Movie of the Week: But Not For Me (1959)

This week, Clark Gable is a Broadway producer stuck between his lovestruck secretary Carroll Baker and his ex-wife Lilli Palmer in But Not For Me (1959).

Gable is Russ Ward, an aging Broadway producer deep in debt and losing his touch. When he finally decides to throw in the towel, his much younger secretary, Ellie Brown (Baker), admits to being in love with him. Her speech to him gives him the idea for a great play and he sets to work on it, reviving his career, leading Ellie on in the process. She proves she can play the lead role and becomes a success. Russ starts to have feelings for Ellie but his ever-present meddling ex-wife, Kathryn (Palmer) interferes.

This film is in the top three that Gable fans say they haven’t seen. It’s not often show on TV (I don’t think it’s in TCM’s library) and it’s not on DVD. It was one of the last ones I got to see, if not the very last one. Year ago I had to buy an old VHS copy and find an old VCR to watch it! You can rent it  ($3.99) or buy a digital copy ($11.99) on Amazon though!

We know Clark’s character is important because in his very first scene he makes a call on his (giant) car phone and then has to go since his other car phone is ringing. You also get a nice tour of 1959 New York.

This character is just what Clark should have been playing all along in the 1950’s–a part making fun of his age, making fun of the fact that young actresses half his age are being thrown at his feet. Cary Grant was already doing it and certainly his comedies did better than most of Clark’s 1950’s offerings of Westerns and slow dramas. This film and Teacher’s Pet was what he should have been doing the whole decade. He’s so good at this kind of comedy.

Lilli Palmer steals every scene she is in and is delightful. They make excellent sparring partners. The scene where’s blowing out his birthday candles is hilarious. “Sorry darling we only had 51,” chirps Lilli as he glares at her. Before that he had claimed to be 44, 45, 46 or 52…before he admits he’s 56. Lilli calls him “the only person I know who’s been reincarnated while still alive.”

He throws barbs right her way too:

“I sent the alimony check, what was it an hour late?”

“I’ll make sure they send you a welfare check for your essentials–caviar and champagne!”

“[I can’t write for television because I] can’t make enough money in it t pay your alimony and maintain you in the lifestyle in which you were never accustomed.”

“You shouldn’t be out in the park alone this late–you’re likely to be stabbed!”

I adore Lilli; she reminds me very much of Vivien Leigh at this same age. In fact, Vivien probably could have played this role quite well! Wouldn’t that have been something!

Carroll Baker is 30 years younger than Clark and that is apparent. She is the one thing I really don’t like about this film. She’s just not sparkly enough. Even when she’s saying she loves him and that “you’ve spoiled every man I’ve ever met for me,” no spark. Her hairdo and her very deliberate way of speaking remind me of Tracy Flick from Election.

She is one of the very few Gable leading ladies still alive, however, especially after the recent loss of Doris Day.

Supporting cast is great, with baby-faced Barry Coe and grumbly Lee J. Cobb.

Nutshell review is here

Full review is here