The Matchmaker

The Matchmaker
1958

Starring:
Shirley Booth as Dolly 'Gallagher' Levi
Anthony Perkins as Cornelius Hackl
Shirley MacLaine as Irene Molloy
Paul Ford as Horace Vandergelder

Lesser Roles:
Robert Morse as Barnaby Tucker
Perry Wilson as Minnie Fay

Length: 100 minutes

This movie takes place in Yonkers, NY and New York City, NY in 1884. Dolly Levi, an older widow, has decided to play matchmaker for an older man --Horace Vandergelder. Who just so happens to be rich. She finagles a way to get him into New York to meet two girls: Irene Molloy, a milliner and the lovely Ernestina Simple.
Before leaving, Mr. Vandergelder promotes his clerk, Cornelius, to the position of Head Clerk, which has the same perks as clerk. After Mr. Vandergelder leaves with Dolly, Cornelius and Barnaby, the other clerk, decide to have a 'day on the town' and just do whatever they please. But you have to have a good reason for closing the store. How do you do that? exploding cans of tomato sauce works.
The boys take off for New York City, spending their last dimes on the fare to get there. While sitting and talking about what to do next, Cornelius decides that they shouldn't leave until they've 'had a good meal, been in danger, almost been arrested and kissed a girl.' So what do they do? Go into a millinery shop in search of a girl or two.
Much more happens here, of course, including several near run-ins with Mr. Vandergelder.
I'm not sure where to end this short teaser, because I'd much rather tell you all about it than let you find out what happens, so I'll finish up right here.

I loved this movie. It's a romantic comedy, yet perfectly clean, and not really mushy like many other romances. I highly recommend watching it sometime, even if you're not a big fan of romances. It would be a good addition to your old movie library.

TCM: The Matchmaker is not on the play list, and not for sale.
Netflix: Available HERE.
Ebay: for sale in Laserdisc form HERE for the next eleven hours at $40.00, on DVD right HERE for $40.00 for the next day and a half. The next one is on VHS for $16.99 through December 17th. Lastly, there is another DVD for sale for only $25.00 until November 26th.
Amazon: 9 used from $2.79 to $19.95 and 6 collectible copies ranging in price from $14.95 to $59.99.

Enjoy!
~Kiwifruit