Love is a Ball (1963)

Director David Swift also co-wrote this harmless movie-adaptation of Lindsay Hardy's book "The Grand Duke and Mr. Pimm" about an American heiress on the French Riviera unknowingly set up by a marriage broker to fall in love with a handsome, klutzy Duke; unfortunately for all, he's secretly in love with the broker's secretary and she has eyes for a temporarily-grounded boat captain, now working for the matchmaker in confidence. Despite lush locations, the picture doesn't look as marvelous as it should--nor do the comically mad circumstances sparkle like the plots of those nutty romantic outings of the 1930s. Still, the cast makes the most of it, with leads Glenn Ford and Hope Lange (then a dating twosome in real life) enjoying terrific chemistry. First-rate supporting work from Ricardo Montalban, Charles Boyer, Telly Savalas and character actor John Wood, who disappears after the first-third. **1/2 from ****

The real reason to see this movie is the CARS. Shot in the early 60's, I actually remember seeing a promo on the Carson show. It takes place during the Grand Prix, but in addition to the race cars, you can see what are now classics, 3500 GT Spyder Maserati, 300SL cabriolet, Rolls Royce cabriolet, 50's Corvette, Mercedes gullwing, the list just goes on. For any REAL car nut, this movie is a gem!

I have remembered this movie for many years, and would like to own a copy of it in any media. I wonder why I can never find a VHS tape of it? I enjoyed it immensely because of all the great stars in it. It was a fun movie, set in a beautiful place, with many comical situations. Telly Savalas was quite a surprise and Ricardo Montalban was also excellent in this comedy. Charles Boyer was the master, of course. I wish I could see it again, if only for all the wonderful actors, to be enjoyed having fun. I had fun with them, laughing and loving what they had done.

It's a number of things... We have a really fine cast; Glenn Ford in top form, very good supporting co-stars, an exotic setting (for most of us!), and a romantic plot.I think this is a movie that will make you feel good, and it's without any violence or malice at all.My only "problem" with this film is that it's a number of years since I last saw it...If ***YOU*** know how to get hold of a copy, please let me know!P.S. Have you seen "The Sheepman" (also a Glenn Ford unforgettable).