended. The two had been together on that and the initial sitcom, I Love Lucy. Two years later, Lucy began her third TV series, The Lucy Show, which ran for seven seasons.
This won't have one rolling with laughter, but it will bring some chuckles. It's a nice comedy romance, in which we get to see Lucy mostly outside her trademark Lucy role. The zaniness takes over toward the very end. Susan decides to go with Larry on a field trip – a real field trip, camping out, to test a mosquito insecticide that he had been developing for five years.
Here are a couple samples of funny dialog. The first night out, Larry turns off the lantern in the tent. Susan, "This is some of the darkest dark I've ever seen. Larry, if you put the lantern on again, I think I'll sleep better." Larry, "Look, Susan, it's dark in our bedroom at home and you sleep all right there." Susan, "Well, there's a streetlight outside our bedroom at home. Boy, when it gets dark in a tent, it doesn't mess around."
In the morning they get into a raft on a lagoon. Susan has to row while Larry checks the water for mosquito larvae. Larry is impatient with Susan's rowing and she replies, "Us galley slaves don't row very well unless we're whipped." Later, after several mishaps, Larry begins chewing her out, in his native Cuban language. Susan, "If you're gonna bawl me out, bawl me out in English." He switches to English, and she says, "Never mind, go back to Spanish."
Those who might expect some zany antics that Ball made her signature trade in her long-running TV sitcoms may be disappointed. The star kept that zaniness for her TV shows. Her films mostly have a nice blend of witty dialog, some crazy antics and other comedic situations; This film also has a dramatic element concerning marriages. Ball and Arnaz ended their marriage four years after this film. That' also when The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour on TV ended. The two had been together on that and the initial sitcom, I Love Lucy. Two years later, Lucy began her third TV series, The Lucy Show, which ran for seven seasons.
This won't have one rolling with laughter, but it will bring some chuckles. It's a nice comedy romance, in which we get to see Lucy mostly outside her trademark Lucy role. The zaniness takes over toward the very end. Susan decides to go with Larry on a field trip – a real field trip, camping out, to test a mosquito insecticide that he had been developing for five years.
Here are a couple samples of funny dialog. The first night out, Larry turns off the lantern in the tent. Susan, "This is some of the darkest dark I've ever seen. Larry, if you put the lantern on again, I think I'll sleep better." Larry, "Look, Susan, it's dark in our bedroom at home and you sleep all right there." Susan, "Well, there's a streetlight outside our bedroom at home. Boy, when it gets dark in a tent, it doesn't mess around."
In the morning they get into a raft on a lagoon. Susan has to row while Larry checks the water for mosquito larvae. Larry is impatient with Susan's rowing and she replies, "Us galley slaves don't row very well unless we're whipped." Later, after several mishaps, Larry begins chewing her out, in his native Cuban language. Susan, "If you're gonna bawl me out, bawl me out in English." He switches to English, and she says, "Never mind, go back to Spanish."
drastic change in tone
SnoopyStyle19 July 2019
Chemical scientist Lorenzo Xavier Vega (Desi Arnaz) marries famous rich socialite Susan (Lucille Ball). Their marriage grows cold over the years. He fights with his in-laws and the couple has a blow up. A guardian angel (James Mason) appears to her which only she can see and has taken the image of a movie star.
With their TV show closer to the end than the beginning, this TV royalty continues to try to be movie couple stars. The marriage troubles keep it from being funny. The first half is angry and sad. The angel has some comedic potential but it's not really there. Then the couple tries to turn it 180 into a screwball comedy. The change is odd and weird. The concept has the potential to be a feel-good sentimental melodrama. The comedic attempt only saps the seriousness of the first half. This movie is constructed wrong.
With their TV show closer to the end than the beginning, this TV royalty continues to try to be movie couple stars. The marriage troubles keep it from being funny. The first half is angry and sad. The angel has some comedic potential but it's not really there. Then the couple tries to turn it 180 into a screwball comedy. The change is odd and weird. The concept has the potential to be a feel-good sentimental melodrama. The comedic attempt only saps the seriousness of the first half. This movie is constructed wrong.
Their marriage may not have lasted, but they'll be loved forever.
mark.waltz19 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It's ironic that all three Lucy and Desi films have scenes that take place out in the wilderness, from the football musical "Too Many Girls" to the roadside camps of "The Long, Long Trailer" to the Yellowstone locations in this comedy, not necessarily a classic but certainly very enjoyable as a family comedy. in addition to Lucy and Desi coming off of their TV series, you have the future Lovey Howell, Phyllis Stevens and Miss Jane Hathaway, with Natalie Schafer, Mabel Albertson and Nancy Kulp among the supporting staff. No wondering what one wears to a rescue, the call for help after having a sick headache and answering to "Chief!" here as they provide laughs just by being onscreen and their beloved faces instantly recognized.
This film starts at Lucy and Desi's wedding, and it's interesting that Mabel Albertson doesn't know that the man that Natalie Schafer is gossiping about is the bride's father. Didn't he walk Lucy down the aisle? It's Louis Calhern, in real life the ex-husband of Natalie Schafer, and he's very funny in his limited screen time as a rather bohemian character. Schafer's married to Ralph Dumke here and it's obvious that Desi can't stand either him or his passive/aggressive wife who's claims of the fact that she could just die never result in that. this dinner scene is very funny because it's also obvious that Kulp can't stand her either, and she gets laughs without even saying a word just through her looks of disgust.
So what does a husband do to get his wife away from these hideous so-called friend? Take her away for 2 years on a bug killing spree, investigating a new insecticide that he has helped patent at the company he works for. By this time it's 5 years into their marriage and she is very troubled, having hallucinations of seeing what she believes is an angel in the form of James Mason. When they go to see a movie starring the real James Mason and Marilyn Maxwell Lucy begins to see herself in Marilyn's blonde wig. but soon, the plot twists again, Mason is out of the picture and they are in Yellowstone where typical Lucy antics threatened to destroy his attempts at killing bugs.
Yes, this is an episodic sitcom like big screen comedy, building glorious Technicolor and giving Lucy the chance to look truly stunning in some terrific gowns. There's also the Ames Brother's singing the title song (which Desi later reprises), Lucy's attempts to help her husband while camping, getting Desi up to chase away a hooting owl and later hoping out of the tent, trapped in her sleeping bag. Lucy is obviously unable to escape from Lucy Ricardo in this different role, but she's still very funny and Desi is still the perfect straight man. I found watching it for the third time, I still continue to smile a lot, laugh a little and ooh and ah at the colorful sets and scenery. Unfortunately not a success, it still has a lot to enjoy throughout and over 60 years later, hasn't become dated.
This film starts at Lucy and Desi's wedding, and it's interesting that Mabel Albertson doesn't know that the man that Natalie Schafer is gossiping about is the bride's father. Didn't he walk Lucy down the aisle? It's Louis Calhern, in real life the ex-husband of Natalie Schafer, and he's very funny in his limited screen time as a rather bohemian character. Schafer's married to Ralph Dumke here and it's obvious that Desi can't stand either him or his passive/aggressive wife who's claims of the fact that she could just die never result in that. this dinner scene is very funny because it's also obvious that Kulp can't stand her either, and she gets laughs without even saying a word just through her looks of disgust.
So what does a husband do to get his wife away from these hideous so-called friend? Take her away for 2 years on a bug killing spree, investigating a new insecticide that he has helped patent at the company he works for. By this time it's 5 years into their marriage and she is very troubled, having hallucinations of seeing what she believes is an angel in the form of James Mason. When they go to see a movie starring the real James Mason and Marilyn Maxwell Lucy begins to see herself in Marilyn's blonde wig. but soon, the plot twists again, Mason is out of the picture and they are in Yellowstone where typical Lucy antics threatened to destroy his attempts at killing bugs.
Yes, this is an episodic sitcom like big screen comedy, building glorious Technicolor and giving Lucy the chance to look truly stunning in some terrific gowns. There's also the Ames Brother's singing the title song (which Desi later reprises), Lucy's attempts to help her husband while camping, getting Desi up to chase away a hooting owl and later hoping out of the tent, trapped in her sleeping bag. Lucy is obviously unable to escape from Lucy Ricardo in this different role, but she's still very funny and Desi is still the perfect straight man. I found watching it for the third time, I still continue to smile a lot, laugh a little and ooh and ah at the colorful sets and scenery. Unfortunately not a success, it still has a lot to enjoy throughout and over 60 years later, hasn't become dated.
A mostly forgettable, cheap film with a pairing of Lucy/Desi..
Zaptharo19 February 2009
If there is one thing I dread more than sitting through a collection of modern bad flicks, it is those that are both old and bad. Unfortunately, many of the classics that were filmed in Hollywood's Golden Age and beyond are now mainly left forgotten, only to be pulled by those who are studying the history of film and television.
You may ask why I am reviewing such an old and mediocre film. Believe it or not, something off of Lucy prompted me to sit down and review this nostalgic, but mostly bad film. There is no doubt that I Love Lucy remains a classic show, and though I am not a fan of it or Lucy by any means, you can't deny the impact and status it has had throughout the years. This is the last of the three Lucy/Desi films and it unfortunately, is the weakest of the bunch.
If Lucy and Desi had to struggle for years on B-quality films to finally get their money's worth, Forever Darling certainly doesn't help. There are few to no laughs shown here, not even a hilarious gag or skit. The productions used are sub-standard, and just like most of Lucille Ball's other films, the sets look cheap. It was basically a comedy misfire, and there is nothing special to praise about in Forever Darling. I considered The Long, Long Trailer to be a funny but mostly average film about two of the biggest television stars of the 1950s. Nothing to get excited or look forward to. But Forever Darling takes the prize as being one of the worse films of the 1950s and early 1960s, when B-movies such as this title were being packaged and manufactured on a assembly line.
The only profit this movie got was the fans who were eager to see Lucy and Desi star in their last film together, before their marriage began to fall apart and would eventually get divorced from each other. Only fans of Lucy and Desi should see this movie, for which I am a fan of neither. It is a stretched out "I Love Lucy" sketch that failed to impress the audience. Do yourself a favor and either watch "I Love Lucy" as seen by the eyes of millions, or see the mostly average but funnier Long, Long Trailer. Forever, Darling is not the worst movie, but it certainly isn't worth mentioning if your looking for witty comedy and good chemistry.
Three out of Ten.
You may ask why I am reviewing such an old and mediocre film. Believe it or not, something off of Lucy prompted me to sit down and review this nostalgic, but mostly bad film. There is no doubt that I Love Lucy remains a classic show, and though I am not a fan of it or Lucy by any means, you can't deny the impact and status it has had throughout the years. This is the last of the three Lucy/Desi films and it unfortunately, is the weakest of the bunch.
If Lucy and Desi had to struggle for years on B-quality films to finally get their money's worth, Forever Darling certainly doesn't help. There are few to no laughs shown here, not even a hilarious gag or skit. The productions used are sub-standard, and just like most of Lucille Ball's other films, the sets look cheap. It was basically a comedy misfire, and there is nothing special to praise about in Forever Darling. I considered The Long, Long Trailer to be a funny but mostly average film about two of the biggest television stars of the 1950s. Nothing to get excited or look forward to. But Forever Darling takes the prize as being one of the worse films of the 1950s and early 1960s, when B-movies such as this title were being packaged and manufactured on a assembly line.
The only profit this movie got was the fans who were eager to see Lucy and Desi star in their last film together, before their marriage began to fall apart and would eventually get divorced from each other. Only fans of Lucy and Desi should see this movie, for which I am a fan of neither. It is a stretched out "I Love Lucy" sketch that failed to impress the audience. Do yourself a favor and either watch "I Love Lucy" as seen by the eyes of millions, or see the mostly average but funnier Long, Long Trailer. Forever, Darling is not the worst movie, but it certainly isn't worth mentioning if your looking for witty comedy and good chemistry.
Three out of Ten.
Lucy and Desi are great in this movie!
wally-3825 March 1999
Not Bad but Still Flawed
ldeangelis-757087 October 2023
This movie reminds me of the sequels that try to cash in on the first movie's success, but usually don't compare to the original (though "Rocky III" and "Godfather II" are the exceptions, at least to me). After "The Long Long Trailer", they figured, why not another Lucy/Desi movie? The trouble is (maybe it's with hindsight), by this time their real-life marriage was winding down, and that seemed to come across onscreen, as their usual chemistry seemed to be lacking. Even the comedy sequences seemed lame.
Also, the premise was all wrong. Sexy Desi, the conga drum king, playing a dull scientist, spending his days in a lab rather than his nights in a club? Nope, it just doesn't work.
And, being an environmentalist, all that routing for insecticides just didn't sit well with me. And their names just didn't work. In TLLT, they were Tacy and Nicky, which wasn't so bad, but Susan and Larry? No way!
I like James Mason but casting him as a guardian angel was too much of a stretch. (He seems more the tempting demon type to me.) Natalie Schaffer was Susan's cousin, a Mrs. Howell without the lovable humor, and Nancy Culp - who was yet to be Jane Hathaway - looked too dour as the maid.
Another familiar TV face was Mabel Albertson, who played her usual type character (though too briefly) in an early scene. Louis Calhern was good as Susan's father.
Sad to say, the movie's message, not to forget what's really important and lose your relationship along the way (leaving you apart when you should have always been together) didn't work in real life.
Not a bad movie, but if you don't see it, that's no loss.
Also, the premise was all wrong. Sexy Desi, the conga drum king, playing a dull scientist, spending his days in a lab rather than his nights in a club? Nope, it just doesn't work.
And, being an environmentalist, all that routing for insecticides just didn't sit well with me. And their names just didn't work. In TLLT, they were Tacy and Nicky, which wasn't so bad, but Susan and Larry? No way!
I like James Mason but casting him as a guardian angel was too much of a stretch. (He seems more the tempting demon type to me.) Natalie Schaffer was Susan's cousin, a Mrs. Howell without the lovable humor, and Nancy Culp - who was yet to be Jane Hathaway - looked too dour as the maid.
Another familiar TV face was Mabel Albertson, who played her usual type character (though too briefly) in an early scene. Louis Calhern was good as Susan's father.
Sad to say, the movie's message, not to forget what's really important and lose your relationship along the way (leaving you apart when you should have always been together) didn't work in real life.
Not a bad movie, but if you don't see it, that's no loss.
A Film with a Split Personality
brucehendrick-492834 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If ever a film had a split personality it is Forever Darling. The script dated to about 1940 and was considered for Powell/Loy and Tracey/Hepburn. It is much easier to see those more sophisticated pairings in this material than Arnaz & Ball.
The first two-thirds of the film is a talkie attempt at a High Society comedy, complete with a society reporter and others society types who appear briefly. Relaying on her wide-ranging talents of her early roles, Miss Ball seems quite comfortable portraying an Up Scale wife and I even bought into Arnaz as a scientist. But the script can't decide if this is supposed to be a semi-serious discussion of marriage issues. Certainly there are few laughs here and few seem intended.
Things really go off the rails with the introduction of Ball's Guardian Angel. Compared to a long list of outstanding portrayals of other-worldly beings by the likes of Cary Grant or Ray Ralston, viewers may feel Lucy is merely talking to a cardboard cutout of James Mason, who says little and emotes less. Lucy's session with her shrink becomes cringe-worthy when it is suggested Lucy has a sexual obsession with the real James Mason. Maybe this could have worked with Grant or Rock Hudson cast as the Angel. Maybe not.
Once the film moves outdoors to Yosemite National Park, one feels the final reels got switched and we are watching a totally different film. The camping trip sequence, ghost written by the I Love Lucy writers, is a funny, madcap adventure, more a standalone Color episode of that classic series or their previous hit, The Long, Long Trailer. Unfortunately, the success of the final slapstick only emphasizes the failure of the rest of this film.
The first two-thirds of the film is a talkie attempt at a High Society comedy, complete with a society reporter and others society types who appear briefly. Relaying on her wide-ranging talents of her early roles, Miss Ball seems quite comfortable portraying an Up Scale wife and I even bought into Arnaz as a scientist. But the script can't decide if this is supposed to be a semi-serious discussion of marriage issues. Certainly there are few laughs here and few seem intended.
Things really go off the rails with the introduction of Ball's Guardian Angel. Compared to a long list of outstanding portrayals of other-worldly beings by the likes of Cary Grant or Ray Ralston, viewers may feel Lucy is merely talking to a cardboard cutout of James Mason, who says little and emotes less. Lucy's session with her shrink becomes cringe-worthy when it is suggested Lucy has a sexual obsession with the real James Mason. Maybe this could have worked with Grant or Rock Hudson cast as the Angel. Maybe not.
Once the film moves outdoors to Yosemite National Park, one feels the final reels got switched and we are watching a totally different film. The camping trip sequence, ghost written by the I Love Lucy writers, is a funny, madcap adventure, more a standalone Color episode of that classic series or their previous hit, The Long, Long Trailer. Unfortunately, the success of the final slapstick only emphasizes the failure of the rest of this film.
The angel makes awfully good sense!
MyMovieTVRomance30 October 2022
This movie, while starring a TV sitcom couple, really has a serious message that people should take to heart about what love is, and the importance of working it out with your significant other.
The dialogue between Lucy and the angel is also very thought provoking. As she says to him, "You make awfully good sense!"
I love movies about angels but will never understand people's reluctance to believe in them, even in film- which is the one thing that bugs me about this one. Lucy is at first convinced that she is losing her mind, then after that, she accepts that she's not, but is annoyed at the angel's presence before finally appreciating him! But, if it were me, I would appreciate him from the start! Ghosts, I might run from and be freaked out by, but not guardian angels- or at least I hope not- because having one in my life would be such a comfort. But at least I can take solace in the thought that somewhere out there, there's an angel who is watching over me.
I always come away from movies like this feeling great, but also a little jealous, because I really envy these characters who can see the angels. I mean, why would anyone NOT want a sweet, heavenly angel in their life?!
Bonus points for the brief moment of sexual tension Lucy had for her angel. I felt that!!
----
For a similar treat, check out the Jane Lynch sitcom "Angel from Hell" about a possible guardian angel who means well, but seems very inept at her job, leading viewers to wonder "Is she from heaven, or...?" It's often heartwarming, very funny, silly, but also clever. You can find all 13 episodes on Amazon Prime and maybe other streaming services.
The dialogue between Lucy and the angel is also very thought provoking. As she says to him, "You make awfully good sense!"
I love movies about angels but will never understand people's reluctance to believe in them, even in film- which is the one thing that bugs me about this one. Lucy is at first convinced that she is losing her mind, then after that, she accepts that she's not, but is annoyed at the angel's presence before finally appreciating him! But, if it were me, I would appreciate him from the start! Ghosts, I might run from and be freaked out by, but not guardian angels- or at least I hope not- because having one in my life would be such a comfort. But at least I can take solace in the thought that somewhere out there, there's an angel who is watching over me.
I always come away from movies like this feeling great, but also a little jealous, because I really envy these characters who can see the angels. I mean, why would anyone NOT want a sweet, heavenly angel in their life?!
Bonus points for the brief moment of sexual tension Lucy had for her angel. I felt that!!
----
For a similar treat, check out the Jane Lynch sitcom "Angel from Hell" about a possible guardian angel who means well, but seems very inept at her job, leading viewers to wonder "Is she from heaven, or...?" It's often heartwarming, very funny, silly, but also clever. You can find all 13 episodes on Amazon Prime and maybe other streaming services.
See "The Big Trailer" instead.
planktonrules3 July 2017
I am not a huge fan of Lucille Ball nor "I Love Lucy". It isn't that I dislike either...I'm just not particularly in love with them like many of their fans. However, I recently saw the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz film "The Big Trailer" recently and really enjoyed it...much more than I expected. So, when I saw TCM was airing "Forever, Darling" I thought I'd give it a chance. In hindsight...I wish I hadn't.
The film has a rather strange plot. After a few years, the marriage between Susan and Lorenzo (Lucy and Desi) has grown tense...and much of it is because Susan keeps friends around her which are toxic to their marriage. After a big row, a guardian angel (James Mason) appears to her repeatedly and Susan thinks she's losing her mind. However, eventually instead of running from him, she talks to the angel and he advises her that the marriage is in deep trouble and it's up to her to make changes. So, she agrees to go with Lorenzo on a long trek into the wilderness and hilarity ensues....or at least it was supposed to ensue.
The problems with the film all boil down to the writing. The basic premise is rather dumb but the bigger problem is the sit-com quality writing. For example, when Susan and Lorenzo spend their first night out camping, Susan almost instantly starts complaining...and no one is THAT annoying in real life. Within SECONDS it's one complaint after another--and the complaints are dumb ("it's stuffy in here", "it's too dark", "Larry (Lorenzo)...chase the owl away", "Larry...I'm stuck in my sleeping bag", "I cut my finger...it's bleeding", "The Coffee is cold", "I can't eat bread without butter or spread"). The timing is just awful and you wonder why her husband doesn't just leave her then and there!!
Overall, I'd say this one is only for die-hard fans who will probably look past the lousy writing and lack of real comedy. Instead, I say find a copy of "The Big Trailer"...a film superior in every way.
By the way, I felt a bit sad while watching this film because only a short time later, Lucy and Desi actually DID end up divorcing. A sad case of life imitating art.
The film has a rather strange plot. After a few years, the marriage between Susan and Lorenzo (Lucy and Desi) has grown tense...and much of it is because Susan keeps friends around her which are toxic to their marriage. After a big row, a guardian angel (James Mason) appears to her repeatedly and Susan thinks she's losing her mind. However, eventually instead of running from him, she talks to the angel and he advises her that the marriage is in deep trouble and it's up to her to make changes. So, she agrees to go with Lorenzo on a long trek into the wilderness and hilarity ensues....or at least it was supposed to ensue.
The problems with the film all boil down to the writing. The basic premise is rather dumb but the bigger problem is the sit-com quality writing. For example, when Susan and Lorenzo spend their first night out camping, Susan almost instantly starts complaining...and no one is THAT annoying in real life. Within SECONDS it's one complaint after another--and the complaints are dumb ("it's stuffy in here", "it's too dark", "Larry (Lorenzo)...chase the owl away", "Larry...I'm stuck in my sleeping bag", "I cut my finger...it's bleeding", "The Coffee is cold", "I can't eat bread without butter or spread"). The timing is just awful and you wonder why her husband doesn't just leave her then and there!!
Overall, I'd say this one is only for die-hard fans who will probably look past the lousy writing and lack of real comedy. Instead, I say find a copy of "The Big Trailer"...a film superior in every way.
By the way, I felt a bit sad while watching this film because only a short time later, Lucy and Desi actually DID end up divorcing. A sad case of life imitating art.
"A" for effort but...
superstar494 July 2001
This is a perfect example of how two great stars can make a bad film as a result of a very bad script. I love Lucy and Desi like everybody else, but getting through this movie is sheer torture. The fact that this movie has less than 50 votes indicates I'm not alone on this.
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