In converting the stageplay Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? to his purposes, Frank Tashlin turns out a vastly amusing comedy. Picture bears comparatively little resemblance to the George Axelrod original.
Tony Randall’s second excursion into the bigscreen realm from TV and the stage shows he’s a fellow who knows timing, and his clowning has a slightly sophisticated touch that hits bullseye. Jayne Mansfield does a sock job as the featherbrained sex-motivated movie star.
Tashlin fashions a funny credit for the credits, which are introed by Randall. There’s also an ‘intermission’, with Randall coming out to comfort those who are used to TV commercials. In the end, Groucho Marx comes on for a briefy.
Story has Randall as a TV commercial writer about to be fired because his agency is threatened with the loss of its big lipstick account. He saves the situation by getting the endorsement from a famous movie star.
Supporting roles are all very well cast. Betsy Drake is cute and displays a strong sense for comedy as Randall’s fiancee; Henry Jones, ad-agency v.p., coaxes from the sidelines and delivers some rather lengthy speeches; Joan Blondell is standout in a small part and Mickey Hargitay is properly pompous as the Tarzan he-man who triggers Randall’s troubles.
