It was on TV during lockdown, nothing else on, and I was busy pottering around but got quickly drawn in.
There are some absolutely masterful moments, tiny details in the acting and scripting that are reminiscent of a bygone age of film in which love honesty kindness and trust were still understood.
The acting is superb throughout and they all have immense timing and patience to make it even funnier.
An unexpected joy.
57 Reviews
Near Classic; Breezy and Very Amusing; Cary Grant's Last Comedy
silverscreen88830 June 2005
This film was probably launched as a "Cary Grant" vehicle, a remake of "The More the Merrier", but I suggest it is a major comedy for several other reasons. As William Rutland, peer and genial businessman and busybody, Grant is mature and good; but involving him in the housing shortage in Tokyo during the 1964 Olympics was a stroke of near-genius. Adding in the old storyline about a girl planning to marry for money and introducing the right man for her instead, in the persons of Samantha Egggar and Jim Hutton, was better, with Grant acting as matchmaker. But making Hutton a member of the US Olympic team and keeping his event a secret, adding in a comedic Russian spy, the smallness of their shared apartment which Grant sublets to Hutton after wangling his own way in, plus visiting a Japanese household of friend Miiko Taka with Eggar and fiancée John Standing, he of the "tall forehead" and boring personality, was I claim pure gold comedically speaking. Charles Walters directed this satirical comedy in breezy style, with story by Robert Russell and Frank Ross from Sol Saks' and Grason Kanin's inspired story. The cast included besides the principals George Takei as a Tokyo police officer, Ben Astar as Dimitri the bumbling Russian spy, skilled actor Teru Shimada as Taka's father, Lois Kiuchi as her mother, Ted Hartley as Yuri, Hutton's Russian fellow athlete-friend, and hundreds of others in bit parts and small roles. The very genial music for the film by Quincy Jones was low-key and delightful; Henry Mancini supplied songs also; the cinematography by Harry Stradling Sr. was lovely from start to finish; and the production designs by Joseph C. Wright were varied and serviceable through. Outstanding scenes in the narrative include I suggest the way in which Sir William's trousers keep disappearing, the attempt by Grant in underwear to enter the Olympic walking event to obtain a signature on a document from Hutton, the party where Grant suggest to a lady Russian shot putter that she put her derrière somewhere else than in his dinner, the trip to see Eggar's friends (the Kurawa family) and the police station scene, among others. This is a sometimes slick and always amusing and I find frequently very-involving story filled with characters that seem unusually real. It may have begun as a Cary Grant vehicle; but I find Hutton is brilliant, and it became despite a bit of over- lengthy presentation a classic as a romance, a comedy concerning overcrowding and a presentation of very memorable characters whose general theme is how one need to deal with life by means of honesty rather than by taking the seemingly easiest path. A favorite of many, many filmgoers, myself included.
A pleasant end to a great career
utgard148 January 2015
Cary Grant's last film is an enjoyable, albeit entirely unnecessary, remake of the classic The More The Merrier. That film starred Joel McCrea, Jean Arthur, and Charles Coburn. Grant play the Coburn role as an older man who tries to play matchmaker to a younger couple he is sharing an apartment with. The couple here are Jim Hutton and Samantha Eggar. Poor substitutes for screen legends McCrea and Arthur but both are likable. The original took place during WW2 so it used the wartime housing shortage as part of the plot. This moves things to Tokyo during the Summer Olympics in order to keep the plot intact of Grant not being able to find a room anywhere else. On the whole, it's an amusing movie but probably much less so if you've seen the original. This is pretty much a scene-for-scene remake with few changes. Grant's a rough fit for the role as it is intended but he does give it his best, using his charm and wonderful screen persona to great effect. He's certainly the best thing about the film and, at all times, my attentions were on him rather than his co-stars. Obviously I would recommend you see the classic 1943 film over this. But, if you have seen that, there's no harm in giving this one a try to see a different cast approach the same story. As far as last films of great stars goes, this could be worse. Just look at some of Grant's contemporaries and you'll see some truly sad ways to end a career. Cary wisely knew to get out while the getting was good. That's a lesson a lot of stars could still learn today.
Light, funny, a bygone.
pro_crustes13 March 2004
They don't make comedies like this anymore. It's got a bit of the mad-cap silliness of the era, as though people could be ridiculous and think it somehow made sense. God, sometimes I wish that were so. The characters bicker constantly, yet that never seems to stop them from getting along. Wouldn't it be fun if life were really like that? This film makes it seem as though it could be. It's about three westerners who share the Tokyo apartment of one of them during a short-lived housing crunch arising from the '64 Olympics. It's a very slight premise, but it serves to propel a gem of a light-hearted comedy. The humor is droll, dry, witty, and acerbic. But, there's a sense of we're-all-in-this-together that keeps the film on the fun side of the line that divides confusion from conflict. If you like "The Gilmore Girls," but would prefer a little more sedate pace, you'll love this one.
A Tokyo Location
bkoganbing26 June 2006
I'm sure that Cary Grant was dangled the prospect of a nice all expenses paid for location shooting in Tokyo for his final film, Walk Don't Run. It's the reason he did the film I'm sure.
It's not a bad film to go out on, not near as good as say The Shootist was for John Wayne, but no Cuban Rebel Girl like Errol Flynn had. It's a remake of an earlier Columbia Pictures hit, The More the Merrier that starred Joel McCrea, Jean Arthur, and Charles Coburn. Coburn got a best supporting Actor Oscar for his performance and Grant has his part.
The original film dealt with a tremendous housing shortage in Washington, DC during the World War II, a crisis of four year duration as opposed to a few weeks in Tokyo where because of the Olympics of 1964 there are no hotel rooms to be had.
On a whim, visiting industrialist Cary Grant answers an ad for a room mate posted at the British Embassy by Samantha Eggar. She gets the full court Cary Grant charm and after a bit of reluctance, allows him to stay. Then Grant lends half of his half to American Olympic athlete Jim Hutton.
Eggar has a fiancé, but foxy Cary works his wiles on both Samantha and Jim. The results are obvious.
Walk Don't Run has a few funny moments, Cary Grant style, especially when Grant strips down to his underwear to talk to Hutton during Hutton's event which is the long distance walk. He also has to pry Eggar's fiancé away to get Eggar and Hutton together. John Standing is Eggar's fiancé and he puts in a droll performance as a dull predictable British civil servant.
Cary managed to mine a few more laughs out of his last screen role, but you decide if the trip was worth it.
It's not a bad film to go out on, not near as good as say The Shootist was for John Wayne, but no Cuban Rebel Girl like Errol Flynn had. It's a remake of an earlier Columbia Pictures hit, The More the Merrier that starred Joel McCrea, Jean Arthur, and Charles Coburn. Coburn got a best supporting Actor Oscar for his performance and Grant has his part.
The original film dealt with a tremendous housing shortage in Washington, DC during the World War II, a crisis of four year duration as opposed to a few weeks in Tokyo where because of the Olympics of 1964 there are no hotel rooms to be had.
On a whim, visiting industrialist Cary Grant answers an ad for a room mate posted at the British Embassy by Samantha Eggar. She gets the full court Cary Grant charm and after a bit of reluctance, allows him to stay. Then Grant lends half of his half to American Olympic athlete Jim Hutton.
Eggar has a fiancé, but foxy Cary works his wiles on both Samantha and Jim. The results are obvious.
Walk Don't Run has a few funny moments, Cary Grant style, especially when Grant strips down to his underwear to talk to Hutton during Hutton's event which is the long distance walk. He also has to pry Eggar's fiancé away to get Eggar and Hutton together. John Standing is Eggar's fiancé and he puts in a droll performance as a dull predictable British civil servant.
Cary managed to mine a few more laughs out of his last screen role, but you decide if the trip was worth it.
Breathtaking Tokyo 1966, and Breathtaking Cary Grant, Last Film
secondtake30 May 2010
Walk Don't Run (1966)
In my book, Cary Grant can do no wrong, and he absolutely makes this movie. It's a bit of a 1960s farce, and is maybe exactly what everyone was reacting against with the shift in movies around this time to greater realism and pertinence. This has neither!
But that's okay, it has beauty (the sets, architecture, and widescreen filming are all really fabulous) and innocence, which is weird to remember. Even sweet romances from our time, like Sleepless in Seattle, don't have the same pure innocence of this, which I think is genuine in its own way. The scene is mid-60s Tokyo, which is hard to beat for interest (and great cars). The plot? Oh, I'm not sure it actually has one that matters, except boy meets girl. It's mostly like a super high class situation comedy, and the comedy is more important than the situation.
And more important than both is Cary Grant, who is in great form. Yes, Jim Hutton is there (and he's fine but forgettable) as well as the female lead, Samantha Eggar (who is not as fine, but is fine anyway, and also forgettable). But then there is Cary Grant. There are even some odd gay gaze moments, where Grant, and the camera, check out the legs or body of a man (Grant, though married, was also gay, it appears). If you catch it it's almost shocking, but perhaps the audience was so innocent, as well, it was thought of as simply funny.
So: drop Cary Grant beautifully in Tokyo and create a nonsensical series of little gags, and you have it. And it's Grant's last film.
In my book, Cary Grant can do no wrong, and he absolutely makes this movie. It's a bit of a 1960s farce, and is maybe exactly what everyone was reacting against with the shift in movies around this time to greater realism and pertinence. This has neither!
But that's okay, it has beauty (the sets, architecture, and widescreen filming are all really fabulous) and innocence, which is weird to remember. Even sweet romances from our time, like Sleepless in Seattle, don't have the same pure innocence of this, which I think is genuine in its own way. The scene is mid-60s Tokyo, which is hard to beat for interest (and great cars). The plot? Oh, I'm not sure it actually has one that matters, except boy meets girl. It's mostly like a super high class situation comedy, and the comedy is more important than the situation.
And more important than both is Cary Grant, who is in great form. Yes, Jim Hutton is there (and he's fine but forgettable) as well as the female lead, Samantha Eggar (who is not as fine, but is fine anyway, and also forgettable). But then there is Cary Grant. There are even some odd gay gaze moments, where Grant, and the camera, check out the legs or body of a man (Grant, though married, was also gay, it appears). If you catch it it's almost shocking, but perhaps the audience was so innocent, as well, it was thought of as simply funny.
So: drop Cary Grant beautifully in Tokyo and create a nonsensical series of little gags, and you have it. And it's Grant's last film.
Decent Light Comedy
DKosty12331 January 2007
Cary Grant's last film is in many ways a typical Grant performance. He does light romantic comedy in this 1 more time. The supporting cast is OK with the late Jim Hutton being the most talented.
The film itself is amusing but kind of rough around it's edges. I am not sure why, but the pace of this film doesn't feel entirely right. Maybe it has to do with Grants advancing age or maybe the Director was trying something new which just doesn't work all the time.
Whatever it is, the chemistry between the actors & actresses suffer & it shows in the film. Granted, this is not supposed to be art though this role for Grant is pretty much typical of his other films. There are a few decent laughs in this one & if you like Cary Grant, enough here to watch.
Don't mistake it with his classic work like in the film North By NorthWest. Call this one way far east.
The film itself is amusing but kind of rough around it's edges. I am not sure why, but the pace of this film doesn't feel entirely right. Maybe it has to do with Grants advancing age or maybe the Director was trying something new which just doesn't work all the time.
Whatever it is, the chemistry between the actors & actresses suffer & it shows in the film. Granted, this is not supposed to be art though this role for Grant is pretty much typical of his other films. There are a few decent laughs in this one & if you like Cary Grant, enough here to watch.
Don't mistake it with his classic work like in the film North By NorthWest. Call this one way far east.
Much ado about nothing...except the joy of watching Cary Grant
vincentlynch-moonoi28 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As several reviewers have pointed out, this is somewhat of a remake of a Cary Grant film from 1943 -- "The More The Merrier"...which had a better cast and was more cleverly done. I'm sorry to say that there's little reason to watch this film, other than for the joy of watching Cary Grant. However, the second half of the film has more life to it than the first half, and you will laugh at Cary Grant running down the street in his undershorts.
It's basically a one joke film. Two men and a woman rooming together. Nothing new here. Yes, occasionally some clever dialog, but just as often a joke carried way too far, way too long, such as the using the bathroom schedule. Been there, done that, both in the "original" and in any number of television shows.
But you still have Cary Grant. And it's fun just watching and listening to him.
Because it's not a very good film, it's regrettable that this was Grant's last role. I really wish he had slowly faded off into the sunset, occasionally accepting screen roles or cameos, rather than just pretty much disappearing from the public consciousness. But, his body of film work will never fade from the history of American cinematography. He was something special, even if this film was nothing special.
It's basically a one joke film. Two men and a woman rooming together. Nothing new here. Yes, occasionally some clever dialog, but just as often a joke carried way too far, way too long, such as the using the bathroom schedule. Been there, done that, both in the "original" and in any number of television shows.
But you still have Cary Grant. And it's fun just watching and listening to him.
Because it's not a very good film, it's regrettable that this was Grant's last role. I really wish he had slowly faded off into the sunset, occasionally accepting screen roles or cameos, rather than just pretty much disappearing from the public consciousness. But, his body of film work will never fade from the history of American cinematography. He was something special, even if this film was nothing special.
Walk Don't Run
KelcyCO14 February 2010
I have always loved this movie. It was a typical light, romantic comedy that Cary Grant was renown for and it was a perfect vehicle for him to transition to the older man supporting role. It used all his talents for keeping it light, witty and intelligent without it being slapstick. I was sad to realize it was Grant's last movie as he could have had another ten or twenty years playing such roles. It was our loss.
I also like others in the cast despite others criticisms. Eggar and Hutton had just the right amount of chemistry. Setting it during the Tokyo Olympics made it contemporary for the times. And unlike many other 60's movies this one does not date itself all that much.
I also like others in the cast despite others criticisms. Eggar and Hutton had just the right amount of chemistry. Setting it during the Tokyo Olympics made it contemporary for the times. And unlike many other 60's movies this one does not date itself all that much.
Run, don't walk!
jotix10030 June 2004
It's impossible to think what was in Cary Grant's head when he accepted to appear in this silly movie. Even when it came out in 1966 it seemed like a bad idea. After all, this is Cary Grant's last film and instead of leaving with a bang, he disappears with a whimper.
It doesn't help that the film, as directed by Stanley Donen, was a weak exercise in its attempt at comedy. True, Mr. Grant is always a luxury for any director to have, but when he is not shown at his best, nothing happens. The best moments of the film show Cary Grant whistling the theme songs from An Affair to Remember and Charade. Well, this is as close to greatness as we are going to get by watching this soulless comedy.
Samantha Eggar, Jim Hutton and John Standing do their best to appear interesting, but everything fails.
Let's remember Cary Grant for the rest of his work and run, don't walk whenever this film shows on cable!
It doesn't help that the film, as directed by Stanley Donen, was a weak exercise in its attempt at comedy. True, Mr. Grant is always a luxury for any director to have, but when he is not shown at his best, nothing happens. The best moments of the film show Cary Grant whistling the theme songs from An Affair to Remember and Charade. Well, this is as close to greatness as we are going to get by watching this soulless comedy.
Samantha Eggar, Jim Hutton and John Standing do their best to appear interesting, but everything fails.
Let's remember Cary Grant for the rest of his work and run, don't walk whenever this film shows on cable!
Disappointing Final Film for Cary Grant
Tashtago20 November 2004
"Walk Don't Run" begins well enough and seems to be perking along as another enjoyable Grant comedy but at some point the film becomes unhinged. Lame gags are dragged out too long and let's face it neither Samantha Eggar (although stunningly beautiful) or Jim Hutton are in the same league as Grant. The film picks up again near the end during the scenes at the Olympics. It's disappointing to see Grant trying his best to wring the most comedy he can out of what is an inferior script. The Tokyo setting helps a little, especially in the early scenes, but as Cary Grant's swansong stick with the terrific "Father Goose" featuring a much better cast than this half baked fluff.
Cary Grant's Finale As a Great Movie Star in remake of The More The Merrier
adventure-2190312 May 2020
Cary Grant-the perfect Leading Man-filmed his last movie at Columbia. The film was a remake of George Stevens classic film The More The Merrier with the incomparable Jean Arthur and Joel McCrea. Cary Grant controlled everything about his movies and cast Jim Hutton-who made all those comedies at MGM with his co star Paula Prentiss, and lovely Samantha Eggar. Cary Grant himself plays the older man played by Charles Coburn in the original film.
This film is set at the Tokyo Olympics of 1964 and the setting is terrific and Harry Stardling Jr was a great cinematographer. Directed by Charles Walters who was an MGM staff producer who did work sometimes uncredited in movies such as Cimmarron, Annie Get Your Gun, or credited such a Joan Crawford's Torch Song. No matter as Cary Grant like all mega stars such as Lucy, Sinatra ran their pictures totally.
Hutton is an interesting star. Discovered by Universal while in the US Army in Germany, he was given a 7 year contract by MGM and cast in George Peppard's The Subterreans. Hutton hit a home run co starring with gorgeous Paula Prentiss in Where The Boys Are and the duo made 3 more movies Bachelor in Paradise, The Honeymoon Machine with Prentiss and Steve McQueen, and The Horizontal Lieutenant with Prentiss. He went on a year long suspension to get out of his contract but had to film Looking For Love with Connie Francis before MGM would release Hutton. Hutton moved on to work with Lana Turner, John Wayne, Roz Russell, Bob Hope, Burt Lancaster, and Charlton Heston and his big break was this movie with Cary Grant deferring the leading man role to Hutton.
Samantha Eggar had the impossible task of starring in the female role created by the peerless Jean Arthur in the original.
Walk Don't Run made money most of which went to Cary Grant and while he was inundated with movie offers the very very rich Cary Grant retired
This movie was successful due to Cary Grant but in no way was the hit that The More The Merrier
This film is set at the Tokyo Olympics of 1964 and the setting is terrific and Harry Stardling Jr was a great cinematographer. Directed by Charles Walters who was an MGM staff producer who did work sometimes uncredited in movies such as Cimmarron, Annie Get Your Gun, or credited such a Joan Crawford's Torch Song. No matter as Cary Grant like all mega stars such as Lucy, Sinatra ran their pictures totally.
Hutton is an interesting star. Discovered by Universal while in the US Army in Germany, he was given a 7 year contract by MGM and cast in George Peppard's The Subterreans. Hutton hit a home run co starring with gorgeous Paula Prentiss in Where The Boys Are and the duo made 3 more movies Bachelor in Paradise, The Honeymoon Machine with Prentiss and Steve McQueen, and The Horizontal Lieutenant with Prentiss. He went on a year long suspension to get out of his contract but had to film Looking For Love with Connie Francis before MGM would release Hutton. Hutton moved on to work with Lana Turner, John Wayne, Roz Russell, Bob Hope, Burt Lancaster, and Charlton Heston and his big break was this movie with Cary Grant deferring the leading man role to Hutton.
Samantha Eggar had the impossible task of starring in the female role created by the peerless Jean Arthur in the original.
Walk Don't Run made money most of which went to Cary Grant and while he was inundated with movie offers the very very rich Cary Grant retired
This movie was successful due to Cary Grant but in no way was the hit that The More The Merrier
Romantic and slight comedy involving a British businessman unable to find a hotel in Tokyo
ma-cortes11 July 2022
During the summer Olympics in Tokyo , there is a severe housing shortage everywhere , then Samantha Eggar agrees in share her apartment in the crowed city with businessman Gary Grant and athlete Jim Hutton . Happy , silly mess and wholesome havoc results . When Gary notices their interests in each other , he attempts to play matchmaker despite he fact she has a fiance : John Standing , but instead causes problems for the entire apartment . Then the older man Grant plays Cupid to the other two but things go wrong . Run, don't walk to see Walk, Don't Run. It all happens at the Tokyo Olympics...you'll never guess the winning event! Walk, don't run...to the land of the rising fun! "Sharing my bath and kitchen with two men...That drove me nuts!" Home is where hang your guests ! What would you do if you had to share your home with two strange men? . A romantic comedy you are sure to enjoy! "Why are nice men such dopes?" She saw her patriotic duty - and she dood it!
An amusing , funny but inocuous and unnecessary remake of 1943's ¨The more the merrier¨ by George Stevens with Jean Arthur , Joel McCrea , Charles Coburn , set during the World War II housing shortage in Washington, while in 1966 version is transferred from wartime to Tokyo's 1964 Olympic Games . Walk Don't Run(1966) has similar plot , as beautiful young Eggar offers to sublet half of her apartment, fully expecting a suitable female tenent , what she gets instead is mischievous, middle-aged Grant who promptly sublets half of his half to young, irreverent Hutton, creating a situation tailor-made for comedy and romance. The trio have a rough start due to their differing personalities , but later they get along well , and eventually falling in love . Gary Grant's last movie , giving a very sympathetic acting as the older matchmaker , he's on top comedy form , raising laughs often without saying a word . Watch his face while grunts as he potters around Samantha Eggar's kitchen attempting to find things.
The motion picture was well directed by Charles Walters . It is pretty well , though it doesn't have too much originality , because partially copying the previous 1943 version . Veteran filmmaker Charles Walters was a Hollywood craftsman , a good expert on Musical and Comedies , such as : "Good news , Easter parade , The Barkleys of Broadway, Summer Stock, Texas Carnival, The belle of New York, Three guys called Mike , Torch Sing , Lili, Easy to love ,The glass slipper , The Tender trap, High Society, Please don't eat the Daisies, Dangerous when wet, The unsinkable Molly Brown" , among others . Rating : 6/10 . Acceptable and passable . The picture will appeal to Gary Grant and Samantha Eggar fans .
An amusing , funny but inocuous and unnecessary remake of 1943's ¨The more the merrier¨ by George Stevens with Jean Arthur , Joel McCrea , Charles Coburn , set during the World War II housing shortage in Washington, while in 1966 version is transferred from wartime to Tokyo's 1964 Olympic Games . Walk Don't Run(1966) has similar plot , as beautiful young Eggar offers to sublet half of her apartment, fully expecting a suitable female tenent , what she gets instead is mischievous, middle-aged Grant who promptly sublets half of his half to young, irreverent Hutton, creating a situation tailor-made for comedy and romance. The trio have a rough start due to their differing personalities , but later they get along well , and eventually falling in love . Gary Grant's last movie , giving a very sympathetic acting as the older matchmaker , he's on top comedy form , raising laughs often without saying a word . Watch his face while grunts as he potters around Samantha Eggar's kitchen attempting to find things.
The motion picture was well directed by Charles Walters . It is pretty well , though it doesn't have too much originality , because partially copying the previous 1943 version . Veteran filmmaker Charles Walters was a Hollywood craftsman , a good expert on Musical and Comedies , such as : "Good news , Easter parade , The Barkleys of Broadway, Summer Stock, Texas Carnival, The belle of New York, Three guys called Mike , Torch Sing , Lili, Easy to love ,The glass slipper , The Tender trap, High Society, Please don't eat the Daisies, Dangerous when wet, The unsinkable Molly Brown" , among others . Rating : 6/10 . Acceptable and passable . The picture will appeal to Gary Grant and Samantha Eggar fans .
Skip it. Watch "The More the Merrier" instead
LordThanosOfTitan30 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Yuk. I made the mistake of watching "Walk Don't Run" as a double feature with the original, "The More the Merrier." What a mistake! Perhaps if I'd never seen The More the Merrier, I'd have appreciated Walk Don't Run but, unfortunately, the remake pales in comparison to the original. Charles Coburn was SO much better in the lead role than Cary Grant (I can't believe I'm even saying that, I'm such a huge Cary Grant fan). It is fun seeing Grant poke fun at the fact that he's finally gotten too old to convincingly play the part of the guy who always gets the girl but, other than that joke, the update just doesn't work. Such a shame that this was Grant's last film. I'll just pretend that "Father Goose" was his last film and forget he ever made "Walk Don't Run." Save your money, save your time, and just watch the original.
A terrific Cary Grant comedy !!!!
Femme_Fatale_198325 August 2001
This film is an absolute must see for all Cary Grant fans !!! It is a superb twist of romance and comedy.. although surprisingly it's not Cary whose on course for the romance, rather he plays the matchmaker !! and wonderful he is at it too !!!
There are many highlights to this film... watch out for the way Cary talks his way into sharing Samantha Eggar's flat, and when he runs in the race in his boxer shorts and vest !!! (a hilarious moment) and finally the most heart rending moment when he's outside at the end of the film and he lets the shutters go up between the two lovebirds, allowing them to be be together !!! Will definitely make you say aww !!!
This film is absolutely brilliant and definitely in my top 5 Cary Grant films !!
a must for Cary Grant fans !!!!
There are many highlights to this film... watch out for the way Cary talks his way into sharing Samantha Eggar's flat, and when he runs in the race in his boxer shorts and vest !!! (a hilarious moment) and finally the most heart rending moment when he's outside at the end of the film and he lets the shutters go up between the two lovebirds, allowing them to be be together !!! Will definitely make you say aww !!!
This film is absolutely brilliant and definitely in my top 5 Cary Grant films !!
a must for Cary Grant fans !!!!
One of the most charming films of the '60s
Nooshin_Navidi11 September 2010
This film is a remake of a 1940s film, but the supersaturated Technicolor and all the other '60s aesthetics & sensibilities make it an iconic film n its own right.
There's so much that made this movie memorable for me: the dialog, the cast, the location, the music...
this was actually filmed during the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. It was Cary Grant's last film and he is very amusing as Sir Rutland. The rest of the cast are equally endearing & unforgettable. It was funny how many scenes of this movie were still fresh in my mind after so many years, like Christine's kimono, the two Japanese kids on the stairs, the coffee percolator, the hilarious walking marathon, the shoji screens (which themselves were like characters in the story.)
Pure joy!
~NN
There's so much that made this movie memorable for me: the dialog, the cast, the location, the music...
this was actually filmed during the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. It was Cary Grant's last film and he is very amusing as Sir Rutland. The rest of the cast are equally endearing & unforgettable. It was funny how many scenes of this movie were still fresh in my mind after so many years, like Christine's kimono, the two Japanese kids on the stairs, the coffee percolator, the hilarious walking marathon, the shoji screens (which themselves were like characters in the story.)
Pure joy!
~NN
Basically a remake of "The More The Merrier"
Nevis-14 June 2005
Different time, different place, but almost the same gags. See below for the plot summary for The More The Merrier. Both are enjoyable!
Plot Summary for The More the Merrier (1943) It's World War II and there is a severe housing shortage everywhere - especially in Washington, D.C. where Connie Milligan rents an apartment. Believing it to be her patriotic duty, Connie offers to sublet half of her apartment, fully expecting a suitable female tenant. What she gets instead is mischievous, middle-aged Benjamin Dingle. Dingle talks her into subletting to him and then promptly sublets half of his half to young, irreverent Joe Carter - creating a situation tailor-made for comedy and romance.
Plot Summary for The More the Merrier (1943) It's World War II and there is a severe housing shortage everywhere - especially in Washington, D.C. where Connie Milligan rents an apartment. Believing it to be her patriotic duty, Connie offers to sublet half of her apartment, fully expecting a suitable female tenant. What she gets instead is mischievous, middle-aged Benjamin Dingle. Dingle talks her into subletting to him and then promptly sublets half of his half to young, irreverent Joe Carter - creating a situation tailor-made for comedy and romance.
Lightweight but likable swansong
BJJManchester2 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The great Cary Grant's final film,WALK DON'T RUN doesn't end the Bristol-born legend's filmography in a triumphant splash like John Wayne's THE SHOOTIST(still arguably the greatest finale to a film icon's career),but it is nowhere as embarrassing as Bette Davis' WICKED STEPMOTHER or Errol Flynn's CUBAN REBEL GIRLS.
If there is a one word description for this film,it would be 'pleasant'.There really isn't much else to say about WALK DON'T RUN,accept that it's a remake of THE MORE THE MERRIER,set around the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 instead of wartime Washington,with Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton in the Jean Arthur/Joel McCrea roles,and Grant reprising the Oscar-winning performance of Charles Coburn as the elderly matchmaker,this time as British businessman Sir William Rutland. Even though he was in his early sixties by this time,'Elderly' is not really an ephitet to think of with Cary Grant.He still looks sleek,stylish and handsome here as he ever did,and is in fact somewhat miscast playing a lovable Mr.Fixit(as Coburn so successfully did) despite his advanced age.But it is thanks to Grant's very presence that the film is watchable. A very inconsequential,wispy and fluffy script,allied with a rather colourless romantic couple (Eggar and Hutton) is totally redeemed by the ever stylish Mr.Grant's double takes,charm and elegance,and his wry delivery gives the mostly flat,stolid lines in the uninspired script some barely noticeable comic depth.Other minor kudos are the Tokyo locations,a genial,uplifting(often whistled) musical score by Quincy Jones(another of his many underrated cinema compositions)and an amusing turn by the upper class actor John Standing as a cheesed off British embassy official,plus other surprises like a cameo from George Takei (Mr Sulu from STAR TREK),and if you catch it,a very brief bit on a TV featuring Jimmy Stewart from THE MAN FROM LARAMIE,dubbed into Japanese!
What is pleasing about this final film is that Grant retired from screen acting just at the correct time,not going on like many other film stars into decrepit old age,doing humiliating cameos and character roles like scores of his contemporaries.He alludes to his age here by not getting the girl at the film's end for the only time in his leading man career (the script makes it clear he is a happily married man anyway),but the very final scene, him successfully joining the previously reluctant young couple in an embrace (courtesy of a remote control device) and being driven away by his chauffeur,still looking remarkably untouched by the sands of time, is rather touchingly done.It would've been nicer to see one of the big screen's greatest leading men end his career on a higher note,but WALK DON'T RUN is still a likable and reasonably dignified swansong to Cary Grant's memorable contribution to film history.
RATING:6 out of 10.
If there is a one word description for this film,it would be 'pleasant'.There really isn't much else to say about WALK DON'T RUN,accept that it's a remake of THE MORE THE MERRIER,set around the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 instead of wartime Washington,with Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton in the Jean Arthur/Joel McCrea roles,and Grant reprising the Oscar-winning performance of Charles Coburn as the elderly matchmaker,this time as British businessman Sir William Rutland. Even though he was in his early sixties by this time,'Elderly' is not really an ephitet to think of with Cary Grant.He still looks sleek,stylish and handsome here as he ever did,and is in fact somewhat miscast playing a lovable Mr.Fixit(as Coburn so successfully did) despite his advanced age.But it is thanks to Grant's very presence that the film is watchable. A very inconsequential,wispy and fluffy script,allied with a rather colourless romantic couple (Eggar and Hutton) is totally redeemed by the ever stylish Mr.Grant's double takes,charm and elegance,and his wry delivery gives the mostly flat,stolid lines in the uninspired script some barely noticeable comic depth.Other minor kudos are the Tokyo locations,a genial,uplifting(often whistled) musical score by Quincy Jones(another of his many underrated cinema compositions)and an amusing turn by the upper class actor John Standing as a cheesed off British embassy official,plus other surprises like a cameo from George Takei (Mr Sulu from STAR TREK),and if you catch it,a very brief bit on a TV featuring Jimmy Stewart from THE MAN FROM LARAMIE,dubbed into Japanese!
What is pleasing about this final film is that Grant retired from screen acting just at the correct time,not going on like many other film stars into decrepit old age,doing humiliating cameos and character roles like scores of his contemporaries.He alludes to his age here by not getting the girl at the film's end for the only time in his leading man career (the script makes it clear he is a happily married man anyway),but the very final scene, him successfully joining the previously reluctant young couple in an embrace (courtesy of a remote control device) and being driven away by his chauffeur,still looking remarkably untouched by the sands of time, is rather touchingly done.It would've been nicer to see one of the big screen's greatest leading men end his career on a higher note,but WALK DON'T RUN is still a likable and reasonably dignified swansong to Cary Grant's memorable contribution to film history.
RATING:6 out of 10.
pretty bad
KyleFurr22 September 2005
This was Cary Grant's last film and it's easy to see why. This is an inferior remake of the much superior The More The Merrier that was directed by George Stevens and had Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea and Charles Coburn. Here you have Grant playing the Coburn role and he doesn't even compare to Coburn. I can see why Grant retired because i couldn't see him playing supporting roles like Edward G. Robinson. Samantha Eggar and Jim Hutton play the Arthur and McCrea roles and are poor substitutes. I don't know why anyone thought remaking The More The Merrier was a good idea and you would be better off just watching the original 1943 version.
A very charming film with a great cast
neilclark624 February 2006
This is an extremely charming film with a great cast. Cary Grant, in his last film, is in tip-top form as a British millionaire industrialist and his co-stars Jim Hutton, Samantha Eggar and John Standing also turn in excellent performances. There are some very funny moments- (not least at a dinner for the Olympic competitors) and the screenplay is a real joy. It's full of witty asides and great one-liners. The story line is believable and the plot flows naturally- nothing appears contrived. Watching this again one is saddened by Cary Grant's decision to retire after making it- his performance showed that he still had plenty to offer- even when not playing the main romantic lead. And it's also sad to think of the premature demise of Grant's co-star Jim Hutton- who had such a marvellous gift for light comedy and who he died far too young at the age of 45 in 1979. Hutton will probably most be remembered for his definitive portray of Ellery Queen in the wonderful 1970s TV series- but he puts in his usual five-star performance in Walk Don't Run too. All in all, I thoroughly recommend this film- you'll have a warm glow inside you at the end of it.
Grant's comedy holds up through his last movie
SimonJack31 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This was Cary Grant's last movie, and he hasn't lost his touch for comedy. In "Walk, Don't Run," Grant has a different role than his usual. He is a matchmaker. While that's befitting for his age, at 62 the fit- lean Grant still can do some of the physical things he did in the past. And, he still gets laughs. Here he climbs the trellis on the outside of a building to get back into an apartment. Not just once, but twice. Then, he sheds his clothing to join the Olympic 50-kilometer race walkers. And he keeps up at a good pace with many younger men, hardly winded after a few minutes of this.
This film has a mixture of antics such as these, some witty dialog in places, and street scenes in Tokyo that were filmed during the 1964 Summer Olympics – the first ever held in Asia.
Grant plays an English industrialist, Sir. William Rutland. He has arrived in Tokyo two days early – ahead of his hotel reservations and the city is crowded for the Olympics. At the British embassy, he sees a notice on a bulletin board. Christine Easton (played by Samantha Eggar) is willing to share her flat with someone during the Olympics. After "Bill" (he has dropped the "Sir" from his name) finagles his way into the apartment, for half the rent of 9,600 yen per week (about $11 then), he makes his business calls with a long-time Japanese company head. He then runs into an American Olympian who is more interested in architecture. But, he too is early and doesn't have his Olympic lodging yet. So, Bill invites Steve Davis (played by Jim Hutton) to share his half of a half flat.
Bill concludes his business early, but is now interested in playing matchmaker for Christine and Steve. Especially, since Christine is engaged to a pompous, snobbish second protocol assistant to a secretary at the British Embassy. Bill had a run in with him when he went to the embassy to see about help with housing. John Standing plays Julius Haversack superbly. Bill enjoys getting him out of the way. So, the rest of the film is about Bill maneuvering Julius out of the way so that Steve and Christine can get to know each other.
This is an entertaining film with plenty of humor from the leads, especially Cary Grant. It's a film the whole family should enjoy. It has some snippets from the 1964 Olympics, and scenes that show the busy, narrow and crowded streets in Tokyo. Modern Tokyo has elevated expressways for vehicles that cross the city. The city streets in places are two to three stories below.
Viewers shouldn't get the idea from this film about how most people live in Tokyo. Christine's apartment is very large indeed. Foreign officials and embassy staffs could afford to have such accommodations. But, where the three people in this film fit snugly together for a couple of nights, the vast number of young, working people in Tokyo were living in much smaller quarters. Three and four people would share three-room units half the size of Christine's in this film. When I last visited Tokyo in 2001, the modern city had many high-rise apartment buildings with these multi-person closet-sized apartments.
This film has a mixture of antics such as these, some witty dialog in places, and street scenes in Tokyo that were filmed during the 1964 Summer Olympics – the first ever held in Asia.
Grant plays an English industrialist, Sir. William Rutland. He has arrived in Tokyo two days early – ahead of his hotel reservations and the city is crowded for the Olympics. At the British embassy, he sees a notice on a bulletin board. Christine Easton (played by Samantha Eggar) is willing to share her flat with someone during the Olympics. After "Bill" (he has dropped the "Sir" from his name) finagles his way into the apartment, for half the rent of 9,600 yen per week (about $11 then), he makes his business calls with a long-time Japanese company head. He then runs into an American Olympian who is more interested in architecture. But, he too is early and doesn't have his Olympic lodging yet. So, Bill invites Steve Davis (played by Jim Hutton) to share his half of a half flat.
Bill concludes his business early, but is now interested in playing matchmaker for Christine and Steve. Especially, since Christine is engaged to a pompous, snobbish second protocol assistant to a secretary at the British Embassy. Bill had a run in with him when he went to the embassy to see about help with housing. John Standing plays Julius Haversack superbly. Bill enjoys getting him out of the way. So, the rest of the film is about Bill maneuvering Julius out of the way so that Steve and Christine can get to know each other.
This is an entertaining film with plenty of humor from the leads, especially Cary Grant. It's a film the whole family should enjoy. It has some snippets from the 1964 Olympics, and scenes that show the busy, narrow and crowded streets in Tokyo. Modern Tokyo has elevated expressways for vehicles that cross the city. The city streets in places are two to three stories below.
Viewers shouldn't get the idea from this film about how most people live in Tokyo. Christine's apartment is very large indeed. Foreign officials and embassy staffs could afford to have such accommodations. But, where the three people in this film fit snugly together for a couple of nights, the vast number of young, working people in Tokyo were living in much smaller quarters. Three and four people would share three-room units half the size of Christine's in this film. When I last visited Tokyo in 2001, the modern city had many high-rise apartment buildings with these multi-person closet-sized apartments.
Running jokes, a slapstick ballet...and Cary Grant playing matchmaker
moonspinner5518 October 2005
American heel-to-toe competitor in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics cajoles his way into a flat occupied by an attractive working girl and her "roommate", a chipper British corporate executive who couldn't find other lodgings in over-crowded Japan. After a lively start, this relatively lackluster comedy loses most of its inspiration, mainly due to the initial set-up compromised by the arrival of the American dullard (Jim Hutton, pulling a Dean Jones). This remake of "The More The Merrier" from 1943 sadly plays like something from 1943 as well. There is so much lovely chemistry and interplay between Cary Grant and Samantha Eggar in the early scenes, this might have been a totally different (and improved) picture had it been played as a duet. Once the boy moves in, and the girl's fiancé gets jealous, and the kids are accused of being spies...well, it's not half as bad as Grant being forced into the third-wheel position, playing Fairy Godfather (he retired from films after this). Quincy Jones provides a bouncy score, and a few of the running gags are cute, but otherwise this is tired material. ** from ****
Cary Grant is always fun to see
rdbqpaul26 February 2022
I don't give a hoot what others have written. ANY Cary Grant film is worth watching. There is magic in every film he made. There's been no one like him and never will be.
I especially enjoyed the humming of Charade and Affair to Remember.
Jim Hutton died way too young but was always enjoyable.
It's a wonderful bit of nostalgia from the dying days of an era when movies could be enjoyed by all ages - cars and buildings weren't constantly blowing up - sex was suggested rather than on full display - an$ soundtracks didn't blow you out of you4 theater seat.
I especially enjoyed the humming of Charade and Affair to Remember.
Jim Hutton died way too young but was always enjoyable.
It's a wonderful bit of nostalgia from the dying days of an era when movies could be enjoyed by all ages - cars and buildings weren't constantly blowing up - sex was suggested rather than on full display - an$ soundtracks didn't blow you out of you4 theater seat.
The Less the Merrier
kenjha29 December 2010
During the housing shortage of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, two men end up sharing an apartment with a woman. In this remake of "The More the Merrier," the setting shifts from WWII Washington to 1960s Tokyo and the plot has been tweaked, but it pales next to the original. Grant injects energy into the role of the matchmaker (Charles Coburn won an Oscar for the original), but it's sad that his great career came to an end in this lame comedy. Hutton, resembling a young Jimmy Stewart, is likable in the role played by Joel McCrea in the earlier film. Eggar lacks the charisma of Jean Arthur. The humor seems labored and it goes on much too long.
Sometimes it's best to just stick with the original...
sunnysusan1213 February 2007
While this re-make of the 1943 film "The More the Merrier" starred my favorite heart-throb Cary Grant in his final screen role, I have to say that his performance in said movie was about the only thing that made it an enjoyable watch. One viewing was enough. It was too...60's formulaic romantic comedy movie-style...Exceedingly dated. It was interesting to see the setting of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and it was a delightful surprise to see George Takei unexpectedly in a small role, but aside from some amusing acrobatics on Grant's part & some cute scenes of his interactions with a pair of local kids, catch it on late-night re-runs if you like but I wouldn't shell out money to see it.
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