The Tender Trap, even if one takes it within its mid 1950's context, misfires at nearly every step resulting in a very underachieving effort.
First and foremost is the miscast pairing of Reynolds and Sinatra. In addition to there being zero on-screen chemistry between them, their entire relationship lacks credibility. Did no one, even in 1955, not see this in the relationship upon which the film is based?
Taken individually, both characters are just as flawed. We are made to believe that Charlie is receiving dozens of calls daily from beautiful young women. The film makers clearly confused the character of Charlie, a somewhat successful talent agent, with Sinatra the famous singer/actor. Even worse is Debbie Reynolds' character. We are to believe a first time actress cast in a new Broadway play would forget to attend her first rehearsal to look at furniture?! Very irritating is her ridiculous preplanning, such as marking on the calendar her wedding date despite not even dating anyone.
The parade of young women through Charlie's is bizarre. One enters with cheese. One brings a fish. One enters & exits without a word to walk his dog. All are treated as mere objects.
David Wayne's character is certainly insulting. After initial outrage by Charlie that his best friend may have left his wife & kids back in Indianapolis, the rest of the film sees no one objecting to this married man's nightly dates with Sylvia.
A great many many smaller details constantly keep the film off kilter. Suddenly Charlie can't get a date. Innocent Jenny is on guard of Charlie but invites him into her place for a drink. A big blowout party becomes a plot point but we don't see it. Jenny is a bridesmaid for Sylvia despite being rivals and having barely met.
Even with its two popular music stars, the music is mostly limited to Reynolds & Sinatra each singing the title tune at a rehearsal.
Probably the only saving moments of this film are the innovative opening & closing credits where first Frank and then the cast sing the otherwise underwhelming title song.
First and foremost is the miscast pairing of Reynolds and Sinatra. In addition to there being zero on-screen chemistry between them, their entire relationship lacks credibility. Did no one, even in 1955, not see this in the relationship upon which the film is based?
Taken individually, both characters are just as flawed. We are made to believe that Charlie is receiving dozens of calls daily from beautiful young women. The film makers clearly confused the character of Charlie, a somewhat successful talent agent, with Sinatra the famous singer/actor. Even worse is Debbie Reynolds' character. We are to believe a first time actress cast in a new Broadway play would forget to attend her first rehearsal to look at furniture?! Very irritating is her ridiculous preplanning, such as marking on the calendar her wedding date despite not even dating anyone.
The parade of young women through Charlie's is bizarre. One enters with cheese. One brings a fish. One enters & exits without a word to walk his dog. All are treated as mere objects.
David Wayne's character is certainly insulting. After initial outrage by Charlie that his best friend may have left his wife & kids back in Indianapolis, the rest of the film sees no one objecting to this married man's nightly dates with Sylvia.
A great many many smaller details constantly keep the film off kilter. Suddenly Charlie can't get a date. Innocent Jenny is on guard of Charlie but invites him into her place for a drink. A big blowout party becomes a plot point but we don't see it. Jenny is a bridesmaid for Sylvia despite being rivals and having barely met.
Even with its two popular music stars, the music is mostly limited to Reynolds & Sinatra each singing the title tune at a rehearsal.
Probably the only saving moments of this film are the innovative opening & closing credits where first Frank and then the cast sing the otherwise underwhelming title song.