JohnHowardReid Review of But Not for Me

But Not for Me (1959)

You saw the title. Someone is asking for trouble!

[7/10 · 14 November 2016]

Not one of Clark Gable's best career choices, as the movie actually goes out of its way to draw our attention to Gable's age and his suitability or unsuitability to marry a younger woman. The problem is that Gable himself actually looks about fifteen years older than his on-screen character's age, so that we already know the conclusion before the question is even asked! And the film's title, of course, is a dead give-away as well! Another problem is that in addition to its slight plot, the film is on the talkative side. Fortunately, production values are good and Gable's support cast is first rate, with Lilli Palmer really excelling herself in a made-to-order role. Walter Lang's direction, however, is completely undistinguished, aside, of course, from his trade mark opening. Lang always like to begin his films with a shot of a geographical skyline - and "But Not For Me" is no exception to the rule!