That Funny Feeling

That Funny Feeling is a charming romantic comedy movie released in 1965, directed by Richard Thorpe. The film boasts a star-studded cast led by Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin, and Donald O'Connor. It possesses the classic charm of 1960s filmography, blending humor and romance in a way that typifies the era's cinematic style.

Set in the beautifully depicted timeless city of New York, the film follows the intriguing and comedy-ridden trajectory of Joan Howell (played by Sandra Dee), a young woman determined to make it on her own in the big city. Sandra Dee gives off her sparkling charm as Joan, working a meticulous job as a maid but dreaming of a more glamorous life, filled with elegance and romance.

As fate would have it, Joan stumbles upon the intriguing character of Tom Milford (played by Bobby Darin), a charmingly rich and suave businessman who prowls the streets of metropolitan New York. The first encounter in the traditional "meet-cute" mould sets the stage for the comedic roller-coaster ride that showcases the film's amusing charm.

Bobby Darin slips excellently into his character, expertly portraying the sophisticated businessman, skilled to woo, equipped with a cheeky smile and captivating charisma. Through a series of comical misunderstandings, Joan comes to believe that Tom is a low-ranking employee, while Tom remains blissfully unaware that Joan is, in fact, a maid.

The film becomes further enjoyable due to the engaging performance of Donald O'Connor, who plays Harvey Granson, a light-hearted, often comedic middle-aged gentleman who adds layers of wit and humor to the proceedings. As the plot unravels, light-hearted and hilarious sequences make Harvey an indispensable part of the overall jovial equation.

As the story unfolds, the comedic high jinks intensify when circumstances lead Joan to clean Tom's luxury apartment while still dating him. She goes to great lengths to prevent him from discovering her secret, setting the stage for comedic misunderstandings, delicate lies, and coordinated cover-ups.

That Funny Feeling, while being a comedy at its core, is also an examination of the class struggle and societal norms of the time, examining the distinctive lines that separate one class from another. The plot subtly pins the rich businessman against the independently striving maid, presenting the quintessential coupling that unreservedly transgresses societal norms.

The charm of this movie lies in the comedic situations emanating from the miscommunications and misunderstandings between Joan and Tom. Their comic timing is exceptional, delivering dialogue with a quick wit and sharpness that provide the momentum to the film's comedic pulse.

Furthermore, the film is visually gratifying, with richly detailed set designs of 1960s New York, blending atmospheric outdoor scenes and intricately decorated indoor sets. The sophisticated apartment, the bustling streets, and even the smallest of interiors and props resonate with the era's style and elegance.

As the journey of Joan and Tom develops, with their insecurities, yearnings, and the desire to fit into each other's worlds, the movie presents a sincere romance blossoming underneath the comedy. The chemistry between Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin is delightful, imbuing the romantic angle with charming believability.

The narrative, accompanied by a light-hearted score, unfolds with a consistent rhythm, weaving the various plot elements together to deliver a feel-good movie experience. The charm of That Funny Feeling lies in its simplicity, with a compelling storyline, memorable characters, and infectious humor that cements the film as a classic romantic comedy of the mid-1960s era.

That Funny Feeling provides a well-mixed cocktail of humor, romance, and social comment. It stands as a film that captures the essence of its time while exhibiting a timeless charm. Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin, and Donald O'Connor's enthusiastic performances, along with the film's contextual intelligence and detailed art design, make this film a classic worth revisiting.