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It’s raining, you’re unemployed, and you have an interview coming up in a few hours. As you hold the soggy newspaper above your head, a car zooms by, splashing through a puddle, and soaking your clean, pressed clothes. The person in the car looks back but doesn’t bother to stop, making your blood boil. You do what you can to dry off and go into an automat to get your lunch, talking to your friend through the tiny window, venting your anger on what just happened. You then sit down to enjoy your lunch and are approached by a stranger. He tells you he works for the person responsible for ruining your clothes and would like to relay an apology on his boss’s behalf. He offers you money to cover the cost of the damages, but you don’t wish to accept. You express your deep anger at what had happened, and the man offers to take you up to his boss’s office, so you can say it directly to your “attacker.” You agree with no hesitation and march right into the office, prepared to make a great speech, sprinkled throughout with threats of suing for damages and fleeing the scene of an accident. The boss walks out, your eyes meet, and instantly all thoughts of malice vanish completely as you are overtaken by the most attractive person you have ever seen.
That Touch of Mink, a 1962 film by Delbert Mann is the quintessential romantic comedy. The stars include Prince Charming himself Cary Grant, musical legend Doris Day, and Honeymooner Audrey Meadows. For all the Dick Van Dyke Show fans, Richard Deacon makes a brief appearance. The film received the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture for Comedy, WGA, and the Golden Laurel Award. Mr. Grant was nominated for Best Actor in 1963 for his role, and Ms. Day was nominated for Best Actress.
Grant’s performance in That Touch of Mink is played to perfection. Surprisingly enough, he has a relatively small amount of screen time, however has a huge role throughout the entire film. As is expected by his repertoire of acting, Grant’s execution of the multi-millionaire is absolutely wonderful. He is known for his ability to convey this type of character in other films as well, without the tacky copy-and-paste of one character to another; his skills are duly noted by this ability.
Cary Grant plays his usual role of the suave businessman with a hard exterior, and desire for brief affairs, nothing that lasts. His dashing character Philip Shayne is completely taken aback by his love interest Cathy Timberlake (Doris Day). He is instantly drawn to her, but in the same respect utterly bewildered. The two are incredible examples of the phrase “opposites attract,” for both their views and wishes clash. Shayne soon realises that the only way he can win Cathy over is to forgo his wishes and speak to her desires. As she is from a strictly moral upbringing, he must work with her views and opinions, which causes him much confusion and concern.
Doris Day presents her character with much charm and wit. Cathy Timberlake is no stranger to the ways of modern men, which often disgust her. Somehow she is completely oblivious to these characteristics in Philip Shayne until it’s almost too late. However, she keeps herself composed and poised by having a nervous reaction.
That Touch of Mink leaves nothing to be desired from its witty antics to its beautiful romance. It features a multitude of hilarious incidents, high-speed chases (by car and by plane), as well as screwy female indecision. This film has something for everybody to enjoy.
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