But Not for Me (1959)

Not one of Clark Gable's best career choices, as the movie actually goes out of its way to draw our attention to Gable's age and his suitability or unsuitability to marry a younger woman. The problem is that Gable himself actually looks about fifteen years older than his on-screen character's age, so that we already know the conclusion before the question is even asked! And the film's title, of course, is a dead give-away as well! Another problem is that in addition to its slight plot, the film is on the talkative side. Fortunately, production values are good and Gable's support cast is first rate, with Lilli Palmer really excelling herself in a made-to-order role. Walter Lang's direction, however, is completely undistinguished, aside, of course, from his trade mark opening. Lang always like to begin his films with a shot of a geographical skyline - and "But Not For Me" is no exception to the rule!

Clark Gable is a Broadway producer who feels his age and is ready to retire. Added to it is the fact that his ex, Lilli Palmer, pops in constantly for the alimony and aggravates him. Carroll Baker is his secretary, who's using her job as a stepping stone in her acting career. When she discloses to him, she's been pining for him from the beginning. he jumps on this plot in a way to save a playwright's problems with his play - instead of an old man going after a young girl, switch it. The stars provide charm and a bit of the nostalgic feel for Gable's older films, like "Wife vs. Secretary," with similarities to boot. But the main problem of this film is that it goes on for far too long and is too talky. Barry Coe likes Carroll, but with her interest in Gable, she hardly gives Barry the time of day. With its predictable ending, this should have been much shorter with less talk and definitely less bickering. But not for that, this is a must-see film for Gable fans. You'll just feel wore out by the end.

I'm quite an admirer of Clark Gable, particularly in his later films. Last night I watched "Gone With The Wind" for about the 30th time, and just marveled at his performance.This film is one of the few Gable films I had never seen...and as far as I'm concerned, a great disappointment.It's supposed to be a light romantic comedy, but I found it depressing and slightly vulgar. Oddly enough, the movie is about producing a play, and had they followed the script of the play more, it might have worked...as a serious film.The three primaries here are Clark Gable (who is supposed to be old, and certainly acts it; he plays a Boradway producer); Carroll Baker (as the young woman attracted to the older man; too bad...I was just beginning to enjoy her films); Lilli Palmer (as the ex and future wife of Gable; do we really like plotting women?); and then there's the added attraction of Lee J. Cobb in what must have been a disappointing role as a playwright..My recommendation is to skip this one and skip right to "It Started In Naples" or "Teacher's Pet".

One noteworthy thing about this movie is the use of music. Both the title song "But Not For Me" (also used in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral') and "You Make Feel So Young" pop up at various moments to good effect. Both songs date from the 1940s.Any film with Lee J. Cobb is good according to me. And no one can fill out a tux like Gable. There's even a Joi Lansing walk through.This film is somehow a B & W, 1950s version of 'Something's Gotta Give' - aging leading man and the Lili Palmer/Diane Keaton character. There's even a Long Island connection. If that sounds like an attractive idea, then it's worth a peek. Otherwise, the whole exercise will appear impressively dated.