Ambassador’s Daughter, The (1956)

Olivia de Havilland spent most of her post-Oscar years in serious dramas, so it’s nice to see her looking so radiantly lovely in a technicolor comedy, enjoying herself in a comedy for a change. Paris is the setting and the color photography is excellent. The slight story concerns de Havilland seeking to prove to her father (Edward Arnold) and a senator and his wife (Adolphe Menjou, Myrna Loy) that American servicemen aren’t all wolves and to prove it has a harmless fling with a young G.I. (John Forsythe). Unfortunately, as in all Norman Krasna comedies, plot complications develop before she winds up in Forsythe’s arms for an amusing final scene. The cast sparkles with some fine work by de Havilland, Myrna Loy, Adolphe Menjou, Edward Arnold and–in one of his funniest roles–Tom Noonan. Olivia de Havilland gives a spirited performance that won the Belgian Prix Femina for Best Actress in a comedy in ’56. Amusing and very watchable. 103 minutes, colour, 1956, drama