My Geisha (1962)

I like the storyline of this show,it attract me so much

Crappy film

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Satisfactory comedy is put over by a cute Shirley MacLaine performance and that old pro Edward G. Robinson. Bob Cummings has his moments as an egotistical star although the thought of him as a major romantic idol is a bit of a stretch. The major flaw as it always is in any film in which he appeared is that cinematic black hole Yves Montand. At least in his English language films he is so devoid of personality and charisma that he stops the picture dead in it's tracks whenever he is on screen. Also the fact that his character doesn't recognize his wife in geisha makeup when she looks exactly like Shirley MacLaine in a black wig and heavy makeup make him seem like a nitwit.

I am not sure how this film would be received by the Japanese. The idea of an American actress posing as a geisha would seem utterly silly to them, I would assume. However, despite seeming insane to me, this really worked...and was a lovely film.Shirley MacLaine played a famous actress married to a director (Yves Montand). He is about to make a movie version of "Madame Butterfly" and resists her request for him to cast her in the movie. So, to prove to him she could do it, she secretly follows him to Japan to find the perfect actress. Posing as a geisha, MacLaine is able to convince him to cast her in the role--and he has no idea she is his wife. This is all very clever and cute--and MacLaine makes the best of this role. Perhaps she isn't perfect but I can't think of another American actress of the time doing better. She is, oddly, quite credible.The film, however, takes a big jump later in the movie. Instead of a light film, a darker side of all this comes to light. I could easily say more but think you really need to see it for yourself. I loved how the story eventually became a parallel to "Madame Butterfly"--and ended marvelously (nearly making me cry). I think some feminists today might blanch at this ending, but I really understood MacLaine's sacrifice and thought this was a perfect way to wrap up the film.Exceptionally complex and enjoyable. The writing was amazing and acting quite good. This seemingly slight movie really took me by surprise and has an amazing depth to it. Well worth seeing and, at times, fun and at others quite touching. See this film.By the way, if you do see this film, pay attention to the attempted seduction scene involving Bob Cummings. When seen today, this certainly appears like an attempted rape and is quite creepy.

"my geisha" is charming. suspend belief a bit, and one realises how good an actress shirley maclaine is and how convincingly she becomes a geisha.the movie is fluff. but the attempt to parallel the plot to the libretto of "madama butterfly" is clever and almost successful. edward g.robinson as sharpless; maclaine as pinkerton, and montand as butterfly... it is a very literate attempt to use the sub-plot as the driver for the main plot.there are moments when one is reminded of a doris day-rock hudson frolic - expected in a comedy from 1962. but there's also a real "edge" that comes from the characters being a little less than saccharine. as has been pointed out, the cinematography is quite sharp. so there is an air of substance to the production, and quality is evident.in the end, though, one just should enjoy it.

Although I only saw this movie once over ten years ago on late night TV,I was struck by the beautiful scenery and the storyline somehow reminded me of James Mason & Judy Garland "A star is born".Shirley Mclaine is a favorite of mine and she managed to imbue the Japanese persona so purely and one could feel Yves Montand frustration and eagerness to achieve success without his wife.I cannot recall much more of this film but I do know that my best friend Maruschka has watched it so many times that her tape copy is wearing out.It is a classic love story. Very hard to find a copy for it and I would love to see it out on DVD.I would then surprise my friend by buying her a copy (and one for me also).Millie