American Movie Classics channel has just started showing this 1961 flick, and I can't speak too highly of it. A charming domestic comedy with some real dramatic tension, the film boasts a superb cast with the venerable Fred Astaire (yes, of course he dances...), the elegantly funny Lilli Palmer, and a befuddled Gary Merrill. Charley Ruggles as grampa positively steals the show as a sort of geriatrically comic Greek chorus; his brief rejoinders and observations always perfectly set off a scene. The production values, as well, are sumptuous; today's movies don't look as good as this 40-year-old number (the Technicolor process has it all over contemporary processes). Sparkling dialogue and wonderful acting make this story of a playboy father's disruptive effects on his daughter's impending wedding a delightful must-see. I just can't figure it out; how can a movie with no swear words, no violence, no nudity, and not a single sex scene be so captivating???
31 Reviews
Presence and abundance of charm
bkoganbing13 October 2013
The Pleasure Of His Company finds Fred Astaire playing a jet setting, globe trotting playboy who has come to see his daughter by one of his marriages get married. Astaire's first wife was Lilli Palmer and she's raised their daughter Debbie Reynolds with her second husband Gary Merrill. But now Astaire has come to assert his fatherly prerogatives.
He asserts more than that as Reynolds is completely fascinated by him, the father she never knew. But his mere presence and abundance of charm is completely upsetting everyone else around including Tab Hunter whom she met in college. He's a rather plain spoken individual who was an All American in college and now has a ranch. When his prize bull gets sick and he has to go home and tend him before the wedding he leaves Astaie an open field and he moves in for the kill.
All this is rather amusing to Palmer's father Charlie Ruggles who just sits back and enjoys the conflict. Ruggles was the only one of the Broadway cast to do the movie version. The Pleasure Of His Company ran for 474 performances during the 1958-59 season and author Cornelia Otis Skinner played the Lilli Palmer role. Skinner no doubt cast the rest of the Broadway production with Cyril Ritchard, Dolores Hart, Walter Abel, and George Peppard playing the parts that Astaire, Reynolds, Merrill, and Hunter play on screen.
Skinner's collaborator on the play Sam Taylor did the screenplay and transformed it well from a two act play only the setting of the living room of the house on stage. He utilized the city of San Francisco quite well in his endeavor.
As for the work itself the dialog is exquisite, sophisticated, and elegant and The Pleasure Of His Company has a cast to match. One you'll enjoy.
He asserts more than that as Reynolds is completely fascinated by him, the father she never knew. But his mere presence and abundance of charm is completely upsetting everyone else around including Tab Hunter whom she met in college. He's a rather plain spoken individual who was an All American in college and now has a ranch. When his prize bull gets sick and he has to go home and tend him before the wedding he leaves Astaie an open field and he moves in for the kill.
All this is rather amusing to Palmer's father Charlie Ruggles who just sits back and enjoys the conflict. Ruggles was the only one of the Broadway cast to do the movie version. The Pleasure Of His Company ran for 474 performances during the 1958-59 season and author Cornelia Otis Skinner played the Lilli Palmer role. Skinner no doubt cast the rest of the Broadway production with Cyril Ritchard, Dolores Hart, Walter Abel, and George Peppard playing the parts that Astaire, Reynolds, Merrill, and Hunter play on screen.
Skinner's collaborator on the play Sam Taylor did the screenplay and transformed it well from a two act play only the setting of the living room of the house on stage. He utilized the city of San Francisco quite well in his endeavor.
As for the work itself the dialog is exquisite, sophisticated, and elegant and The Pleasure Of His Company has a cast to match. One you'll enjoy.
oscar wilde in the sixties
sanderx20 November 2002
Well written, intelligent and elegant: Oscar Wilde in the sixties in San Francisco. It's a pleasure to see all the fine actors play out the nuances of their lines. Especially Lilly Palmer, who is absolutely wonderful and attractive.
The Pure Pleasure Of Their Company
dencar_116 March 2005
I have probably seen this movie 40 or 50 times since video has been in existence, and I have yet to tire of watching Mr. Class, Fred Astaire, weave his way through this Cornelia Otis Skinner/Samuel Taylor gem of a light comedy that engages you from start to finish.
Everything about this production from the opening credits appearing over what could be the finest still photography of San Francisco ever put on the screen to the ensemble of endearing characters to the heart-warming musical themes, fashion PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY into a film that after forty years still spins an enduring tale of a long, lost playboy father turning up unexpectedly to attend his daughter's wedding.
Lili Palmer is a perfect fit as Astaire's spicy, estranged wife who may have never quite doused the flames for her ex; Debbie Reynolds is a natural as the naiive daughter pining for the real father she never had; Gary Merrill offers a rather patient detachment from most all of Astaire's antics as his current wife nearly loses her heart all over again to her ex-husband's charm. Charley Ruggles is the aloof, wise grandfather, who seems to be amused by Astaire's manipulations and really has little to do or say until uttering a few choice observations near the end. Tab Hunter turns in a surprisingly solid performance as Reynolds' rancher-fiancée--especially when considering that in 1961 Hunter was still pretty much stuck in his "teen idol" phase.
The fun of this movie, before it turns to sad lessons of regret, lies in catching the dialogue repartee and the meddling contrivances of Astaire. For some of the exchanges between Astaire and Palmer on second marriage and "dull, domestic life," get a solid side swipe by playboy Biddiford Poole, before he himself gets the final comeuppance. In all, the treatment of a long-lost dashing second husband appearing without warning for his daughter's wedding who throws a monkey wrench into the settled lives of well-to-do San Franciscans is, in many ways, wonderfully witty.
THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY simply does not age. It is one of those enduring pieces that weaves its own charming spell from Astaire's bon-vi-vant arrival at SFO to his grim realization before leaving again: "I've missed the boat in oh-so-many ways." THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY is a light-hearted comedy with a solid message about regret that hits home for many. But lest Astaire become too much an object of sympathy, he has the last laugh on Palmer and Merrill that caps the film with just the right touch at the end.
Trivia: Cyril Ritchard starrred in the original Broadway production, but Astaire, who had just about retired in '58 after the death of his wife, was cast as Biddiford Poole....Delores Hart was originally cast as Jessica, his daughter in the stage play. After making a number of films and earning about $50,000 a picture, Hart stunned Hollywood in 1964 and announced she was entering a convent. She became a nun and remains one to this day...Gary Merrill, who plays Palmer's second husband, also played the husband of Bette Davis in the film classic ALL ABOUT EVE...The exterior of the Dougherty home where some of the action is shot was, in fact, the Spreckle's Mansion, a San Francisco landmark....Tab Hunter was about at the end of his teen idol days when he made this film. He had recorded "First Love" which was a top 40 hit in the late '50's....
Dennis Caracciolo
Everything about this production from the opening credits appearing over what could be the finest still photography of San Francisco ever put on the screen to the ensemble of endearing characters to the heart-warming musical themes, fashion PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY into a film that after forty years still spins an enduring tale of a long, lost playboy father turning up unexpectedly to attend his daughter's wedding.
Lili Palmer is a perfect fit as Astaire's spicy, estranged wife who may have never quite doused the flames for her ex; Debbie Reynolds is a natural as the naiive daughter pining for the real father she never had; Gary Merrill offers a rather patient detachment from most all of Astaire's antics as his current wife nearly loses her heart all over again to her ex-husband's charm. Charley Ruggles is the aloof, wise grandfather, who seems to be amused by Astaire's manipulations and really has little to do or say until uttering a few choice observations near the end. Tab Hunter turns in a surprisingly solid performance as Reynolds' rancher-fiancée--especially when considering that in 1961 Hunter was still pretty much stuck in his "teen idol" phase.
The fun of this movie, before it turns to sad lessons of regret, lies in catching the dialogue repartee and the meddling contrivances of Astaire. For some of the exchanges between Astaire and Palmer on second marriage and "dull, domestic life," get a solid side swipe by playboy Biddiford Poole, before he himself gets the final comeuppance. In all, the treatment of a long-lost dashing second husband appearing without warning for his daughter's wedding who throws a monkey wrench into the settled lives of well-to-do San Franciscans is, in many ways, wonderfully witty.
THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY simply does not age. It is one of those enduring pieces that weaves its own charming spell from Astaire's bon-vi-vant arrival at SFO to his grim realization before leaving again: "I've missed the boat in oh-so-many ways." THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY is a light-hearted comedy with a solid message about regret that hits home for many. But lest Astaire become too much an object of sympathy, he has the last laugh on Palmer and Merrill that caps the film with just the right touch at the end.
Trivia: Cyril Ritchard starrred in the original Broadway production, but Astaire, who had just about retired in '58 after the death of his wife, was cast as Biddiford Poole....Delores Hart was originally cast as Jessica, his daughter in the stage play. After making a number of films and earning about $50,000 a picture, Hart stunned Hollywood in 1964 and announced she was entering a convent. She became a nun and remains one to this day...Gary Merrill, who plays Palmer's second husband, also played the husband of Bette Davis in the film classic ALL ABOUT EVE...The exterior of the Dougherty home where some of the action is shot was, in fact, the Spreckle's Mansion, a San Francisco landmark....Tab Hunter was about at the end of his teen idol days when he made this film. He had recorded "First Love" which was a top 40 hit in the late '50's....
Dennis Caracciolo
Pogo Slick
writers_reign8 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
They got that one right; it IS a pleasure to be in Fred Astaires' company for the playing time of this movie. The very first time we see him he walks away from camera and that is more than enough to tell us that we are in for an hour or so of pure Style, laced with Charm and oozing with Class and that is just what Astaire brings to this pure escapist fare that defines sophistication. The setting and the characters are unashamedly carriage trade, the San Francisco equivalent of the Main Line with a nod to The Philadelphia Story inasmuch as it revolves around a tony wedding in danger of being derailed by a catalyst in the shape of Astaire. Apart from Lili Palmer no one on screen comes near to Astaire and Gary Merrill especially struggles to inhabit the role of Mr. Gotrocks but no matter, Astaire carries the whole thing effortlessly.
Absentee dads never had it so good
grahamclarke26 September 2016
"The Pleasure of His Company" tells the story of an absentee father (Fred Astaire) who after leaving when his daughter Jessica (Debbie Reynolds) was a little girl, returns a few days before her wedding to Roger (Tab Hunter).
According to his ex-wife (Lili Palmer) "in fifteen years he's written to Jessica three times, he's remembered her birthday twice, and he's never heard of Christmas".
Playwrights Samuel Taylor and Cornelia Otis Skinner take a disturbingly light view of this, and expect the audience to find the absentee dad a lovable heel, despite that after basically forgetting her for years, he's now come back to "rescue" her from the boy she loves by seducing her - there's no better word for it – to join him travelling the world, and stands a chance since his daughter has something of crush – there's no better word for it – on her absentee dad.
The fact that the movie is an entertaining diversion is due to the professionalism of Taylor and Skinner, but more so to some very good performances from Debbie Reynolds, too old for the part (likewise Astaire) and particularly Lili Palmer showing true comic flair. Astaire I found irritating but that might have much to do with his part which is largely caricature.
There is one very short dialogue in which Tab Hunter confronts Astaire about his absenteeism and idle life. They are a welcome, but very brief few seconds of sanity and reality.
Tab Hunter acquits himself very well, showing signs of the actor he could have become. But sadly this was to be his last "A" film. Tired of being exploited by his studio he took the bold step of buying out his contract, in the hope of being offered more serious roles. By that point he had the talent and certainly the looks; perhaps it was the silly name that got in the way.
"The Pleasure of His Company" remains a mixed bag. Worth seeing for the actors, but leaving something of a bad taste.
According to his ex-wife (Lili Palmer) "in fifteen years he's written to Jessica three times, he's remembered her birthday twice, and he's never heard of Christmas".
Playwrights Samuel Taylor and Cornelia Otis Skinner take a disturbingly light view of this, and expect the audience to find the absentee dad a lovable heel, despite that after basically forgetting her for years, he's now come back to "rescue" her from the boy she loves by seducing her - there's no better word for it – to join him travelling the world, and stands a chance since his daughter has something of crush – there's no better word for it – on her absentee dad.
The fact that the movie is an entertaining diversion is due to the professionalism of Taylor and Skinner, but more so to some very good performances from Debbie Reynolds, too old for the part (likewise Astaire) and particularly Lili Palmer showing true comic flair. Astaire I found irritating but that might have much to do with his part which is largely caricature.
There is one very short dialogue in which Tab Hunter confronts Astaire about his absenteeism and idle life. They are a welcome, but very brief few seconds of sanity and reality.
Tab Hunter acquits himself very well, showing signs of the actor he could have become. But sadly this was to be his last "A" film. Tired of being exploited by his studio he took the bold step of buying out his contract, in the hope of being offered more serious roles. By that point he had the talent and certainly the looks; perhaps it was the silly name that got in the way.
"The Pleasure of His Company" remains a mixed bag. Worth seeing for the actors, but leaving something of a bad taste.
The Arrogance of His Company
kenjha7 August 2011
As a young woman is about to marry, her absentee father shows up and puts a monkey wrench into the wedding plans. Astaire is supposed to be charming and lovable as the old guy who wants to spend some quality time with his daughter, but he instead comes across as self-centered and immature, an arrogant fellow who always wants to be the center of attention. At least the actor finally agreed to play his age. In films made only a few years before this, Astaire romanced the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Leslie Caron, women about the same age as Reynolds. Palmer is OK as the mother. This film could have used a more witty script and a shorter running time.
Could have been meaningful
HotToastyRag9 June 2023
I really dislike Debbie Reynolds, but that wasn't the reason I didn't enjoy The Pleasure of His Company. The story started off great, but the direction it took during the second half (as well as the disappointing ending) left a bad taste in my mouth. It could have been touching, leaving audiences to swallow the lumps in their throats as they compliment Fred Astaire on his class and maturity. Instead, it was flippant and immature - if a screenplay can be ascribed those adjectives.
Young Debbie is getting married, and her world-traveling, international playboy father (Fred) is coming home to walk her down the aisle. Her mother, Lili Palmer, hates her ex and believes he'll ruin everything and make it all about him. When Fred does show, that's exactly what he does. He steals all the attention, throws his money around, emasculates Lilli's husband Gary Merrill, and even makes Debbie doubt her fiancé Tab Hunter.
You can easily imagine this family comedy on the stage, and in fact, Charles Ruggles reprises his Tony-winning performance in the movie. It reminded me of the British play and movie The Reluctant Debutante, with Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall trying to involve themselves in their teen daughter's love life - only not as enjoyable. Fred Astaire often played lovable scoundrels, but in this movie, his actions had serious consequences. It would have been a much better story if his character was given an arc, or if just once, he decided to do the right thing. It won't give you a very good first impression of him if you've never seen him before.
Young Debbie is getting married, and her world-traveling, international playboy father (Fred) is coming home to walk her down the aisle. Her mother, Lili Palmer, hates her ex and believes he'll ruin everything and make it all about him. When Fred does show, that's exactly what he does. He steals all the attention, throws his money around, emasculates Lilli's husband Gary Merrill, and even makes Debbie doubt her fiancé Tab Hunter.
You can easily imagine this family comedy on the stage, and in fact, Charles Ruggles reprises his Tony-winning performance in the movie. It reminded me of the British play and movie The Reluctant Debutante, with Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall trying to involve themselves in their teen daughter's love life - only not as enjoyable. Fred Astaire often played lovable scoundrels, but in this movie, his actions had serious consequences. It would have been a much better story if his character was given an arc, or if just once, he decided to do the right thing. It won't give you a very good first impression of him if you've never seen him before.
Lighter than air confection
jjnxn-113 May 2013
Beguiling comedy with a super cast and a lighter than air tone. Fred Astaire, dapper and dashing and Lilli Palmer, chic and knowing are masters of continental charm. Debbie is sweet as their daughter, she and Tab Hunter, much looser than usual even though his character is tightly bound, make a very attractive couple. Gary Merrill is humorously exasperated as Lilli's frustrated but loyal second husband. Charlie Ruggles a hoot as her father, absolutely priceless in his dry asides and unflappable manner. George Seaton directs with a sure hand keeping the tone breezy, standing back and allowing these pros to fill out their characters with their own personal magic. Full of beautiful views of San Francisco in the early 60's. A most pleasant diversion.
The Pleasure of His Company
CinemaSerf12 February 2023
There is something of the "Philadelphia Story" (1940) about this film. Debbie Reynolds is "Jessica" a San Francisco sophisticate who is about to marry hunky Texan cattleman "Roger" (Tab Hunter). Their wedding is all set when her absentee father "Pogo" (Fred Astaire) turns up and chaos ensues. His ex-wife - her mother - "Katharine" (Lili Palmer) and her new husband "James" (Gary Merrill) are soon at the end of their tethers and it seems that only their cook "Mrs. Mooney" (Elvia Allman) will put up with his annoying and selfish antics. Around an hour in I actually felt sorry for poor old "Roger": tempers are fraying; "Pogo" seems to have it in for him and his dreams of a perfect wedding appear to be going the way of the dodo. Pre-wedding jitters or the Machiavellian scheming of his soon-to-be father-in-law? There are moments when this is funny - and Reynolds goes at it was enthusiasm and gusto, but after a while I found the joke started to wear a bit thin, and there was a subtle, but definite, nastiness that seemed to creep in to try and string out the story for almost half an hour longer than it ought to have been. I imagine this would have worked far better on stage, the slightly episodic nature of the story would probably work better there offering a better avenue for the punchlines the are frequent, but not always very strong. I also found George Seaton made a bit too much use of Alfred Newman's rather dominating score, too. It's enjoyable enough, but with a cast of this calibre I was expecting something just a bit better.
Cruelty to children
roslein-674-87455631 October 2022
Those who hate the 1960s (which began about 1963) in America are outraged that so much attention was paid, so much freedom given to young people. Well, let's look at how young people were regarded before that. Pogo Poole, fifteen years after divorce, returns to give away at her wedding the daughter who idolizes him, though he has not seen her since, never telephoned, and has written only three letters. Yes, two of the male characters mock him for being idle and frivolous, caring only about silly things like foreign languages and haute cuisine and oil paintings, but they are obviously philistines and are jealous of Pogo's charm and success with women.
The daughter's devotion never flags for a moment; she doesn't even blink when her father tells her that he hasn't given a thought to her for fifteen years! She never gets angry, never spills out the frustration and anguish she must feel at having been deserted. What fairy tale for adults is this?
The father encourages the daughter to leave her fiance and go round the world with him. But he tells his ex-wife that he wants to re-visit all the places they saw when they were married. So the poor girl is not wanted for herself, just as a stand-in for her mother. And what is the mother's response? To tell the daughter she should be kind to Pogo because he is alone and getting old! Neither of them mention the words "love" or "neglect."
I cannot imagine anyone who has been ignored and belittled by a parent--or anyone with any sensitivity--being anything but horrified and disgusted by this movie.
The daughter's devotion never flags for a moment; she doesn't even blink when her father tells her that he hasn't given a thought to her for fifteen years! She never gets angry, never spills out the frustration and anguish she must feel at having been deserted. What fairy tale for adults is this?
The father encourages the daughter to leave her fiance and go round the world with him. But he tells his ex-wife that he wants to re-visit all the places they saw when they were married. So the poor girl is not wanted for herself, just as a stand-in for her mother. And what is the mother's response? To tell the daughter she should be kind to Pogo because he is alone and getting old! Neither of them mention the words "love" or "neglect."
I cannot imagine anyone who has been ignored and belittled by a parent--or anyone with any sensitivity--being anything but horrified and disgusted by this movie.
Classy family movie of upcoming wedding .
lfowden8430 July 2006
Watched this film on late night TV.Have tried without success to obtain a copy.The movie was quite a surprise as I do not usually like Fred Astaire,but in this, he showed quite a flair for light comedy.As for Lilli Palmer,she is such a classy lady,loved everyone in this movie.Who can forget the last reels at the airport when Astaire steals the family cook!. Would love to see this released on DVD.It has so much to offer from Debbie Reynolds to Tab Hunter.The dialogue was witty and I even enjoyed the one and only dance routine by Fred Astaire.But Ms Palmer kept me smiling as she worried about what was up her ex husband's sleeve.He actually wanted to break up his daughter's engagement and take her with him around the world.He nearly succeeded until he realised his daughter felt sorry for him being all alone.Did I mention also the great acting by the actor playing Ms Palmer patient current husband. Cannot wait for a DVD release.Millie
the pleasure of his company
mossgrymk8 April 2024
Worth seeing for Fred Astaire's take on a charming, devious fellow who has thrown away his talent and wasted his life in the pursuit of Fun. It's definitely Astaire's best dramatic role as he nails both Pogo Poole's (great name, by the way) joie de vivre and profound sadness. Probably should have nabbed him an Oscar nomination, but '61 was a tough year with Lancaster (who won), Lemmon, Spence, Olivier and Trevor Howard providing pretty stiff competition.
Beyond Astaire's performance, though, the pickins get pretty slim in this way too long, creaky, stage bound dramady. Aside from a good Charlie Ruggles turn as, basically, an older, kinder version of Pogo it's fairly forgettable stuff. Particularly irritating is Debbie Reynolds. Or, I should say the character Ms. Reynolds plays, the ludicrously loving daughter of the father who abandoned her. The only thing less credible than her instant, total forgiveness of her cruelly feckless dad is her doing a 180 just before the wedding and letting him fly back to France without her but, rather, with Toy, the stereotyped, adorable, Asian plaything/servant. Which is yet another reason to cordially dislike this movie, sans Fred. C plus.
Beyond Astaire's performance, though, the pickins get pretty slim in this way too long, creaky, stage bound dramady. Aside from a good Charlie Ruggles turn as, basically, an older, kinder version of Pogo it's fairly forgettable stuff. Particularly irritating is Debbie Reynolds. Or, I should say the character Ms. Reynolds plays, the ludicrously loving daughter of the father who abandoned her. The only thing less credible than her instant, total forgiveness of her cruelly feckless dad is her doing a 180 just before the wedding and letting him fly back to France without her but, rather, with Toy, the stereotyped, adorable, Asian plaything/servant. Which is yet another reason to cordially dislike this movie, sans Fred. C plus.
No pleasure in this Astaire performance...
moonspinner5511 March 2010
Samuel A. Taylor and Cornelia Otis Skinner's Broadway success becomes a torturous family comedy which drowns in forced gaiety. Fred Astaire plays a world-renown traveler and bon vivant who returns to San Francisco to see his little girl get married (they appear to be estranged, and he worries she won't even recognize him, only to find she's harboring a crush on dear old dad with no animosity). Astaire's Pogo Poole puckishly turns the household of his ex-wife and her husband upside down, while all the time maneuvering himself between his daughter and her cattleman fiancé. Taylor, who also wrote the screenplay (which goes heavy on the mocking of the Asian help), hasn't re-imagined this material for the movies, and director George Seaton is of little help. The actors wear themselves out with their many entrances and exits, dropping little 'laugh lines' behind them like land-bombs. It's an exhausting piece, certainly not buoyed by Astaire's irritating performance. Hoping, perhaps, to be disarming, the star clicks off his lines as if from a check-list and tends to rely on silly, exaggerated faces. He overplays the slight material to his disadvantage, for we never get a handle on this character (is Pogo a charming buttinsky or just a royal pain?). Astaire doesn't connect with what's going around him, taking control of his scenes without realizing how obtrusive he's being. Lilli Palmer and Debbie Reynolds fare somewhat better, but the rest of the cast is lost in a witless display of romantic comedy which is bereft of both comedy and romance. * from ****
Its stage origins are obvious but it's fun, nevertheless.
gregcouture29 April 2003
This production had its origins in a successful stage play in which, if memory serves, Cyril Ritchard played the role of "Pogo" Poole on Broadway. I saw this on Hollywood Blvd. at the then Paramount Theater, across the street from the world-famed Grauman's Chinese. I'd looked forward to its release, which had been delayed by a several-week shutdown during shooting, due to a Hollywood union dispute (I think it involved the Writers Guild, though I may be wrong.), because I was then, and always will be, a devoted fan of Miss Lilli Palmer, Germany's gift to the cinema.
The finished product betrayed its stage origins but was luxuriously produced and nicely enacted by a thoroughly professional cast. I'll always remember that scene when devoted daughter, Jessica, played by Debbie Reynolds, tearfully confesses that she's willing to postpone her planned and very lavish wedding in order to accompany her long-lost and suddenly returned father, "Pogo," on one last globetrotting trip before his imminent demise of "old age." Fred Astaire's horrified reaction to this declaration of daughterly affection was something to behold.
The Technicolor cinematography by the gifted Robert Burks (one of Hitchcock's favorites) is one of this film's best assets. (Too bad Paramount was getting too cheap to use its 70mm VistaVision process on this one, since San Francisco provided some lovely backgrounds.) And, as always, Alfred Newman underscored the proceedings quite elegantly. The title song, a nice one, was sung by Vic Damone over the opening credits, if I'm not mistaken, which were static shots of San Francisco and environs. I remember wishing that moving images of the same vistas had been used instead.
The finished product betrayed its stage origins but was luxuriously produced and nicely enacted by a thoroughly professional cast. I'll always remember that scene when devoted daughter, Jessica, played by Debbie Reynolds, tearfully confesses that she's willing to postpone her planned and very lavish wedding in order to accompany her long-lost and suddenly returned father, "Pogo," on one last globetrotting trip before his imminent demise of "old age." Fred Astaire's horrified reaction to this declaration of daughterly affection was something to behold.
The Technicolor cinematography by the gifted Robert Burks (one of Hitchcock's favorites) is one of this film's best assets. (Too bad Paramount was getting too cheap to use its 70mm VistaVision process on this one, since San Francisco provided some lovely backgrounds.) And, as always, Alfred Newman underscored the proceedings quite elegantly. The title song, a nice one, was sung by Vic Damone over the opening credits, if I'm not mistaken, which were static shots of San Francisco and environs. I remember wishing that moving images of the same vistas had been used instead.
on and off with Pogo
SnoopyStyle29 March 2024
In San Francisco, Jessica Poole (Debbie Reynolds) and Roger Henderson (Tab Hunter) are getting married. Her mother Katharine Dougherty (Lilli Palmer) and her stepfather James Dougherty are busy organizing the wedding. Her absent father Biddeford 'Pogo' Poole (Fred Astaire) is nowhere to be found despite all the cables being sent around the world. He surprises everybody by suddenly showing up.
I want to like Pogo a lot more, but he comes off rather arrogant initially. His introduction with Toy is supposed to be funny. He walks around like he owns the place. I don't hate the guy. The movie just wants me to like him a lot more than I actually do. As for him and Kate, they have some good combative energy. It takes a while before I find the nugget of love for the coupling. It has to center around their relationship with Jessica. As for Jessica, I want her to be less hormonal. I'm not a big fan of Roger, but I don't want Pogo to bully him either. They get into quite a fight with some big issues being thrown around. For the ending, I don't like the cigarette fight but I do like Toy. In the end, I like Pogo enough to accept this movie as is.
I want to like Pogo a lot more, but he comes off rather arrogant initially. His introduction with Toy is supposed to be funny. He walks around like he owns the place. I don't hate the guy. The movie just wants me to like him a lot more than I actually do. As for him and Kate, they have some good combative energy. It takes a while before I find the nugget of love for the coupling. It has to center around their relationship with Jessica. As for Jessica, I want her to be less hormonal. I'm not a big fan of Roger, but I don't want Pogo to bully him either. They get into quite a fight with some big issues being thrown around. For the ending, I don't like the cigarette fight but I do like Toy. In the end, I like Pogo enough to accept this movie as is.
The Pleasure of this movie!!!
acircleoflight22 September 2008
I've seen this film many times, including my original viewing in the theater, and have always found it charming. The casting is perfect! Fred Astaire is perhaps the only person for the role of Pogo Poole (perhaps Cary Grant could have pulled it off as well!). He is a charming, sophisticated roué, yet, in his own way, caring of his long-neglected daughter. A part written for him!!! The rest of the casting is perfect! Lily Palmer strikes the perfect note as the mother/ex-wife. Sarcastic, yet understanding of Pogo's power's. Gary Merrell, as the exasperated, but understanding and trusting husband, couldn't be better! Debbie Reynolds brings her obvious talents to the role of the daughter who is star-struck by her world-traveler father. Tab Hunter is also well cast as the rancher-fiancée.
All this, combined with the witty, sophisticated script, makes for a very pleasurable experience in film. I love this charming, little movie!!
All this, combined with the witty, sophisticated script, makes for a very pleasurable experience in film. I love this charming, little movie!!
Who would have thought you could hate Fred Astaire!
planktonrules6 November 2011
I am a big fan of Fred Astaire films. His style, his grace and his real likability make him one of my favorites. Yet, oddly, he plays a guy here who is a huge departure--a man you really want to hate. Because of this and a few plot problems, I wasn't especially fond of this film.
Fred plays a man who has been divorced (from Lilli Palmer) for many years. During the intervening years, he's barely ever seen their daughter (Debbie Reynolds). Yet, oddly, just as the daughter is about to get married, Astaire shows up and makes himself very much at home in the fancy townhouse owned by his ex- and her new husband (Gary Merrill). Seeing Astaire behaving as if it was his home as he started rearranging furniture taking over Merrill's study was amazingly obnoxious--and you couldn't help but hate him. Not surprisingly, it seemed as if he's come to try to throw a wrench into the works--and lots of chaos ensues.
At this point, the plot does become a bit creepy. Debbie Reynolds' character has MAJOR daddy issues and could use about a decade of psychotherapy to work these out properly. In fact, my mother-in-law and I watched the film and felt this was REALLY creepy. At times, it sure seemed like Freud's Electra Complex was going strong! Eww!! It also is a problematic plot because Astaire's character really is a jerk--and you cannot like him. In fact this is THE single biggest problem with the film. As you don't like him in the least and Reynolds' character has a VERY unhealthy attraction to her long-lost dad, the film just left me very flat...and creeped out beyond reason! Overall, not a particularly good film--one that SHOULD have been a lot better.
Fred plays a man who has been divorced (from Lilli Palmer) for many years. During the intervening years, he's barely ever seen their daughter (Debbie Reynolds). Yet, oddly, just as the daughter is about to get married, Astaire shows up and makes himself very much at home in the fancy townhouse owned by his ex- and her new husband (Gary Merrill). Seeing Astaire behaving as if it was his home as he started rearranging furniture taking over Merrill's study was amazingly obnoxious--and you couldn't help but hate him. Not surprisingly, it seemed as if he's come to try to throw a wrench into the works--and lots of chaos ensues.
At this point, the plot does become a bit creepy. Debbie Reynolds' character has MAJOR daddy issues and could use about a decade of psychotherapy to work these out properly. In fact, my mother-in-law and I watched the film and felt this was REALLY creepy. At times, it sure seemed like Freud's Electra Complex was going strong! Eww!! It also is a problematic plot because Astaire's character really is a jerk--and you cannot like him. In fact this is THE single biggest problem with the film. As you don't like him in the least and Reynolds' character has a VERY unhealthy attraction to her long-lost dad, the film just left me very flat...and creeped out beyond reason! Overall, not a particularly good film--one that SHOULD have been a lot better.
A great comedy of wit and conniving
SimonJack24 February 2021
The entire cast of this film is sparkling. And although its small compared to most feature films, most of the cast give performances worthy of nominations for awards. Indeed, Fred Astaire was nominated as best actor for a Golden Globe by the Hollywood foreign press association. Astaire's performance surely is one of his very best, outside the musical genre that dominated his first three decades.
But "The Pleasure of His Company" includes sterling performances by Lili Palmer, and Gary Merrill, and Tab Hunter, and Debbie Reynolds, and Harold Fong. If Charles Ruggles's Mackenzie Savage had had just a little more screen time - or at least a few more lines of dialog, his performance would also be worthy of a nomination.
One can see after a few minutes into the film that it comes from a stage play. And that's okay. The fact of very few scene changes allows playwrights and screen writers to put more substance into their characters, especially with dialog. This is a comedy and a family film - of sorts. It centers around Astaire's romantic gadabout character with a diabolical scheme or two up his sleeve.
Astaire's Biddeford 'Pogo' Poole hasn't seen daughter Jessica (played by Reynolds) since she was a little girl of 5 or 6. Yet, now she is getting married. Her mother, Katherine Dougherty (Palmer) and step-father, James Dougherty (Merrill) have sent telegrams around the world trying to find Poole to invite him and have him give his daughter away. The tab is more than $540 for wires to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia. Yet, Poole hasn't answered or acknowledged a one.
Now, with the wedding but a few days off, Pogo shows up at the Dougherty house overlooking San Francisco Bay. And, he turns the household upside down. He's not a crude or flamboyant character, but the master charmer of all time. In the midst of all this, the one person he can't fool is Katherine, his first wife. He has had two more since her. But they all get left behind and play a distant second fiddle to his wanderlust. Part of his charm - as he now plies Jessica with thoughts of adventure before marrying her fiancé, Roger Henderson (Hunter), is the allure he puts on exotic locales and the excitement of seeing the world. And Jessica is very gullible, having kept a scrapbook with clippings of her father's escapades and adventures. Yet, she's also in love with Roger.
Ruggles plays Mackenzie Savage, father of Katherine and Jessica's grandpa. He lives elsewhere in California and had planned to stay at his club because the atmosphere is more exciting there than the quiet and mundane evenings with James and Katharine. But, since Pogo's arrival, Savage has decided that it will be more exciting after all to stay with the family. And, he is quick to point out that he has never called Poole "Pogo," but has always called him by his given name, "Biddeford." Indeed, he does so throughout the film.
The one thing that's never clear is Pogo Poole's source of money. He couldn't be traveling the world, going on safaris, scaling peaks, and cruising for months at a time without some source of income. He doesn't work and has no permanent home anywhere, apparently. So, he must be an heir with money that allows him to lead a life of constant adventure and pleasure. In spite of his charm, one doesn't quite trust him -- or take to him personally, because the life he lives is completely selfish. So, the concern that develops once he shows up is what everyone's relationship will be when he leaves - and with whom.
Katherine is worried he may lure Jessica away. James is lured that he may lure Katherine away. Roger is worried that he may botch their wedding. Mackenzie is watching with interest. And Toy laughs at Pogo's jokes that he tells in Chinese.
The exchanges between the characters at times is brittle with intrigue. This is a fantastic film of sophisticated comedy and family drama. Here are some favorite lines.
Katharine Dougherty, to their Chinese cook and all around house man, "Toy, he was my FIRST husband, not my Number One husband."
Pogo, "If I was your age and not her father, I'd make you fight me for her, boy." Roger, "I wish I could." Pogo, "Hmmm?"
Pogo Poole, "I am not suggesting I be your guide on your honeymoon."
Jessica Poole, "But what about Roger?" Pogo, "Send him a postcard." Jessica, "Father, we're getting married Saturday." Pogo, "You can always get married." Jessica, "But, what would I say to him?" Pogo, "Good-bye." Jessica, "Father!"
Jessica, "And then you deliberately gave him the wildest horse on the ranch." Roger, "I didn't deliberately. He's not the wildest horse on the ranch. I can ride hm. Every one of my hands can ride him. The Chinese cook can ride him."
Jessica, "And that wild steer, mother. He egged him on. He dared father to ride him." Roger, "He insisted on riding him. Why would I dare a man to ride a wild steer? I'm not out of my mind. He might have been killed." Katherine, "Oh, yesss!"" Pogo, "Nonsense. I just didn't get settled on him, that's all. I'd like to try that again some time, Roger." Katherine, "Tomorrow?"
Roger Henderson, "Mr. Savage, you know her well. She will come out of this won't she?" MacKenzie Savage, "Uh, not unchanged. She'll never be the same." Roger, "Why?" Savage, "And the serpent said unto Eve, enjoy yourself - and she was never the same. It's not accurate but it's apt."
Savage, "I don't mean to be clinical, but you're limping on the wrong leg." Pogo, "Heh, heh, you caught me unawares."
Pogo, "It's a far, far better thing I do." Savage, "Heh, heh, you really are a scoundrel, Biddeford."
But "The Pleasure of His Company" includes sterling performances by Lili Palmer, and Gary Merrill, and Tab Hunter, and Debbie Reynolds, and Harold Fong. If Charles Ruggles's Mackenzie Savage had had just a little more screen time - or at least a few more lines of dialog, his performance would also be worthy of a nomination.
One can see after a few minutes into the film that it comes from a stage play. And that's okay. The fact of very few scene changes allows playwrights and screen writers to put more substance into their characters, especially with dialog. This is a comedy and a family film - of sorts. It centers around Astaire's romantic gadabout character with a diabolical scheme or two up his sleeve.
Astaire's Biddeford 'Pogo' Poole hasn't seen daughter Jessica (played by Reynolds) since she was a little girl of 5 or 6. Yet, now she is getting married. Her mother, Katherine Dougherty (Palmer) and step-father, James Dougherty (Merrill) have sent telegrams around the world trying to find Poole to invite him and have him give his daughter away. The tab is more than $540 for wires to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia. Yet, Poole hasn't answered or acknowledged a one.
Now, with the wedding but a few days off, Pogo shows up at the Dougherty house overlooking San Francisco Bay. And, he turns the household upside down. He's not a crude or flamboyant character, but the master charmer of all time. In the midst of all this, the one person he can't fool is Katherine, his first wife. He has had two more since her. But they all get left behind and play a distant second fiddle to his wanderlust. Part of his charm - as he now plies Jessica with thoughts of adventure before marrying her fiancé, Roger Henderson (Hunter), is the allure he puts on exotic locales and the excitement of seeing the world. And Jessica is very gullible, having kept a scrapbook with clippings of her father's escapades and adventures. Yet, she's also in love with Roger.
Ruggles plays Mackenzie Savage, father of Katherine and Jessica's grandpa. He lives elsewhere in California and had planned to stay at his club because the atmosphere is more exciting there than the quiet and mundane evenings with James and Katharine. But, since Pogo's arrival, Savage has decided that it will be more exciting after all to stay with the family. And, he is quick to point out that he has never called Poole "Pogo," but has always called him by his given name, "Biddeford." Indeed, he does so throughout the film.
The one thing that's never clear is Pogo Poole's source of money. He couldn't be traveling the world, going on safaris, scaling peaks, and cruising for months at a time without some source of income. He doesn't work and has no permanent home anywhere, apparently. So, he must be an heir with money that allows him to lead a life of constant adventure and pleasure. In spite of his charm, one doesn't quite trust him -- or take to him personally, because the life he lives is completely selfish. So, the concern that develops once he shows up is what everyone's relationship will be when he leaves - and with whom.
Katherine is worried he may lure Jessica away. James is lured that he may lure Katherine away. Roger is worried that he may botch their wedding. Mackenzie is watching with interest. And Toy laughs at Pogo's jokes that he tells in Chinese.
The exchanges between the characters at times is brittle with intrigue. This is a fantastic film of sophisticated comedy and family drama. Here are some favorite lines.
Katharine Dougherty, to their Chinese cook and all around house man, "Toy, he was my FIRST husband, not my Number One husband."
Pogo, "If I was your age and not her father, I'd make you fight me for her, boy." Roger, "I wish I could." Pogo, "Hmmm?"
Pogo Poole, "I am not suggesting I be your guide on your honeymoon."
Jessica Poole, "But what about Roger?" Pogo, "Send him a postcard." Jessica, "Father, we're getting married Saturday." Pogo, "You can always get married." Jessica, "But, what would I say to him?" Pogo, "Good-bye." Jessica, "Father!"
Jessica, "And then you deliberately gave him the wildest horse on the ranch." Roger, "I didn't deliberately. He's not the wildest horse on the ranch. I can ride hm. Every one of my hands can ride him. The Chinese cook can ride him."
Jessica, "And that wild steer, mother. He egged him on. He dared father to ride him." Roger, "He insisted on riding him. Why would I dare a man to ride a wild steer? I'm not out of my mind. He might have been killed." Katherine, "Oh, yesss!"" Pogo, "Nonsense. I just didn't get settled on him, that's all. I'd like to try that again some time, Roger." Katherine, "Tomorrow?"
Roger Henderson, "Mr. Savage, you know her well. She will come out of this won't she?" MacKenzie Savage, "Uh, not unchanged. She'll never be the same." Roger, "Why?" Savage, "And the serpent said unto Eve, enjoy yourself - and she was never the same. It's not accurate but it's apt."
Savage, "I don't mean to be clinical, but you're limping on the wrong leg." Pogo, "Heh, heh, you caught me unawares."
Pogo, "It's a far, far better thing I do." Savage, "Heh, heh, you really are a scoundrel, Biddeford."
the pleasure was brief
tac4200114 February 2005
Not funny or witty. Fred is too old, Debby R is too old, and there is no real humor or tension... scenery of San Fran is the best feature.... the best joke that Fred has with the Oriental servant is repeated ad- nauseum and it wasn't even that funny the first time.... Astaire's character is not likable and is too easily forgiven by his too old daughter and his ex-wife.... the cattle baron thing was funny when it was done in some screwball comedies in the 30's and 40's, but it has perhaps never been written or played more flatly... the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco of its day in Technicolor overkill were the best feature... Fred does dance and for his age he's quite graceful, but there is no attempt at choreography or anything unique... At many points he just flat out doesn't look well at all...
Delightful
TracyInTpa10 September 1999
Watched this movie on labor day, and it made my day! It was delightful, funny, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable! And a thought occurred to me, it would be a great movie for a remake, the plot is very current and could make a great updated story, and the potential to be quite funny. I actually laughed out loud several times during the movie. If you have not seen it, please check it out... its great!
I wish this were more available, it's a delight!
maxdaddytj23 March 2018
I saw this when it first came out - I was just a kid (really) and I think my mother took me along to a matinee, because SHE wanted to see it. I loved it then, I love it still,and finally tracked down an "OK" copy from some dubious source. WHY can't they bring this out on DVD??? With Debbie Reynold's recent passing, I think there owuld be a market.
Tab Hunter is really good! Handsome, of course, but he's really good at playing the light comedy with the deft touch. Gary Merrill, FRED ASTAIRE (Need Is at more!)
Charlie Ruggles, Lilli Palmer, all wonderful. There is once dance scene with Mr. Astaire, and I read an anecdote by George Seaton, so I presume it's true: At a pre-wedding party, they are all dancing the mambo - well, Seaton says he had no clue how to mambo! HIM! So he grabbed one of the extras, had her run him through it, and of course, in a short while, he was mambo-ing better than anyone.
AND a chance to see Edith Head, in one of her very rare on-screen appearences, as the bridal department doyenne at I. Magnin's......and an extra thoguht - San Francisco, particularly in the opening credits, is a wonderful character, in and of itself.
Track it down; you won't be sorry!
Enjoyable, other than the utterly loathsome Fred Astaire
rch4274 January 2013
Things to like about this film: San Francisco locations, Edith Head's costuming, the music.
Things that are much harder to like: Fred Astaire's character, Debbie Reynolds, and the plot.
Reynolds, at age 30, is absurd as an ingenue/debutante.
In the '20s, a studio executive wrote about the young Astaire -- "Can't sing. Can't act. Slightly balding. Can dance a little." Although you'd never know it from the stature he has in Hollywood history, that executive nailed it. Astaire *can't* sing, can barely act, and he's no Cary Grant in the looks department.
There is nothing to like about Fred Astaire in "The Pleasure of His Company", playing a roguish, absentee father who comes back from spending his life entertaining himself abroad and promptly attempts to ruin everyone else's relationships. But for the script that subverts all logic, there could be no explanation for the way he's lionized in this film as a charming man of the world. To me, he could not have been more boorish and pretentious. Take that assessment for whatever its worth.
Things that are much harder to like: Fred Astaire's character, Debbie Reynolds, and the plot.
Reynolds, at age 30, is absurd as an ingenue/debutante.
In the '20s, a studio executive wrote about the young Astaire -- "Can't sing. Can't act. Slightly balding. Can dance a little." Although you'd never know it from the stature he has in Hollywood history, that executive nailed it. Astaire *can't* sing, can barely act, and he's no Cary Grant in the looks department.
There is nothing to like about Fred Astaire in "The Pleasure of His Company", playing a roguish, absentee father who comes back from spending his life entertaining himself abroad and promptly attempts to ruin everyone else's relationships. But for the script that subverts all logic, there could be no explanation for the way he's lionized in this film as a charming man of the world. To me, he could not have been more boorish and pretentious. Take that assessment for whatever its worth.
A Hidden Gem
davidechard16 July 2020
Going through a Debbie Reynolds fiimography and I stumbled upon this movie. I thought I had seen the all the best of Astaire. Fred is warm and filled with humanity in this classic.
Astaire returns home to reconnect with his daughter, Debbie Reynolds and wife, Lily Palmer. Astaire's Years of the playboy life and world travel are no longer attractive dalliances.
Lily Palmer is gorgeous as Astaire's ex. Palmer and Astaire appear to have sparks intact.
Reynolds future beau, Tab Hunter In one of his early roles.
Astaire was always a rare triple threat.
Singing, Dancing and Acting.
Astaire really flexes his acting muscles on this one.
A once in a lifetime talent.
you are dead wrong, this film was a delight...
jonathan_lippman17 June 2009
PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY was a PLEASURE to watch from beginning to end and LILLI PALMER is totally ravishing and steals the show.. Fred may have been a bit too old and ditto Debbie but it worked anyway and it was charming, from beginning to end and Lilli was absolutely marvelous as usual..Charles Ruggles was hilarious as always and repeated his Tony award winning performance from the original stage play. I highly recommend this bright comedy and San Francisco,such a beautiful city, added to the pleasure of their company. This was not a musical and so Fred danced with his daughter and his wife as he should, a normal man, not a show dancer....but with grace and elegance as usual and he does sing a tiny bit while dancing with Lilli, his ex-wife whom he stills appears to be in love with, who wouldn't be. If you are looking for a Fred musical, look up one of the MGM or RKO films he did.
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