In this Technicolor remake of "The Women," Joan Collins plays the Joan Crawford part, and when she's asked her name, she says, "Crystal." Fans of Dynasty will go, "Ah," as she used to say "Krystle" all the time on "Dynasty." So this film serves as a foreshadowing. And that's about it. While it's very pretty to look at with some wonderful fashions, nothing can really beat the black and white version of the Clare Booth Luce play, "The Women." MGM has lined up a wonderful ensemble cast but then disappoints by not giving them anything to do. June Allyson is the star, and I found her quite delightful. Her musical numbers were enjoyable. Ann Miller was in the film, as were Delores Gray and Charlotte Greenwood (in her last film), and they had no musical numbers. However, Delores Gray with her haughty beauty and sophistication did an excellent job in the Rosalind Russell role and had a showier part than the other women. Ann Sheridan, whose voice I initially recognized but couldn't place, was also in the film. Joan Blondell, 50 years old at the time of the filming, was curious casting as a constantly pregnant woman. Agnes Moorhead was the Countess. In fact, it looked like MGM was just finishing up a lot of contracts. Wonderful actresses, all, just underused and/or misused.
"The Opposite Sex," unlike "The Women" had men in the cast, who added nothing. Handsome Jeff Richards as Buck had the beginning of a decent career before dropping off the radar some years later; he had the best male role. That's not saying much.
If you don't know this is a remake of "The Women," and if you don't recognize some of these actresses, you will find this an enjoyable film. For those who know its roots and can't forget them, you'll watch most of the film with a grimace on your face.
"The Opposite Sex," unlike "The Women" had men in the cast, who added nothing. Handsome Jeff Richards as Buck had the beginning of a decent career before dropping off the radar some years later; he had the best male role. That's not saying much.
If you don't know this is a remake of "The Women," and if you don't recognize some of these actresses, you will find this an enjoyable film. For those who know its roots and can't forget them, you'll watch most of the film with a grimace on your face.