Love Is a Ball (1963) User Reviews

Team Gaspard

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 18 May 2009]

In Love Is A Ball Glenn Ford is a down on his luck charter boat captain who is asked to join an unusual enterprise by Charles Boyer. Ford has his charter boat business on the French Riviera which is a great place to be if you're down on your luck. This project involves training Ricardo Montalban in the fine arts of royal behavior. Montalban is royalty all right, but the exiled and impoverished kind. Still he does have a somewhat tarnished title the kind that rich folks might marry for the prestige.

This is a plot situation that goes back to authors like Henry James and Mark Twain, the rich Americans getting together nobility down on its luck. You can still find a flock of them today on the Riviera. The problem is that Montalban as Prince Gaspard lacks a lot of polish, in fact he's from the Inspector Clousseau school of unpolished. Hence Boyer as his manager has assembled his team to give him that. Ford's job on the team is to teach him race car driving and horseback riding, he's done both in the past.

The object of all this prince preparation is heiress Hope Lange who is visiting the Riviera with grandmother Ruth McDevitt and uncle Telly Savalas. Ford also is hired on as a chauffeur for wild child Lange to watch the investment for the team.

The most interesting performance in the film is Montalban's who shows a nice comic touch with some tender moments of self reflection with Boyer's secretary Ulla Jacobbson. He realizes more than anyone else what an essentially useless life he leads. Though Clousseau was not yet on the scene, Montalban had the rich comic genius of Jerry Lewis to get some of his moves down for this film.

Ford and Hope Lange were an item at the time and the film was made around the tail end of Ford's career height as a box office star. It's got some nice cinematography of the French Riviera, a place like Hawaii it's impossible to get bad pictures of and a cast that delivers the goods for the viewer.

What's not to like?

Quite enjoyable.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 30 August 2016]

"Love Is a Ball" is a very strange sort of matchmaker movie. Instead of doing things the NORMAL way, Etienne Pimm (Charles Boyer) is one sneaky guy! He finds poor members of nobility and pairs them up with super-rich spouses. However, he IS sneaky....and doesn't tell the rich folks he's doing this. Instead, he and his crew are actors who ingratiate themselves to the rich family and covertly arrange for the pair to meet and fall in love! It's all very mercenary and Pimm is really good at his job. However, in the care of Millie (Hope Lange) he has an unexpected problem...over time, instead of falling for the poor nobleman (Ricardo Montalban), she starts to fall for her new chauffeur (Glenn Ford)! What's next in this cute little romance? See for yourself...

This is a nice and inconsequential romantic comedy--the sort of date film that is fun to watch with someone you love. It won't change your life but will make you smile...unless, of course, you're a nasty jerk-face who doesn't like happy endings and romance.

Undemanding fluff, agreeably cast...

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 15 September 2009]

Director David Swift also co-wrote this harmless 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 while 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 those nutty romantic plots 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. ** from ****

The real reason to see this movie

[thebaldguy · 9 May 2003]

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!

Love Is a Ball lives up to its title!

[tavm · 7/10 · 8 July 2020]

After years of only knowing about the title, I finally watched this on Amazon Prime Video with Mom just now. A nice mixture of romance and slapstick comedy, we both enjoyed much of the goings on that ensured. Fine performances by Glenn Ford and Hope Lange when they were an item at the time as well as Charles Boyer, Ricardo Montalban especially when doing many of the physical gags, and especially Telly Savalas playing a different role than I usually know him as. I'll just now say that Mom and I most highly recommend Love Is a Ball.

Routine but enjoyable 1960s romcom from a strong cast

[a_chinn · 6/10 · 13 November 2018]

Completely bland and predictable romantic comedy is propped up by a solid cast. Set on the French Riviera, Charles Boyer plays a matchmaker for penniless aristocrats. Boyer is this time helping goofy Ricardo Montalban woo Hope Lange, and brings on John Wood (Professor Falken from "WarGames") to give him English refinements and also Glenn Ford to help him with race car driving because of Lange's dream to participate in the Grand Prix. In typical romcom fashion, Lange and Ford accidentally meet and at first annoy each other and then fall in love. The story is fluff to the point of annoyance and at times feels as if it's trying too hard to be 1960s cool, but the cast are likable, which also includes Telly Savalas as Lange's father, and that's enough to carry the film. It also helps that there's a peppy score from Michel Legrand ("The Thomas Crown Affair" "Summer of '42" "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg") and has breezy direction from David Swift, who memorably wrote and directed "The Parent Trap" and "Pollyanna." Overall, you'll likely completely forget about this film after the credit roll, but it's fairly entertaining while you watch.

Too Bad This Movie Isn't

[Bob-45 · 4/10 · 6 April 2001]

Having never seen LOVE IS A BALL (really insipid title), but reading IMDB reader's glowing comments of the film, I watched it in letterbox on TCM. The first thing that struck me was, why was a movie that had so many MGM contract players released by United Artists. The movie certainly immediately displayed handsome production values (though, a lousy score). Also, David Swift (POLLYANNA, THE PARENT TRAP, GOOD NEIGHBOR SAM) has always been a favorite. After a few minutes watching, I understand if MGM really did pass on this one.

I'm willing to cut a comedy (particularly a funny one) a GREAT deal of slack. HOWEVER, the idea of an eccentric millionaire running a clandestine matchmaking service to get together "poor" nobility and "rich" commoners is a bit munch. How long could such an operation stay secret, the first successful match or (more likely) the first disasterous failure. Rich people STAY rich by carefully checking out ANYONE whom approaches them. Couple that with the idea that a champion race car driver (Glenn Ford) would go along with this nonsense rather than going back into racing to get his boat out of hock. And that the "madcap" heiress (a surprisingly charmless Hope Lange), herself a racing car enthusiast, would not recognize either Ford's face or his name. Is one really expected to believe titled nobility (Ricardo Montleban, very good) would have to be taught virtually ALL the social graces? Or that Lange,rebelling against the setup, would offer to marry the repellent count?

Even with its problems, the movie improves a great deal in the second half. Hope Lange gets better as her wardrobe improves (its goshawful in the first half). By films end, she does generate chemistry with Ford. However, this is WAY too late to save the movie.

Perhaps the best reason to see this movie is to see Telly Savalas when he still had a little hair.

Love IS a Ball; Too bad this movie isn't...

Make that 7.5

[JohnHowardReid · 7/10 · 19 May 2017]

A spirited script and streamlined cast, abetted by sumptuous sets and smart costumes, do much to stem David Swift's occasionally sluggish direction in this entertaining, lavishly produced farce. Ulla Jacobsson keeps all her clothes on, but manages to look even more enticing than she did in "One Summer of Happiness". Even Ricardo Montalban is surprisingly effective.

The entire film was photographed (and recorded) on location in the Riviera and as most of the scenes take place indoors or in cramped confines (Boyer's jacket), some fearful difficulties have been overcome. Indeed, sound and photography are only slightly below the slickest Hollywood standard.

U.K. release title: "All This and Money Too".

The unspeakable in pursuit of the unbearable

[lionel-libson-1 · 1/10 · 29 April 2012]

Another Sunday evening blunder...when will I learn? Ah, the sins of my old age! This film has everything! Bad lighting,stiff, embarrassing performances--a prancing, mincing Kojak? (Telly Savalas)...Glenn Ford with a crankcase of oil in his hair...obviously, the script had been flung in the air, and the pages re-assembled haphazardly.

The 50's diner lettering in the credits should have been a warning to me. But, fatigue,unfavorable sports results, conspired to lower my TQ(Taste Quotient) I realize this is marginally a review and more a cri de la coeur, but I cannot accurately describe a plot so contrived, so smirking, so typical of movies of that period. The Hudson/Day comedies seem like Ingmar Bergman gems in comparison.

The only surprise came at the end, when this cinematic disaster "thanked" a handful of locations, institutions who had cause for a lawsuit for injury to their reputations.

Predictable story but it's worth the ride

[locklearconsulting · 7/10 · 13 April 2020]

The story is very predictable but the cast is so good that it doesn't matter. Our family loved this movie. Sentimental sweet romantic comedy that is worth watching over and over again.

1962 "Hallmark" Movie

[live-and-let-live · 5/10 · 29 May 2022]

Imagine in just a few years after this, the whole "French riviera" with a wealthy "Gidget" and a buffooning prince would be so passe'.

Totally miscast. Ford was 47 trying to be 35. Lange was 30 and looked 40, was dull and bland. And meanwhile, they were in a torrid adulterous affair offscreen. Divorces followed, but not a re-marriage.

This flick is a paradox on so many levels. Totally cliche'. Stereotypes galore.

But wait there's more!!!!!

THE AUTOMOBILES!!!! The cars in this movie make it memorable if nothing else.

There's a surprise under this hood

[obrofta · 9/10 · 21 November 2006]

What surprise(s)? Plenty. How about Telly Savalas playing an effeminate guardian? How about Ricardo Montalban playing a klutz! This movie has all that and then some. Hope Lange is perfect as the rebellious young girl who doesn't want to be stereotyped (this was pretty racy for the 50s mind you), and Glenn Ford totally disarmed by his circumstance and his company.

Great chemistry between the players especially between Charles Boyer and Montalban, who just doesn't seem like he's ever going to play up to his title...this is really funny.

A movie I can watch again and again.

Love is a Ball

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 7 February 2024]

Charles Boyer steals this rather lengthy romantic comedy as "Etienne Pimm" - a gent who patrols the French Riviera trying to match the wealthy nouveau riche (usually Americans) with poverty stricken blue bloods. It's all done with the greatest of subterfuge - the wealthy folks have no idea that they are being manipulated - and true love is aways his goal! His perfectly honed system hits a snag, though, when the latest mark "Millie" (Hope Lange) decides that she prefers Glenn Ford's "Davis" to the proposed Grand Ducal target "Gaspard" (Ricardo Montalban). How can "Pimm" gets things back on track? Despite quite a good cast, this story is quite weak and it does take quite a while to build up a decent head of steam. Once it does though, the comedy is gentle and engaging with a few fun scenes between Ford and Lange as they paint a boat. One for the romantics, this - it's a pleasing enough watch.

In the French Style

[richardchatten · 1/10 · 1 October 2023]

It beggars belief that United Artists went all the way to the South of France to squander vast amounts of money in the service of the hubris of a powerful star.

Surrounded by veterans like Charles Boyer (reduced to delivering lines like "Let's get with it!") Glenn Ford's ego was indulged to the tune of giving his girl friend Hope Lange a showy part as an heiress who gets her kicks racing cars (showing not one iota of the grace and charm she later brought to the TV series 'The Ghost and Mrs Muir'.

The plot - for want of a better word - concerns a male Eliza Doolittle played by Ricardo Montalban - whose grasp of idiomatic English progresses with surprising speed - while the lovely Ulla Jacobson is squandered in a thankless supporting role (strangely coming with an 'introducing' credit).

The biggest surprise is Michel Legrand's name on the credits for the terrible score.

Very funny, and entertaining.

[meddic · 24 June 2000]

Loved it. One of my all time favorites. Glenn ford is great, Mr Boyer is a real hoot, and the young Ricardo Montalban is a delight. Does anyone know who owns the rights? I would love to see it again. Been waiting for years. Please e-mail me. Thank you for reading this.

The cast and scenery make this film watchable

[SimonJack · 6/10 · 13 October 2022]

"Love is a Ball" has two things going for it - a cast of wonderful actors of the day, and marvelous scenery. As a comedy this is very light weight and entirely in the situations. The script is nearly bereft of any funny, clever or comical dialog. Even the romance is mostly cold fish until the very end. So, without the two pluses first mentioned, this would be a real turkey. The cast itself, with these mostly well-known actors who entertained movie audiences for decades, makes the film just interesting enough. Adding the fantastic scenery along the Riviera, makes the film watchable.

Charles Boyer could charm the snake away from a snake-charmer, and his role here, while much tamer than usual, still brings smiles to anyone who has seen a number of his other comedy or romance films. His tamer charming persona is as much because of the persona of the character that Telly Savalas plays. Dr. Christian Gump (Savalas) is the most willing target of Etienne Pimm's grand scam of match-making, for his rich niece, Millie Mehaffey. Savalas's role is so out of his norm as the rough and tough guy, that it's a hoot all by itself. And he plays it to the hilt, so that he and Boyer make some of the best comedy of this film.

Then, much of the rest of the comedy is provided by Ricardo Montalban, who is playing - and with the looks, of a young, somewhat dashing Grand Duke Gaspard Ducluzeau. Montalban also plays his part superbly, beginning as a clumsy, fumbling, misfit of real nobility, whom Pimm has taken under wing to train and educate in the culture and manners needed to snatch, er, match with the right wealthy young American heiress. Gaspard's guffaws in the early stages give way gradually to a smooth, gentle and gentlemanly soul. This does not go unnoticed (chemically, that is) by Ulla Jacobsson's Janine. She is one of Pimm's constant associates in his elaborate match-making enterprise, and helps to train the young and poor aristocrats who will one day be wealthy.

Glen Ford's John Davis becomes one of three men added to Pimm's staff for this specific conquest, each with a special talent or skill. They are to mold Gaspard's culture, or provide the means of entry into the wealthy American family's circle.

Ford and Hope Lange as Millicent Mehaffey, are the two leads in the film and have slightly more screen time than the others. But they are really along for the ride in the comedy aspects. They provide a small bit of the humor, and their roles are the focal point of the plot in the first place. Their roles okay, but if this film were to float or sink on the basis of a romance, it wouldn't make it to shore.

Then, there's the beautiful French Riviera - from Cannes to Monaco. The aerial scene of the "Promenade Anglais" along the Nice waterfront brings back memories. This movie was released in late April of 1963. While it might have been filmed in March, it most likely was filmed the previous summer. I was on the Riviera, at Nice, in both summers of 1962 and 1963. Then serving in the U. S. Army in Germany, I spent some long vacations (leaves) with another GI friend in Italy, France and Spain. We spent three weeks both summers in Nice. Of course we were just enlisted men, so we didn't stay in the spendy hotels.

During that time, the U. S. Navy's Sixth Fleet flag ship operated out of Villefranche. It's the small bay community next to and between Nice and Monaco. And the USO had a Club In Nice for servicemen. We could get lockers for our clothing and shower there, which we did. We met some very nice and attractive French hostesses at the club. We could shop at the commissary in Villefranche and for a couple of beach parties, we provided ice cream and introduced them to s'mores. Back then, one could light a fire in some beach areas that were outside the main public beaches along the Nice promenade.

The movie shows the boat basin of the Harbor of Villefranche-sur-mer. John Davis's boat is in drydock there, with the hole in its bow. The U. S. Navy commissary used to be just up from the boat basin. This movie was based on a 1959 novel by Lindsay Hardy, "The Grand Duke and Mr. Pimm." Apparently, it's one of those films that hardly resembles the book. Ms. Hardy was reported as saying that the film bears no resemblance to her book, "neither the plot, nor the people."

People who first go to the Riviera are a little surprised by the beaches. They aren't the natural soft sandy beaches of the U. S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts. They are gravel and stony beaches that take some getting used to walking on barefoot. Some private beaches put sand over the base, to accommodate the tourists and promenade hotel guests. But the French locals were quite used to and comfortable with the coarser beaches.

One other reviewer commented on a glaring faux pas in the film - when the real estate lady is showing Pimm and his group the elaborate estate they are going to rent. She clearly says the rent is 7.5 million Francs a month. As the other reviewer noted, that would be $1.5 million - per month. In 1922, that would be more than $40 million - per month.

Here are a couple favorite lines from the film.

Etienne Pimm, "It's so easy to make money when you're clever. It's embarrassing."

John Davis, "Oh, yes, your name is gonna go on a plaque all right. And you know what it's gonna say? It's gonna say, 'Here lies Millicent the nut, who... did it on a turn, and broke her butt." Millie Mehafffey: "Oh, you're so smart aren't you? What would you know about racing?"

Worth watching just for the cars.

[plan99 · 6/10 · 4 December 2023]

All very predictable and with Glen far too old for his part, but this may have been a plot device, the heiress falls for an older rough looking man rather than a pretty boy type of the sort they are trying to set her up with.

Beautifully shot in glorious colour and the locations must have cost a fortune unless the hotels etc. Struck a deal offering low fees, or none, just for the publicity.

A wonderful time capsule of a film recording the good old days of the idle rich. This film is worth watching just to see the many now very desirable and very expensive, even when new, cars in it. The convertible cream Mercedes is worth a fortune now at over $1,000,000.

Miscast and Mismatched

[ldeangelis-75708 · 5/10 · 1 March 2023]

Despite all the acting talent here (Glenn Ford, Ricardo Montalban, Hope Lange, Charles Boyer, Telly Savales), this film just doesn't come across well. For one thing, casting the self-confident and charming Ricardo Montalban as a clumsy, impoverished duke was all too wrong, there's no way you could believe he couldn't play polo or was not an accomplished horseback rider. He's just too sophisticated to be unsophisticated. The same goes for casting Telly Savales, more known for playing tough guys, as the rather quiet, softspoken uncle/guardian.

But more of a mistake was trying to make a romantic couple out of Glenn Ford (former racecar driver John Lathrop Davis) and Hope Lange (spoiled, willful heiress Millie Mehaffey). They have no chemistry whatsoever, so both their arguments and their love scenes fell flat. And are we really supposed to believe that Millie, who plans to race in the Grand Prix and admires all the former winners, didn't know who John was right away? I don't think so!

A much better couple (with the right chemistry, too) was Ricardo Montalban and Ulla Jacobsson; as Gaspard and Janine. I wish the story had been focused on them. It would have been a much better movie.

Glenn Ford Gets His Hopes Up

[wes-connors · 4/10 · 1 May 2012]

On the French Riviera, land-locked boatman Glenn Ford (as John "Johnny" Davis) tries to arrange a marriage between beautiful heiress Hope Lange (as Millicent "Millie" Mehaffey) and poor clumsy Ricardo Montalban (as Gaspard "Gaspy" Ducluzeau), for matchmaker Charles Boyer (as Etienne Pimm). The question is, "If Charles Boyer can't teach Ricardo Montalban how to be cool, why would Glenn Ford have more luck?" Of course, Mr. Ford falls in love with his client. Naturally, Ms. Lange finds out about the scheme and overreacts. You'll have to see how they work it out. Do keep an eye on secretary Ulla Jacobsson as she's a big help. The film is long and echoic. Watch for the wide-screen locations and Lange's beautifully-attired figure.

**** Love Is a Ball (3/6/63) David Swift ~ Glenn Ford, Hope Lange, Ricardo Montalban, Charles Boyer

A delightful light comedy that improves with repeat viewing.

[KT-31 · 9/10 · 13 September 1999]

This piece of light comedy is very under-rated by many of those that I have spoken to about it, and invariably improves upon second viewing.

The timing of Mr.Boyer's deliveries are impeccable. Those who are familiar with Telly Savalas in his tough-guy roles will be astonished at his performance here. Hope Lange gives one of her warmest performances in this movie; although playing a spoiled rich girl, she never loses our affection and sympathy.

The supporting cast members play their parts wonderfully, each one adding just the right flavouring to the mix.

Ricardo Montalban does so well (Maybe just a little too simple for a European noble fallen on hard times - but I think that is acceptable in this part, where they want humour, someone believably attractive without being a challenge to Ford), that we never for a moment want him to win the female lead, yet we are pleased that he does find a good match. His closing scenes restore our respect for him.

Glenn Ford is charming in a low-key fashion. Charming yet rugged, with principles. A good, strong partner for Miss Lange's character.

The closing scene between Lange & Ford never fails to leave me smiling.

One of the finest feel-good comedies ever made!

[dalan-1 · 10/10 · 29 April 2005]

I watch this movie regularly and it never fails to bring pleasure and a smile. It is a comedy, not a Shakespearean drama, yet it seems I find fresh significance in some expression or phrase each time I watch.

Often, when watching a movie, I think how much better it would be with small script changes or a different cast - not so with this gem.

Hope Lange - beautiful and spoiled, but intelligent and innately wholesome. Glenn Ford - a ruggedly attractive foil for her, having already experienced life in the 'fast lane' he is not tempted by her riches, only her. Charles Boyer - the perfect cultured bon vivant who is still believable as a man of principles rather than just an 'opportunist'.

Telly Savalas and Ricardo Montalban probably have the two most challenging roles because they portray men that we could easily come to dislike and/or disrespect; yet each manages to fulfill the comedic requirements and complete the movie with our positive affection.

Even the lesser character roles are delightful. Ruth McDevitt the grandmother - just enough fussiness to be lovable, but a few glimpses of the strong, determined woman of her youth to make it acceptable that she be the instrument of successful resolution. Ulla Jacobsen as the private secretary to Charles Boyer - fiercely loyal, efficient, articulate, and most important, able to be desirably attractive without competing with Miss Lange. Laurence Hardy - Priory(chauffeur), Andre Luguet - Zoltan(chef), and John Wood - Soames(musician) all seem to provide exactly the right seasoning for their roles. I believe it would be a lesser production without any of them.

The music and cinematography are more than adequate with enough truly wonderful 'bits' to satisfy the most discriminating critic of comedy.

A thoroughly wonderful movie for the whole family, made in an age when coarse language, explicit sex, and violence were not 'de rigeur'. I only hope that this will be brought out in DVD format, since my VHS copy has almost expired!

glamorous and fun

[keiljd · 8/10 · 30 March 2002]

Tremendously entertaining and fun romantic comedy, set on the Riviera, filmed in warm sunshine with a top cast of real professionals. Saw it at the Royal in San Francisco, 3-31-63; co-feature was the Stewart Granger swashbuckler SWORDSMAN OF SIENA. Walked to the theatre from my apartment on a pleasant evening, for a comfortable evening at the movies, in a well appointed neighborhood house, for which I had a Pass. In the old days, one could expect a good time at the movies most times out, and always get value for money. In my case, it was a cinch

...so what's so special about it?

[ja-ev · 10/10 · 7 October 2000]

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).

A delightful comedy with many great actors doing fun things

[etgarrison · 9/10 · 1 May 2001]

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.