Kisses for My President

Kisses for My President is an amusing and thought-provoking comedy film from 1964, directed by Curtis Bernhardt. This innovative movie flips the traditional gender roles of its time period by presenting a female president and her husband who struggles to fit into the shoes of a more domestic-oriented 'First Gentleman.' The film stars Polly Bergen, a gifted actress with a knack for comedy, and Fred MacMurray, a familiar face in comedy and drama, known for his effortlessly affable charm. The film also features Arlene Dahl, a distinguished actress known for her beauty and acting prowess.

The plot revolves around the ascendancy of Leslie McCloud (Polly Bergen) to the seat of the President of the United States, heralding her as the first female president in the fictitious universe of the film. Her election to this prestigious position is not the sole focus of the film. The situations that arise out of her marriage to an ordinary, traditional man, Thad McCloud, portrayed brilliantly by Fred MacMurray, are the real meat of the story.

The movie satirizes the stereotypes that pertained to the roles of men and women during the 1960s, thus taking a lighthearted, comical swipe at the societal conventions of the time. The audience watches Thad McCloud grapple with his new role as the First Gentleman, a position that puzzlingly finds him supervising social events and negotiating tea parties in the absence of his powerhouse wife, the President. The movie does not shy away from exploring the delightful awkwardness and comic potential in these situations. However, it also manages to encapsulate the reality of the power dynamics in a marriage when the traditional roles of genders get flipped.

Fred MacMurray brings his signature charm and comedy timing as the bemused and slightly overwhelmed First Gentleman. His performance captures the essence of an average man unexpectedly thrust into an atypical role. He stumbles, muddles, and finally manages to claim his space in the altered reality of his world.

Polly Bergen portrays Leslie McCloud, the first female president, with a finesse and charm that doesn't shy away from her character's fierce intelligence and leadership. In this era-defying role, she does an impressive job of maintaining a balance between her position of power and the expectations of being a wife and mother. Her portrayal of the President remains etched in the mind of the viewer as being both warmly human and convincingly authoritative.

The adorable Arlene Dahl plays the role of Doris Reid Weaver, an envious and calculating woman. She adds to the central intrigue of the film by weaving a complication that raises the stakes for the McCloud family. Dahl's performance is effective and adds an extra layer of drama and intrigue to this comedy film.

Kisses for My President is both a delightful comedy and a subtle examination of changing gender roles. The film manages to tread the fine line between playful humor and insightful commentary on societal norms and expectations. It raises quite a few laughs, but also crafts a picture of a world not too different than the one we currently inhabit, where gender roles are constantly being redefined and questioned.

The cinematography by Franz Planer beautifully captures the grandeur of the White House and enhances the charm of the '60s and its fashion sensibilities. The witty dialogue, penned by Claude Binyon and Robert G. Kane, contains the film's humor and maintains its lively pacing.

Overall, Kisses for My President presents a fun, almost fanciful 'what-if' scenario about the highest office the land. It dares to err on the side of progressive thinking for its time, making it a notable classic worth revisiting. It's a must-watch for lovers of vintage comedies and enthusiasts of deep-rooted societal themes portrayed in an engaging and entertaining manner. Tune in, watch, and be prepared for loads of chuckle-worthy moments in this fun spin on presidency, gender dynamics, and societal patterns.