4/10
Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
30 June 2022
Zany. Antic. Silly. That's what many comedies of the sixties were striving for, apparently. Unfortunately, many of them were not that funny. This film has the comedic subtlety of a Three Stooges film. Andrew Sarris in his June 1967 review for "The Village Voice" called Peter Tewksbury's direction "graceful" and said it contains "lovely things". Clearly he considered this film head and shoulders above "Barefoot in the Park", which he also reviewed that day. No wonder film makers were confused about what makes for good comedy.

Sandra Dee stars as Heather Halloran, a wannabe singer who becomes a secretary to the most intelligent man in the world, Harlan Wycliff (George Hamilton). Heather spends her off-time fighting off the advances of young men. Dwayne Hickman is a shoe salesman, and would-be actor, who specializes in hammy death scenes. Bill Bixby is the bachelor next door whose life is a turnstile for sexy women. Dick Kallman is a musical coach who hones Heather's vocal stylings.

Miss Dee is the only one who (somehow) emerges from this unfunny farce unscathed. Even amid the carnage that is "Doctor, You've Got to Be Kidding!" she remains likable and even somewhat believable. Otherwise, four stars would be too too generous.
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