WILL SUCCESS SPOIL ROCK HUNTER

US, 1957, 93 mnutes, Colour.
Jayne Mansfield, Tony Randall, Betsy Drake, Joan Blondell, John Williams, Henry Jones, Mickey Hargitay.
Directed by Frank Tashlin.

An amusing satire on the advertising world, especially that of television. It is a broad swipe at American advertising.

The film is based on a play by George Axelrod, author of such plays as The Seven Year Itch, director of such films as The Secret Life of an American Wife and writer of the remake of The Lady Vanishes. The screenplay and direction are by Frank Tashlin. Tashlin had a vogue amongst film buffs at various times - for his caricature American comedies. He made two films with Jayne Mansfield, promoting her, this film and The Girl Can't Help It. He made Hollywood Or Bust and Artists and Models with Martin and Lewis and then directed four of Jerry Lewis's films.

While some of the comedy is quite good it is often hit and miss. The strength of this film is in Tony Randall's performance and in the send-up of Jayne Mansfield's image. It is interesting to note that in reality she does not seem quite as stupid as her appearances indicate. There is pleasant supporting performance by Joan Blondell and a very engaging presence by John Williams. There are a lot of in-jokes about films and television of the fifties. There are satires on television commercials - fresh then, less familiar now. There are also several advertisements for Jayne Mansfield's films of the time: The Girl Can't Help It, Kiss Them For Me, The Wayward Bus. The target of television and advertising was fresher in the fifties - it is interesting. to notice that the criticisms are still quite valid and make their point. Dated but enjoyable.

Mickey Hargitay married Jayne Mansfield.

1. Humorous entertainment? Observation of the American way of life? Advertising? The significance and tone of the title and the emphasis on success? A little comic moral fable about the nature of true success? The moralising tone by the end of the film?

2. Colour photography, Cinemascope, the bright musical score? The songs and the lyrics - especially about success? The film's drawing attention to itself, to other films made by 20th Century Fox, especially with Jayne Mansfield? The humour of Tony Randall introducing the film as himself? The satire on his interrupting the film to discuss television commercials and the film's poking fun at the small home screen and what can go wrong? The collage of television skits during the credits? The colour photography and atmosphere of New York?

3. The verbal comedy of the film - wisecracks, one-liners. satire? The visual humour from the T.V. commercials, the faces for example as regards having keys to the executives' washroom? The satire on Jayne Mansfield's appearance and concocted style? The basic implausibility of the plot with the overtones of the realism of popular magazines and advertising?

4. The story of the advertising man wanting to become an executive? The emphasis on success and a man being spoilt by success? Rock and his work, his place in the hierarchy of the office, the jobs that he had to do, his job being laid on the line? His dreaming up the Stay Put campaign? The use of Rita Marlowe? The humour of his niece's fan worship of Rita and knowing her address? The accident of his becoming involved, the build-up of his image as Lover Doll and the elaborate details of this? The contrast with his romance with Jenny - her jealousy, her then trying to rival Rita? The build-up with Rufus and getting success? The importance of the discussions with La Salle Junior and the discovery of his ordinariness and the wisdom of his advice? Rock's trying to smoke the pipes - the symbol of his not being at home in the advertising world? The humorous picture of a man on the up and up ? to what purpose?

5. The presentation of the glamorous Hollywood film star? Jayne Mansfield sending up herself, her public image of look, sound, way of speaking? The well publicised romance? The private businesslike style and money management and free advertising? her relationship with her maid ? their discussions about relationships, memories of love? The encounter with Rock and her almost falling in love with him? The endorsing of the lipstick? The final T.V.show - and the satire on advertising? The humorous arrival of Groucho Marx at the end? A pleasant satire on a Hollywood star, as well as publicity for her?

6. The contrast with Jenny and her work at the office, hopes for Rock, jealousy? especially with the pot plants? Her exercises, her tight sweaters? The final happy ending on the farm? The wholesome American girl? The satire on April and her adulation of Rita, going to the airport, giving the address. her room and admiration for her uncle?

7. Rita’s maid Joan Blundell’s comic style, the heart of gold and experience? Her advice to Rita? Advice to Rock? Her memories of the milkman and the humour of her falling in love with Rufus?

8. The advertising agency – meetings, commercials, manipulation and using people's ideas? Rufus and his ambitions and pushing Rock? La Salle Junior and his arrogance, the discovery of the truth, his happy retirement and growing Roses?

9. The satire on Hollywood gossip and the fans of the fifties, the future mothers of America? Bobo and his jungle advertising. interview, challenge to Rita? The headlines, the fans chasing their victims, etc.? The humour on the fans' mass hysteria?

10. The silliness of the content and style of commercials? The opening collage? The finale with the non-advertising blazing out? The point being made that advertising campaigns are for the ordinary people?

11. The theme of ordinariness? the film getting somewhat serious towards the end? La Salle Jnr and his roses and winning? Rock and the family on the farm? Their final pride in their achievement?

12. The comedy in itself and its entertainment value? Its observations on the American way of life and style? The validity of its comments about artificiality, the ordinary man and the true meaning of success?