But Not for Me (1959)

Powerful

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Absolutely Fantastic

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

Not one of Clark Gable's best career choices, as the movie actually goes out of its way to draw our attention to Gable's age and his suitability or unsuitability to marry a younger woman. The problem is that Gable himself actually looks about fifteen years older than his on-screen character's age, so that we already know the conclusion before the question is even asked! And the film's title, of course, is a dead give-away as well! Another problem is that in addition to its slight plot, the film is on the talkative side. Fortunately, production values are good and Gable's support cast is first rate, with Lilli Palmer really excelling herself in a made-to-order role. Walter Lang's direction, however, is completely undistinguished, aside, of course, from his trade mark opening. Lang always like to begin his films with a shot of a geographical skyline - and "But Not For Me" is no exception to the rule!

Clark Gable is a Broadway producer who feels his age and is ready to retire. Added to it is the fact that his ex, Lilli Palmer, pops in constantly for the alimony and aggravates him. Carroll Baker is his secretary, who's using her job as a stepping stone in her acting career. When she discloses to him, she's been pining for him from the beginning. he jumps on this plot in a way to save a playwright's problems with his play - instead of an old man going after a young girl, switch it. The stars provide charm and a bit of the nostalgic feel for Gable's older films, like "Wife vs. Secretary," with similarities to boot. But the main problem of this film is that it goes on for far too long and is too talky. Barry Coe likes Carroll, but with her interest in Gable, she hardly gives Barry the time of day. With its predictable ending, this should have been much shorter with less talk and definitely less bickering. But not for that, this is a must-see film for Gable fans. You'll just feel wore out by the end.

Charmer finds Gable at near the end of his career still fully in command of his star power as a somewhat roguish producer who is juggling both personal and professional issues. Lilli Palmer is an excellent match for him, her continental charm playing off his brusk exasperation with surprising ease. She's so good it's a shame her role is rather small but she makes every moment she's on screen memorable and you miss her when she's out of the picture.Lee J. Cobb likewise makes his modest role seem more than it is by filling it with his magnetic presence.Carroll is sexy in a refined way, this was before she cast her lot in the sex symbol derby with junk like Harlow and The Carpetbaggers and wrecked her reputation as a serious actress for several years until she came back as a respected character actress.The kind of breezy star vehicle that is rarely if ever made today, spotlighting the star but loaded with talent in almost every role. Competently directed and as an added bonus Ella Fitzgerald sings the title tune over the credits. For Gable fans this is a must!

This movie is a sweet light hearted comedy. You should watch it twice if possible. Once to just see it and the second time to get the parts you missed the first time through. The story could be set in most any time frame or city with minor variations. It is a traditional tale of the good looking male who is beginning to feel a little 'past it' and a beautiful younger female with a major crush on him. There is a nicely balancing, very attractive, other woman of his own age who 'understands' only too well. There are a number of variations that thicken the plot - some are for laughter, some are for romance. This particular cast of actors and actresses fill their parts delightfully well. The many supporting character parts only add to the enjoyment of the movie. I truly enjoy the musical score, especially the title song "But Not for Me", and the way it is worked through the movie.