The Grass Is Greener

The 1960 film The Grass Is Greener is a captivating blend of comedy and romance, starring some of Hollywood's biggest names from the golden age – Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, and Robert Mitchum. Directed by Stanley Donen, the film is a delightful exploration of the social norms and expectations of the time, offering humor, drama, and a touch of British sophistication.

The film introduces us to an aristocrat of royal lineage, Victor Earle, 9th Earl of Rhyall, played by the ever-charming Cary Grant. Victor, due to mounting financial pressures, is compelled to open his sprawling, ancestral estate to the public for tours. Grant's character is delightfully nuanced, oozing his trademark unflappable charm with a subtle undertone of vulnerability, as he grapples with the harsh realities of potential financial ruin.

Deborah Kerr plays Hilary Rhyall, Victor’s wife. Hilary, though initially supportive of Victor's decision to open their home to the public, starts feeling the intrusion as their privacy is gradually eroded and their personal life becomes a spectacle.

The plot takes an interesting turn when Robert Mitchum enters the scene as Charles Delacro, a wealthy American oil tycoon. As a tourist, Charles stumbles upon the Earl's castle during a public tour. His undeniable charm and audacious spontaneity disrupt the reclusive and routine life of the Rhyalls. His interest goes beyond the architectural grandeur of the estate, especially when he encounters the elegant and enchanting Hilary Rhyall. Mitchum plays his character with easy glamour and a bewildering combination of audacity and respect that seemingly shakes the foundations of the Earl's grand house.

The Grass Is Greener artfully layers humor and drama over the framework of serious social themes prevalent in the 1960s. The film cleverly highlights the contrast between the 'new money' of post-war America and the 'old money' of a centuries-old British aristocracy desperately trying to maintain its stature amidst financial instability.

Further complicating the narrative is Jean Simmons, who plays Hattie Durant, an eccentric friend of the Rhyalls. A divorcee and wealthy heiress, Hattie is not just a spice added for comic relief. Her character plays a significant role in an ensuing love quadrangle, adding a whiff of contemporary feminism to the narrative.

Set primarily in the stunning estate with its lush lawns and the palatial beauty of the sprawling mansion, The Grass Is Greener is visually delightful. The cinematography makes excellent use of the vast landscapes, the luxurious interiors, and the classic elegance of the characters, blurring the boundaries between the personal and the public.

The dialogue is sparkling, riddled with dry wit and tongue-in-cheek humor emblematic of British high society. Despite addressing many serious themes, director Stanley Donen never allows the atmosphere to become heavy, maintaining a light, humorous tone throughout.

Aside from its humorous and dramatic content, The Grass Is Greener also offers a peek into the decadent lifestyle of the traditional upper-crust British society. There is a permanent state of genteel awkwardness, a characteristically British quirk, that looms around the characters.

The Grass Is Greener captures the spirit of a bygone era with the finesse and sophistication typical of golden age Hollywood cinema. With an abundance of charm, wit and glamour, coupled with a cast that fits their roles like gloves, coupled with outstanding performances from a powerhouse ensemble cast, Stanley Donen's The Grass Is Greener stands as an entertaining classic of the 1960s.