The Glass Bottom Boat (1966)

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The first must-see film of the year.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

'The Glass Bottom Boat' was seen as part of my completest quest for the films of Doris Day. Most of her films have been seen already, a few many times and among my favourites, but being a fan there was the want to see the ones not already viewed.Of these first time viewings, 'The Glass Bottom Boat' is one of the better ones. Not quite one of her best ('Calamity Jane' and 'Pillow Talk' are especially great), but a long way from being one of her worst, even as a fan will admit that not every single film of hers is good let alone great (both early in her career and later), and actually one of her better later (meaning her 60s output) films. Also the better of the two Day and director Frank Tashlin collaborations, the other being the critical and commercial failure 'Caprice'.Sure the story is silly, but the film knows it and one is just too caught up in the non-stop entertainment to care. There maybe could have been more of the romance between Day and Rod Taylor, there certainly is some, it has the right amount of sweetness and Taylor has charm as a leading man if not quite enjoying himself as much as the rest of the cast, but it is a little under-utilised and occasionally gets lost amidst everything else.However, 'The Glass Bottom Boat's' production values are great, one of Day's best looking films to me. The locations and fashions are fabulously lavish and it is beautifully photographed with gorgeous use of colour, bright, bold and rich. There is some fine music too, energetically quirky while also lush. The title song is unforgettable, the little snippet of "Que Serra" is even better used than in 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' and "Soft as a Starlight" is lovely. They suit Day's beautiful voice perfectly, and Day's musical understanding and sincerity shines through all.It's an exceptionally funny film too, which is something not always found in later films with Day. Very slapstick-heavy which is delivered with tons of energy and like the supporting cast in particular were having a ball, but also with some intriguing social satire, some ahead of the time use of technology (would do anything for a kitchen like that, despite being more than content with the kitchen in my flat, but the kitchen is just too cool). The title sequence is super.Story goes at a bright and breezy pace, 'The Glass Bottom Boat' is a never dull film, and has charm and fun aplenty, the silliness and slightness of it is pretty much forgiven. Tashlin's experience as a cartoonist comes through loud and clear with the delivery of the humour and he keeps things thick and fast with the gags and zany dialogue being packed into the film without feeling too much. The ending section is a riot, as is Paul Lynde in drag (goodness doesn't he look good in it) and Dick Martin and Edward Andrews in bed is quite a sight (don't worry it's more innocent than it sounds).Day perky and luminous, has deftly witty comic timing, sincerity and just charms everybody every time she's on screen in front of the camera and to the viewer watching. Satire comes easily to her. Taylor is charming if a little underused, while Lynde, Martin and Andrews are hilarious scene-stealers. Dom DeLuise provides some inspired seemingly improvisational comedy. A cameo from Robert Vaughn is also fun.Overall, extremely entertaining film with so much to recommend. One of Day's better later efforts if not quite one of her best overall. 8/10 Bethany Cox

The glass-bottomed boat of the movie title appears only briefly in the movie, though the song that goes with it certainly is catchy. Jennifer Nelson appears first as a costumed mermaid working for her father, who owns the title boat, but then is seen working at an aerospace research laboratory, secretary to a brilliant scientist who falls is love with her.But through several mishaps and misunderstandings, the scientist and those around him get suspicious about whether she might be a spy for the Soviets. It turns out there are genuine Soviet spies around to add to the confusion. Even so, the scientist still wants Jennifer and keeps wooing her, showing her things like his super-advanced kitchen with all sorts of automatic devices and a dog-like cleanup robot.The humor of "I Love Lucy", but with less silliness, and "Get Smart" with fewer pratfalls.

The script, pacing, and editing of "The Glass Bottom Boat" fail Doris Day and Rod Taylor. It's a shame, because the movie seemed to have had a lot to offer.Surprisingly, Ms. Day plays an attractive divorced woman who has given up on romance; instead, she enjoys her job, and a "family" of animals. Mr. Taylor, we assume, is otherwise interested in twentysomethings, but he is attracted to Day. Their introductory scene has Day half-naked, so we know Taylor is aware her sexual allure is not faltering. I thought their relationship was far to underplayed - Day subtlety touches on it in a scene following a romantic encounter; but, we know too little of the lead characters' past.The supporting players are fantastic - Paul Lynde looks great as a woman, showing he could have also played Endora on "Bewitched" (as well as Uncle Arthur)! BUT, the script doesn't gel - it's a shame Taylor revealed he thought Day's character was too stupid to be a spy. Later, he says he loves her banana cream pies; yet, we are left believing he really thinks she is stupid. They should have yelled, "RE-WRITE!" ***** The Glass Bottom Boat (1966) Frank Tashlin ~ Doris Day, Rod Taylor, Paul Lynde

We visited Catalina 2 weeks ago. (Oct. 2006) The current Glass Bottom Boat operation claims that the actual glass bottom boat used in the movie is float in the harbor. In fact, they report to use the old boat in peak season.This is contrary to the statement on the IMDb website which reports "Trivia" that the boat sank earlier in 2006 off the coast of LA. The IMDb story reports that the vessel was en-route to San Francisco to become a restaurant. The glass bottom boats are hardly big enough to be a restaurant. I suspect that someone confused the ferry boat or some other vessel with the actual Glass Bottom Boat.