A lighthearted musical/comedy made enjoyable by a likable cast. A small city is either blessed or cursed by the arrival of Elvis-like teenage heart throb Conrad Birdie before heading to the army after being drafted. Teenager Ann-Margaret has been chosen exclusively to be kissed by Birdie on the Ed Sullivan Show which makes her merrily happy, but produces jealousy in her boyfriend and detest from her father (because of Birdie's controversial pelvis jiggling). Meanwhile songwriter Dick Van Dyke tries to get his difficult mother's approval to wed his secretary, Janet Leigh. The songs aren't great, but it should please musical lovers.
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Starring:
Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margret, Maureen Stapleton, Bobby Rydell, Jesse Pearson, Ed Sullivan, Paul Lynde, Mary LaRoche, Michael Evans
Directed by:
George Sidney
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1963 musical/comedy
Not Rated.
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Don Ignacio's score: B-