Designing Woman (1957)

Designing Woman

Designing Woman is a romantic comedy starring Lauren Bacall and Gregory Peck. After their marriage is the moment the excitement begins /getting to know one another. It is fun to watch Mr. Peck's character explaining his marriage to his former girlfriend, Dolores Gray. How true to life is the uniting of "Miss" Bacall's and Ms. Gray's characters. I enjoyed counting the wardrobe changes made by "Miss" Bacall. She proved herself to be the consummate actress as she made this movie during the time her husband, Humprey Bogart, was sick. I am a collector of classic movies. Since I own on VHS and/or DVD all the movies "Miss Bacall and Mr. Bogart made together, I had to have this one also. I encourage you to purchase this movie for your collection. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy! October 18, 2007

Watch it for Dolores Gray & Jack Cole!

This movie might have been tangier with Hepburn & Tracy, but it has some nice moments. Minelli was a stylish director & it shows here. But the real treat for those of us who remember the great 50s musicals of Hollywood & Broadway was the presence of Dolores Gray and Jack Cole, sadly quite limited here. Ms. Gray in this film and in It's Always Fair Weather & Kismet could blow the roof off with her magnificent voice and presence. Jack Cole was one of the great dancers and choreographers of that era - a major influence on many choreographers who followed. This film is a special gem for preserving some fine examples of work by these two great performers. September 17, 2002

The Original Sex and the City

In this film, Lauren Bacall hilariously portrays the quintessential high-society, high-fashion New Yorker. While on a trip to Beverly Hills, she meets and spontaneously marries the wonderful Gregory Peck - an unassuming sports writer who has no idea exactly what he's married into. Upon their return to New York, Peck's character discovers he's married the darling of New York society as his wife is a renowned designer (think Edith Head or Helen Rose). What ensues is hilarious encounters between her society coterie and his down-home group of blue-collar writers, setting up perfectly for the witty repartee between Bacall and Peck that defines the movie. The film culminates in a fashion show-boxing rumble, once again intersecting the seemingly divergent lives of Bacall and Peck.

"Designing Woman" is a wonderful movie that gives ample opportunity for the magnificent Gregory Peck to show off his comedic skills, however subtly. I saw this film after "Roman Holiday" and it cemented my image of Peck as a dashing and charming leading man who brings out the comedic best in his leading ladies. The chemistry between Bacall and Peck is evident throughout the movie and is a testament to the adage "Opposites do attract."

This is a complete, well-told story with a solid set of supporting characters. This movie is for all those people looking for that rare superb romantic comedy. The delightful depiction of New York society makes us nostalgic for the days before the Hilton sisters. June 29, 2002

Tremendously funny

I love Gregory Peck. I love him as the serious, morally righteous attorney, the dashing naval captain, you name it. So, really, I should have known that he could pull off a comedic role as well. No one, I don't think, could have known how well he'd pull it off.

From his first hilarious hangover to the last "cross-eyed" fight scene, Peck is enchanting. He's completely believable in his role as a sports writer caught up in a new world of dresses and strange choreographers intruding on his poker night. And perhaps it's because he's not known as a comedic actor that he's all the more funny.

Designing Woman seems to be a little known film, but I'm certainly glad I found it because it kept me laughing, which brought others into the room to watch it with me. Now I just wish that Peck had made more movies like this. May 17, 2002

Great Vincent Minnelli Comedy comes to WideScreen DVD !

The great director Vincent Minnelli (Gigi, American in Paris & Meet Me in St. Louis) does an outstanding job presenting us with the 50's comedy "Designing Woman". Lauren Bacall is gorgeous in the lead and with a rare comedic performance gives us a great movie. Her leading man Gregory Peck also in a rare comedic role pulls it off masterfully under the direction of Minnelli.

This Warner Brothers DVD is very nicely done. The movie & color quality is outstanding and the WideScreen presentation fills the screen with the stars personalities. DVD Extras include a Trailer & behind-the-scenes mini documentary featuring the Costume Designer Helen Rose.

Summary: New York High Society Designing Woman (Bacall - is outstanding) meets a New York Newspaper Sports Writer (Gregory Peck - a nice change & he was delightful) at the Beverly Hills Hotel, California while on their respective assignments. After a shakey start, fall madly in love and in a few days marry.
As they return to the "Big Apple" the real adventure begins. The original Odd Couple now realize they both had separate lives and different committments. How they deal with the transition is real Hollywood humor and with the philosophy of the 1950's there must be a happy ending after they pay their dues. A Great movie!!

A very nice movie showing us the Hollywood and the Big stars we know & love to see. Enjoy. February 16, 2002

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