Lorenzo Charlton (Tony Randall) is an IRS agent from the city (Baltimore) who does things by the book. He is sent to audit a farmer known as Pop Larkin (Paul Douglas), who has never filed a tax return. Charlton, who is dubbed "Charlie" by the affable Larkin clan, should be impervious to the good-natured disposition of his target, but the Larkins have a secret weapon---their wholesome daughter, Mariette (Debbie Reynolds).
Randall's Charlie is cut from the same cloth as Felix Unger, but he's less neurotic. His life is governed by rules and laws and orderliness. But he is no match for the charms of Mariette, or the Larkin family as a whole, who live a life of gentle harmony with nature and their neighbors. Their only rule is the Golden Rule. And they have little use for money or taxes, since they use barter in most transactions. This is a challenge for Charlie, who tries to monetize their bartering history.
"The Mating Game" belongs to the same romantic comedy genre as the Doris Day/Rock Hudson films, which also featured Tony Randall. This is pure entertainment. The odd coupling of Randall and Reynolds works well, which should be no surprise. This film is fashioned from fluff and slapstick, and they are two of the best comedic actors of their time and are very adept at physical humor.
Randall's Charlie is cut from the same cloth as Felix Unger, but he's less neurotic. His life is governed by rules and laws and orderliness. But he is no match for the charms of Mariette, or the Larkin family as a whole, who live a life of gentle harmony with nature and their neighbors. Their only rule is the Golden Rule. And they have little use for money or taxes, since they use barter in most transactions. This is a challenge for Charlie, who tries to monetize their bartering history.
"The Mating Game" belongs to the same romantic comedy genre as the Doris Day/Rock Hudson films, which also featured Tony Randall. This is pure entertainment. The odd coupling of Randall and Reynolds works well, which should be no surprise. This film is fashioned from fluff and slapstick, and they are two of the best comedic actors of their time and are very adept at physical humor.