I gave this four stars for two reasons. First, it is one of the most beautiful looking movies I have seen. The quality of the cinematography, particularly in the outdoor shots, is stunning, and is a reminder of the unexcelled quality of the late, lamented, expensive Technicolor process. Throw in the vista of Cinemascope, and we have a first rate example of what Hollywood at its height could produce. The second reason is Arthur O'Connell's performance as Virgil, which exemplifies what a fine supporting actor he was. We are put in remembrance of all his wonderful roles in other movies. The bad news is the story and the acting. This is reputed to be perhaps Marilyn Monroe's finest performance, and it is certainly the best work I have seen from her. Still, she is no Kate Hepburn. And they might have eased off on whatever they painted on her to give her that unearthly pale quality. And then take Don Murray. Please. His cringingly over-the-top performance as Beau can, I suppose, be partly attributed to the script, but some attempt on his part to tamp down the outlandishly aggressive naivete of the character would have been appreciated. This role reminds us why he never attained top stardom. Lastly, there is the story, which has not an iota of credibility. This truly stupid and unbelievable tale of unrequited love defies belief throughout, and the completely phony "resolution" in the last 10 minutes is on a par with the unbelievability of the rest of the movie.
