The Moviegoer

Clifton "Belvedere" Webb is back with more boffs. In fact, the first scene opens on graduation ceremonies at Willa Remington College where his daughter is head of her class and valedictorian. Although Webb takes the role of Mr. Osborne, a proud, pampering father of an only child, Belvedere is still rampant and still funny.

Always the master of situation, Webb dashes about with authority and assurance. His poker-face expression and impromptu remark routine is just as ridiculous and sometimes just as hilarious as in his former productions. Unfortunately, the plot in this case tries to cover all the old comic situations and succeeds in laboring the obvious conflicts in modern living. From modern furniture which ends up supporting the victim on his head to neurotic relations between father and daughter to weepy family scenes, the action speeds about, leaving no emotion unexploited.

As an only child, Ann Francis portrays all the scatter-brained qualities of a college graduate. Heading for a career in industrial design, she plans to go to Switzerland. Then within three minutes she falls in love ("like I was drowning") with one of her professors, elopes, and spends the rest of the film getting mad at him. Meanwhile, her parents and the professor's family chase after the couple to prevent marriage and, in the end, encourage it. Very confusing indeed, but never before have two people eloped twice in the same picture.

Except for Webb and his wild antics "Elopement" has little to offer in the way of entertainment. The love story is unimaginative and the speed at which love turns to hate and happiness to tears is unbelievable. But Belvederism is definitely an enjoyable institution despite its surroundings.