The Grass Is Greener Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A British Earl lets tourists traipse through his mansion, only for his wife to ditch him for an oil tycoon, leading to the most civilized duel in history.

🍿 The Grass Is Greener: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Financial Troubles and Tourist Tours

Victor and Hilary Rhyall, an Earl and Countess, are facing financial difficulties and open their English estate to tourists for guided tours to make ends meet. This provides a glimpse into their aristocratic lifestyle and the challenges they face in maintaining their historical home.

The American Millionaire

During one of these tours, Charles Delacro, a wealthy American oil tycoon, visits the estate and is immediately smitten with Hilary. He begins to pursue her, offering her a world of excitement and luxury that contrasts sharply with her current life. This sets the stage for a romantic entanglement.

Infidelity and Romantic Pursuit

Hilary finds herself drawn to Charles’s charm and wealth, leading to an affair in London. Victor, aware of the situation, handles it with a stiff upper lip but secretly plots to win his wife back. He invites Charles and Hattie Durant, an old flame of Victor’s, to their estate for a weekend, creating a complex love quadrangle.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Victor Rhyall (Cary Grant): A cash-strapped English Earl who tries to win back his wife’s affection when she falls for an American millionaire.
• Hilary Rhyall (Deborah Kerr): The Countess Rhyall, Victor’s wife, who finds herself drawn to the charms and wealth of an American oil tycoon.
• Charles Delacro (Robert Mitchum): A wealthy American oil tycoon who disrupts the Rhyalls’ marriage by pursuing Hilary.
• Hattie Durant (Jean Simmons): A vivacious friend of the Rhyalls and Victor’s ex-lover who adds complications to the love triangle.
• Trevor Sellers (Moray Watson): The Rhyalls’ insightful butler who secretly aspires to be a novelist.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Victor Rhyall: “Anyway, you should have a Bible of your own!” – Victor jokingly reprimands his butler, Sellers, for borrowing his Bible, unaware it was Sellers’ to begin with, highlighting their unusual relationship.
• Victor Rhyall: “Sellers, have you seen my Bible?” – Victor questions Sellers about the whereabouts of his Bible.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $6,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Grass Is Greener Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a stuffy, old-fashioned comedy, but I was pleasantly surprised. Cary Grant is charming as always, and the scenes with Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum are surprisingly engaging. The whole concept of infidelity being handled so politely is hilarious. There are scenes that just crack you up because of how absurd things can get. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, and Robert Mitchum”
  • “Lovers of classic romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in British comedies of manners”
  • “Those who enjoy films with witty dialogue and sophisticated themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild thematic elements related to infidelity”
  • “Some mature innuendo”
  • “Depiction of a duel (non-graphic)”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film is mostly enjoyable, the story does feel dated, and the characters can sometimes be unlikeable. However, the witty dialogue and impressive cast make it a worthwhile viewing experience. Kerr tries harder than anybody else to make this thing work, which just makes her character all the more insufferable.
• IMDB: “A sophisticated comedy that deals with adultery and the British upper class, featuring witty dialogue and stellar performances. It has some pacing problems, but the cast sparkles, making the humor and action enjoyable.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the film may feel stagey at times, the dialogue is sharp and the performances are delightful. Some find the concept daring for 1960, while others may find it dull, proving it’s a mixed bag.

Audience Reactions

Jean Simmons steals every scene she’s in, adding a much-needed spark to the story.: The witty dialogue and the cast’s performances make this a delightful, albeit slightly dated, comedy.

The duel scene is both absurd and hilarious, perfectly capturing the film’s comedic tone.: A fun movie for those who enjoy drawing-room comedies and appreciate the talent of the actors.

Overall Consensus: A charming but somewhat dated comedy with stellar performances from Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum, and Jean Simmons. It may not be for everyone, but those who enjoy sophisticated wit and classic acting will find it a delightful watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Originally, Cary Grant was intended to play Charles Delacro, with Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall as Victor and Hattie. However, Kendall’s death led to Harrison’s withdrawal, and Grant took on the role of Victor.”
• “Rock Hudson and Charlton Heston were both considered for the role of Charles Delacro before Robert Mitchum was cast.”
• “The film’s opening credits feature babies acting out various crew roles, adding a whimsical touch to the sophisticated comedy.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Grass Is Greener?

Currently, ‘The Grass Is Greener’ is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Check your preferred streaming service’s rental and purchase options for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Grass Is Greener, you might like these similar films:

• Indiscreet (1958): Also directed by Stanley Donen and starring Cary Grant, it features sophisticated humor and a romantic storyline with a touch of scandal.
• Charade (1963): Another Cary Grant film with a blend of romance, mystery, and witty dialogue.
• My Fair Lady (1964): Features British high society, witty banter, and themes of transformation and social class.
• A Perfect Murder (1998): A wealthy man attempts to hire someone to kill his cheating wife but things don’t go as planned.

🛒 The Grass Is Greener Related Products

• Cary Grant: A Brilliant Legacy: A collection of Cary Grant’s most iconic films, including some of his best comedies and dramas. This digital collection showcases his range and charisma.
• Robert Mitchum: Out of the Past: A biography detailing Robert Mitchum’s life and career, including behind-the-scenes stories and insights into his iconic roles. This book provides a deeper understanding of Mitchum’s personality and contributions to cinema.
• Vintage British Manor House Model Kit: A detailed model kit of a classic British manor house, reminiscent of the setting in ‘The Grass Is Greener’. This kit allows fans to recreate the film’s iconic locations.
• The Complete Noel Coward Songbook: A collection of Noel Coward’s most beloved songs, including tracks featured in the movie. This digital songbook brings Coward’s witty and sophisticated compositions to life.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Grass Is Greener features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Stately Homes Of England” – performed by Noël Coward
• “I’ll Follow My Secret Heart” – performed by Noël Coward
• “Mad About the Boy” – performed by Noël Coward

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Grass Was Greener

Want a sneak peek of ‘The Grass Is Greener’? This clip offers a glimpse into the movie’s comedic and sophisticated atmosphere. I think it perfectly captures the film’s charm, what do you think?

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