Journalism instructor Erica Stone asks journalist James Gannon to speak to her night school class. He turns down the invitation via a nasty letter to her. His managing editor, however, orders him to accept the assignment. He arrives late to find Stone reading aloud his letter and mocking him in front of her class.
Humiliated, he decides to join the class as a student in order to show up Stone and poses as a wallpaper salesman. The instructor is somewhat intrigued by this charming older man, whom she finds an exceptional student. Gannon continues his ruse and becomes attracted to Stone. He finds he has to contend with Dr. Pine, as well as his own girlfriend, Peggy DeFore, a nightclub singer. When Stone discovers Gannon's deception, she immediately calls off their relationship. Dr. Pine convinces her to give Gannon another chance.
In the end, Jim and Erica have come to understand, and partially adopt, the other's point of view.
Cast
Clark Gable as James Gannon – city editor for a large metropolitan newspaper, with no education past the 8th grade, who is convinced that formal education is "a waste of time" for anyone who would like to get into the newspaper business and that experience in the workplace is the key to success
Doris Day as Erica Stone – journalism instructor at a local university with whom Gannon falls in love
Gig Young as Dr. Hugo Pine – a worldly and attractive psychologist who has "more degrees than a thermometer", and Gannon's (perceived) rival for Stone's affections
Mamie Van Doren as Peggy DeFore – nightclub singer and Gannon's girlfriend
Nick Adams as Barney Kovac – copy boy at Gannon's paper who idolizes him.
The film opened in the United States on March 19, 1958 and finished fifth at the US box office in its opening week.[1][3]
Critical response
A contemporary review of the film in Variety newspaper described it as having "rich new life and liveliness, and even a fresh approach with humor and heartiness," with "Gable particularly turning in one of his best performances in years."[4]The New York Times described the film as "not in line for a Pulitzer Prize but it is like a kiss or a well-written yarn, a pleasant experience," and that "all concerned have welded romance, ribbing and reality into a cheerful and charming entertainment."[5] Writing for Turner Classic Movies, Andrea Passafiume described the film as a "charming romantic comedy," and noted that "Van Doren belts out 'The Girl Who Invented Rock and Roll' in one memorable scene."[6]
^"Top Grossers of 1958". Variety. 7 January 1959. p. 48. Please note figures are for US and Canada only and are domestic rentals accruing to distributors as opposed to theatre gross
