The Tunnel of Love (1958 B/W)
Doris Day, Richard Widmark - A Classic Movie Review

I reviewed "Tunnel of Love" sometime ago, but wanted to share it with my Garden and Hearth readers because this movie is such great sly, wink-wink fun. This romantic comedy was directed by Gene Kelly and stars Doris Day and Richard Widmark. I know it seems unlikely that Richard Widmark would be in a movie like this but here he is in this 1958, black and white innuendo filled comedy about a suburban couple who can't get pregnant no matter what they do.

You have to feel sorry for poor Richard Widmark when he comes home hot, tired and out of sorts from traveling to Connecticut from New York. All he wants to do is get out of his hot sticky clothes, curl up on the sofa and sleep. But Doris Day has other ideas, her temperature is just right so they have to make love NOW, then rush off immediately to the doctor's office, per the good doc's instructions.

The hook is that Doris and her husband start proceedings to adopt a baby. A female inspector comes to talk to the couple, through a mishap Widmark wakes up in the inspectors bed. Did he or didn't he?  To make matters worse the inspector suddenly has to go away and returns 12 months later? Out of the blue the agency has found a baby for the couple, the baby looks like Widmark, the next door husband and best friend thinks it's Widmark's baby and Widmark thinks it's his baby. And Doris is really suspicious. The next door husband played by Gig Young, is a world class philanderer who never gets caught, is loaded with lots of advice (all bad) for frazzled Widmark.

This is definitely a great way to spend a rainy Saturday night with a big bag of popcorn. Since this is no longer the 50's you may decide to bring out the salsa and beer instead. This movie must have been so risqué in 1958 and the suburbia shown here is so clichéd that it's down right laughable. The role of Dick Pepper, the neighbor who dispenses bad advice must have been written specifically for Gig Young, he is so right for this part. Doris sings the title song "Tunnel of Love." The movie also stars Gia Scala, Elisabeth Fraser and Elizabeth Wilson

Did you know that in addition to her save animals foundation actress Doris Day owns an Inn in California? Visit her site to find out more http://www.ddal.org/

-Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations. 

Photos from The Tunnel of Love