The Tender Trap

A dream cast, a high-gloss MGM CinemaScope production, a title song hit--what more could one ask for? A viable script! What seemed the height of sophisticated froth in 1955 (and was indeed a smash commercial hit, of which I had fond memories) is painfully unwatchable today. Other reviewers on this website have blamed the mentality of the 1950s for the now-beyond-dated nature of the film. Not true at all. One year later, Sinatra & Celeste Holm would be reunited in the still-dazzling "High Society." And Debbie Reynolds, who tries her best in a horribly written and conceived role, is still a delight in the similar 1954 comedy "Susan Slept Here," which was far from a hit in its day but now looks better than ever--especially compared to this mind-numbing disaster! Put the blame squarely on the screenplay (adapted from a hit play, God help us!). Celeste Holm comes off best, as usual, but under these circumstances, consider that feat a very minor victory.

Though it does make women look as if each has an alterior motive which is to trap a guy into marriage, it is a fun loving film that has alot of potential and with Frank in it, it makes it a classic. Though the supporting cast is wonderful we musn't forget Debbie Reynolds. Her part as a young naive girl is unforgettable and was a large step in the right direction..

This is a very cute movie with a cute plot. Frank Sinatra gives a memorable performance. Do not begin watching this movie expecting a serious or dramatic film.... it is a romantic comedy. Debbie Reynolds is adorable and charming. The Title track sung is unique and one of the highlights of the film. As a teenager who enjoys old movies it is great and enjoyable for me to see what good movies were before so much trash was put into them. This movie is funny without using sexual innuendo or swearing. This is a movie the whole family can sit and watch and enjoy. I recommend this movie to anyone looking for something lighthearted and entertaining! Enjoy!

This is the first of Frank's bachelor-on-the-make comedies of the 50's & 60's. He is excellent; Debbie Reynolds character seems off-balance and miscast. Audrey Hepburn would have been much better. The movie seems to be too self-consciously hip for its own good. Still, the supporting cast is wonderful, and there are far worse ways of killing an hour and a half. 6/10.

I love this film because it is so reflective of the mid-50's sensibility and the glamour of New York at that time. All of the actors have wonderful chemistry, and Celeste Holm is a stand out as Sinatra's "fiancee" Debbie Reynolds is adorable as a 22 year old ingenue who wants a career in the theatre, but only for a brief time. She has a plan to get married, have three children and live in Scarsdale, which everyone knows has the best school system in the country. Sinatra and David Wayne are old friends and the married Wayne comes to New York to take a vacation from his wife. He becomes interested in Holm and falls in love with her. Sinatra falls in love with Debbie Reynolds and their scenes are just lovely. Complications ensue, but in the end, it all shakes out. This is one of the best adaptations of a 1950's stage comedy and it is most enjoyable and certainly worthwhile.

A great title tune, attractive cast, mostly sharp dialogue, can't miss, right? Wrong; this is one of the most disappointing misfires of the 1950s, due largely to the lack of chemistry between Frank Sinatra and Debbie Reynolds. The problem is largely due to the Reynold's character, which is so poorly written. Even the perky Reynolds can do nothing with this part. Fortunately she is off camera for most of the film. Unfortunately, that means there is no payoff for the film. If you must watch it, you will enjoy David Wayne and Celeste Holm. Otherwise, don't expect much.

The start of this film isn't promising. Another dated 1950s sex comedy with a lot of babes. And then it takes off at a tangent and gets serious, deconstructing the bachelor heel played by Frank. Debbie Reynolds is magnificent as the love interest who is frankly very strange. The scene where she falls for Frank as he plays the title song on the piano, and the scene in her apartment where she declares her love, are unique. Stick with this movie.