The Thrill of It All Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A housewife tells a soap company how great their product is, gets famous, and her doctor husband throws a fit because suddenly she’s not just making him dinner anymore.

🍿 The Thrill of It All: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Accidental Spokesperson

Beverly Boyer, a suburban housewife and mother, finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when she casually mentions her positive experience with Happy Soap at a dinner party. Tom Fraleigh, the head of the Happy Soap company, is charmed by her natural delivery and offers her a job as their spokesperson.

Rising Fame, Rising Tension

Beverly’s initially awkward but genuine commercials resonate with audiences, turning her into an overnight celebrity. Her sudden fame and increasing professional commitments begin to strain her relationship with her husband, Dr. Gerald Boyer, who struggles to adjust to his wife’s newfound independence and the disruption to their family life. He feels that her place is at home with their children.

Complications and Chaos

As Beverly’s career takes off, a series of comical events ensue. From a German-speaking maid who can’t understand phone messages to a disastrous incident involving a swimming pool filled with soap suds, the Boyer household descends into hilarious chaos. Gerald, feeling increasingly emasculated, attempts to regain control of the situation, leading to further misunderstandings and comical confrontations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Beverly Boyer (Doris Day): A suburban housewife who becomes a famous television spokesperson, causing upheaval in her marriage and family life.
• Dr. Gerald Boyer (James Garner): An obstetrician and Beverly’s husband who struggles with his wife’s newfound fame and career.
• Mrs. Fraleigh (Arlene Francis): An older expectant mother whose pregnancy inadvertently leads to Beverly’s career opportunity.
• Gardiner Fraleigh (Edward Andrews): The nervous and excited expectant father who supports his wife through her late-in-life pregnancy.
• Old Tom Fraleigh (Reginald Owen): The head of Happy Soap Company who impulsively hires Beverly as their spokesperson.
• Olivia (Zasu Pitts): The Boyers’ maid, whose misunderstandings add to the comedic chaos in the household.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Beverly Boyer: “I’m Beverly Boyer, and I’m a pig.” – Beverly says this during a live commercial when she realizes she has soap on her face.
• Cabbie: “To err is human, to forgive is humaner!” – The taxi driver humorously states this during the chaotic traffic jam scene.
• Gardiner Fraleigh: “I’m having a baby and I need a shoestring.” – A frantic Gardiner Fraleigh asks a motorist for a shoestring while his wife is giving birth in their car during a traffic jam.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $11,779,093
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 The Thrill of It All Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘The Thrill of It All’ is total 60s fluff, but I adore it! Doris Day is just so bubbly and likable, even when she’s getting into crazy situations. I think my favorite part is when she completely bombs the live commercial – it’s so relatable, we’ve all been there! James Garner is hunky and grumpy, but you can tell he loves her. It’s fun to see their dynamic and the supporting cast keeps the laughs coming.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Doris Day and James Garner”
  • “Lovers of classic 1960s comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary on gender roles in the 1960s”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild slapstick comedy”
  • “Outdated gender stereotypes”
  • “Potential for triggering if sensitive to sexist themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A delightful and breezy comedy, The Thrill of It All showcases Doris Day’s impeccable comedic timing and her chemistry with James Garner. Director Norman Jewison keeps the pace brisk, and Carl Reiner’s script is filled with clever observations about suburban life and the advertising industry. A true gem of the era.
• The New York Times: “While The Thrill of It All offers moments of genuine amusement, its reliance on outdated gender stereotypes and sitcom-style humor detracts from its overall impact. Day and Garner are charming, but the film’s uneven tone and predictable plot ultimately leave it feeling somewhat unsatisfying. A pleasant but forgettable diversion.
• AllMovie: “Norman Jewison directs the luminous Doris Day and James Garner in The Thrill of It All, a sparkling comedy that is more than just a time capsule of the 1960s. In spite of the obvious commentary on women’s roles at the time, the chemistry between Day and Garner makes this a light, yet surprisingly insightful watch.

Audience Reactions

Doris Day’s performance is captivating and effortlessly funny.: Viewers praised Doris Day’s charm and comedic timing as the highlight of the film.

The film captures the essence of 1960s suburban life.: Many enjoyed the nostalgic portrayal of 1960s culture, fashion, and social dynamics.

Overall Consensus: A charming but somewhat dated comedy, The Thrill of It All is primarily enjoyed for Doris Day’s performance and its nostalgic depiction of 1960s suburban life.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Norman Jewison was relatively unknown at the time, and Doris Day insisted on him directing the film after being impressed by his work on television.”
• “Carl Reiner, who co-wrote the screenplay, makes several cameo appearances throughout the film as different characters in a TV show, each time having wine thrown in his face.”
• “The movie satirizes the advertising industry and the changing roles of women in the early 1960s, reflecting the societal shifts of the era.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Thrill of It All?

Currently, “The Thrill of It All” is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Thrill of It All, you might like these similar films:

• Pillow Talk (1959): A classic romantic comedy starring Doris Day, exploring similar themes of gender roles and marital misunderstandings, with a lighthearted and humorous approach.
• Good Neighbor Sam (1964): Shares the theme of a seemingly ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances due to a misunderstanding, leading to comedic chaos and a test of relationships.
• Move Over, Darling (1963): Also starring Doris Day and James Garner from the same year and explores similar themes of marriage and misunderstandings through situational comedy.

🛒 The Thrill of It All Related Products

• The Doris Day Collection (DVD Box Set): This collection features some of Doris Day’s most iconic films, including Pillow Talk and Lover Come Back. The ideal choice for movie buffs who appreciate old Hollywood cinema.
• James Garner: A Biography: Explore the life and career of James Garner, from his early roles to his iconic performances in The Rockford Files and Maverick. The book delves into his personal struggles and triumphs, providing insight into the man behind the screen.
• Mad Men: The Complete Collection (Blu-Ray): Relive the golden age of advertising with this acclaimed series. Follow the lives of Madison Avenue executives as they navigate the cultural shifts of the 1960s. Perfect for fans of mid-century style and compelling storytelling.
• 1960s Retro Fashion Style Guide: Dresses, Hairstyles, Makeup & More: Learn more about the fashion worn in the film. This guide is for fashion buffs who wish to replicate the styling of the 1960s.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Thrill of It All features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Thrill Of It All” – performed by The Johnny Mann Singers
• “Happy Soap Jingle” – performed by Uncredited studio musicians

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Truth About Doris Day & James Garner’s Relationship Comes to Light

Ever wondered what Doris Day and James Garner were *really* like off-screen? This video uncovers their amazing, decades-long friendship – it’s so heartwarming, you won’t believe how close they were!

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