Customer Reviews

Kisses for My President [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kisses For My President, though horribly dated, is a fun romp in the tradition of Doris Day and James Garner. As much fun to watch as a Dialing-For-Dollars movie, the rampant sexism is so innocent, you can't help but enjoy it, especially held up against today's world and the role of women in government.

Outstanding for its accurate, detailed White House sets, the film is lush in its photography. Fred MacMurray is funny as the bumbling husband who has no clue what his role should be as First Gentleman (MacMurray was also obviously stumbling for a characterization since he had no real-life role models). Polly Bergen is fine, if a bit uneven, as Madam President. Most wonderfully silly of all, though, is Arlene Dahl as an old chum of the Prez who tries to steal away Fred. She is outrageous in that Zsa Zsa kind of way.

In this time of Presidential jadedness, when there is no more innocence, Kisses For My President is silly and fun and a reminder of simpler days.

Most of the scripting in this movie is really dated, but Polly Bergen does a good job with the material which she had to work with. Of course, this owes to the fact that she is an awesome actor to begin with.

Fred MacMurray gives an equally compelling role as the First Gentleman. Frankly, since he was playing a role which was actually disparaged when this film was made (the idea of a dominant wife/subservient husband was-then scandalous) he deserves additional kudos for having to 'climb uphill'. His character has to put-up with now-riddiculous ideas for anybody but he also comes through the screenplay like a champ.

The sets are really well designed. The production department wanted viewers to feel as if they are in the White House during this film. The viewers are supposed to balance the-then absurdity of a woman president with the reality of the White House looking basically as it should.

The only thing I hated about this movie (again owing to its datedness) was that the President resigns when she is pregnant. There is a somber announcement from the White House as if the president has died or committed a serious crime against the country. I recognize this film was made when most American companies lacked maternity leave/had pregnancy discrimination, because a pregnancy is now not something we would expect a modern public official to resign for.

This movie has been one I've wanted to see for years, but it seems it was buried in the vaults of Hollywood for some reason. Along with it's too fine stars (Fred McMurray and Polly Bergen), it boasts superior production values. It's set of the White House is very accurate. It didn't do gangbusters at the box office, no doubt because the 1960 election introduced the exciting Kennedys. I'm glad that Warner has given it a second life on a remastered version via DVD . Both interesting and harmless. Check it out.

I found "Kisses for My President" a thoroughly delightful comedy. Of course it's dated, but that's part of its charm. This is a perfect, fun movie to while away a few hours while enjoying a cool drink and a box of bonbons. (-:

This is a one-joke film with Polly Bergen the first woman President of the U.S. and Fred MacMurray a befuddled "First Gentleman." Runs out of steam early on. Inexplicable Oscar nom for Costumes - "What costumes?" Worth seeing however for Bergen's dramatic scenes as no-nonsense, hard as nails President. She'd have made a good one!

I love this movie.... The First lady is actually the First Guy.... and the President is A WOMAN! It's a Must see!