Thanks Musiclover!
Sorry about this.
The quotes are now included.
The Glass Bottom Boat
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Johnny
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
I think Gelb could have been more generous in his remarks.
GBB is a feature length cartoon with real life characters chasing, foiling and outmaneuvering one another in a string of far fetched situations. Director Frank Tashlin excelled at physical comedy and he was known for his provocative visuals. Can anyone possibly forget Jayne Mansfield walking past the milkman in The Girl Can't Help It? Tashlin was also a satirist who loved to poke fun at middle American values and pop culture trends. His background in cartoon animation made him a natural to helm a screwball comedy about America's obsession with spy movies and television series like James Bond and The Man From Uncle. And he found a deft partner in Doris Day who had a gift for making absurd situations believable.
Granted, the storyline is thin and the whole Gizmo thing belongs in a Saturday morning Buck Rogers serial but audiences lapped it up because of Doris Day, Tashlin's direction and the outstanding cast of supporting players. No one disappoints here. I'm glad Doris found one solid comedic romp before she descended into the likes of Where Were You When The Lights Went Out and The Ballad Of Josie.
I give this one 3.5 out of 4.0 stars.
Michael
GBB is a feature length cartoon with real life characters chasing, foiling and outmaneuvering one another in a string of far fetched situations. Director Frank Tashlin excelled at physical comedy and he was known for his provocative visuals. Can anyone possibly forget Jayne Mansfield walking past the milkman in The Girl Can't Help It? Tashlin was also a satirist who loved to poke fun at middle American values and pop culture trends. His background in cartoon animation made him a natural to helm a screwball comedy about America's obsession with spy movies and television series like James Bond and The Man From Uncle. And he found a deft partner in Doris Day who had a gift for making absurd situations believable.
Granted, the storyline is thin and the whole Gizmo thing belongs in a Saturday morning Buck Rogers serial but audiences lapped it up because of Doris Day, Tashlin's direction and the outstanding cast of supporting players. No one disappoints here. I'm glad Doris found one solid comedic romp before she descended into the likes of Where Were You When The Lights Went Out and The Ballad Of Josie.
I give this one 3.5 out of 4.0 stars.
Michael
Michael H
"There's nothing in my bedroom that bothers me."
"There's nothing in my bedroom that bothers me."
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Michael, I agree with you that Gelb could have been more generous in his review of The Glass Bottom Boat.
Many of his criticisms of Doris' films are not directed at Doris but at the screenplays, direction and some of Doris's co-stars. I do like his historical references to the work of the screenwriters and directors. There are many interesting kernels of information.
I saw The Glass Bottom Boat with my father on a sunny afternoon at the Odeon theater in Kingston Ontario. I recall him laughing out loud in the theater, something he rarely did. When we left the theater, he said as he had many times before, Doris Day never disappoints. He loved Doris Day movies and music and really appreciated her talent.
For these golden memories, I will always love The Glass Bottom Boat. It is a funny, charming film.
Many of his criticisms of Doris' films are not directed at Doris but at the screenplays, direction and some of Doris's co-stars. I do like his historical references to the work of the screenwriters and directors. There are many interesting kernels of information.
I saw The Glass Bottom Boat with my father on a sunny afternoon at the Odeon theater in Kingston Ontario. I recall him laughing out loud in the theater, something he rarely did. When we left the theater, he said as he had many times before, Doris Day never disappoints. He loved Doris Day movies and music and really appreciated her talent.
For these golden memories, I will always love The Glass Bottom Boat. It is a funny, charming film.
Johnny
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Love that story about your father, Johnny. I also appreciate the time and energy you put into creating new topics and keeping the discussion going in a lively and informative manner. Kudos to you for all this and much more.
I am actually quite fond of Gelb's book. I bought it years ago and reread it occasionally after watching one of her films.
Michael
I am actually quite fond of Gelb's book. I bought it years ago and reread it occasionally after watching one of her films.
Michael
Michael H
"There's nothing in my bedroom that bothers me."
"There's nothing in my bedroom that bothers me."
- Musiclover
- Special Contributer
- Posts: 1391
- Joined: 05 Jan 2014, 16:42
- Spam Prevention: Yes
- Contact:
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Appreciate your adding the quote marks, Johnny. I like this film and wanted to be sure it was Gelb's review, not yours, that we were seeing because it does not seem consistent with your usual complimentary style that is so refreshing.
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
I came across this article in Wikipedia regarding the reception of Doris' film The Glass Bottom Boat.
"The film was an attempt to appeal both to Day's traditional fans and to a younger audience. It was a success financially, earning $4,320,000 in North America rentals by the end of 1966.
It drew 21, 752 admissions in France.
On Rotton Tomatoes, the film holds a critical approval of 50%, based on 6 reviews with an average rating of 5.6/10.
Day followed up with Caprice ,(1967), a comedy-thriller more completely in the spy spoof genre, again with Tashlin directing, but it was a critical and commercial failure."
"The film was an attempt to appeal both to Day's traditional fans and to a younger audience. It was a success financially, earning $4,320,000 in North America rentals by the end of 1966.
It drew 21, 752 admissions in France.
On Rotton Tomatoes, the film holds a critical approval of 50%, based on 6 reviews with an average rating of 5.6/10.
Day followed up with Caprice ,(1967), a comedy-thriller more completely in the spy spoof genre, again with Tashlin directing, but it was a critical and commercial failure."
Johnny
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
It's sad to think how Rosenthal reduced Marty to a bowl of quivering jello and her impeccable film career became the sacrificial lamb. No more the shrewd moves of a producer, husband, agent who encouraged Doris to accept challenging films like Love Me Or Leave Me or The Man Who Knew Too Much. Marty was just trying to keep them above water while Rosenthal was bilked them out of every cent they owned.
On the plus side, GBB holds up well today and it was a much better film than Do Not Disturb.
Michael
On the plus side, GBB holds up well today and it was a much better film than Do Not Disturb.
Michael
Michael H
"There's nothing in my bedroom that bothers me."
"There's nothing in my bedroom that bothers me."
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Both Do Not Disturb and Caprice were really lightweight films and quite artificial, compared even to some of her early Warner Bros films. The Ballad of Josie and Where Were You When the Lights Went Out? weren't great either. I suppose a plot can sound better on paper but Marty really made some poor choices towards the end and, as you say, Michael, brought her film career to a close. Que Sera, Sera.
Luckily the majority of her films are still worth watching.
Luckily the majority of her films are still worth watching.

Follow Remembering Doris Day: https://twitter.com/DayRemembering
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Helena, please don't make links to corporate websites, it makes me nervous!
Follow Remembering Doris Day: https://twitter.com/DayRemembering
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
I make a point of seeing The Glass Bottom Boat at least two or three times a year. There is a high level of comedic energy. Doris Day's physical comedy timing skills shine brightly. This is illustrated perfectly in her slapstick scene with Dom DeLuise .
The romantic chemistry with Rod Taylor works exceptionally well. Arthur Godfrey looks like he could be Doris Day's actual dad.
Most of all The Glass Bottom Boat generates a feeling of warmth and happiness.
I have often wondered if the title The Glass Bottom was the best choice since the film is basically a romantic comedy. Perhaps something like I Spy Love , Hide and Seek , Space for Love, Undercover Lover might have had more appeal.
The film was a financial success.
It was released on June 9- 1966.
The romantic chemistry with Rod Taylor works exceptionally well. Arthur Godfrey looks like he could be Doris Day's actual dad.
Most of all The Glass Bottom Boat generates a feeling of warmth and happiness.
I have often wondered if the title The Glass Bottom was the best choice since the film is basically a romantic comedy. Perhaps something like I Spy Love , Hide and Seek , Space for Love, Undercover Lover might have had more appeal.
The film was a financial success.
It was released on June 9- 1966.
Johnny
- Peter Flapper
- Honorary Member
- Posts: 1899
- Joined: 05 Mar 2005, 04:01
- Location: The Netherlands
- Contact:
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Hi Johnny,
A lot of fans for The Glass Bottom Boat. Found recently this note from Doris to Dom DeLuise.'

Think it fits here.
P
A lot of fans for The Glass Bottom Boat. Found recently this note from Doris to Dom DeLuise.'

Think it fits here.
P
Re: The Glass Bottom Boat
Thanks so much Peter for sharing. . It is good to hear from you.
The handwritten note is another little Doris treasure that I am sure DD forum members appreciate.
Stay well.
The handwritten note is another little Doris treasure that I am sure DD forum members appreciate.
Stay well.
Johnny
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest