| Major Cast | |
|---|---|
| Julie Andrews | as Derek Flint |
| Lee J. Cobb | as Millie Dillmount |
| James Fox | as Jimmy Smith |
| Mary Tyler Moore | as Miss Dorothy Brown |
| Carol Channing | as Muzzy Van Hossmere |
| John Gavin | as Trevor Graydon |
| Jack Soo | as Oriental #1 |
| Pat Morita | as Oriental #2 |
| Philip Ahn | as Tea |
| Anthony Dexter | as Juarez |
| Cavada Humphrey | as Miss Flannery |
| Herbie Faye | as Taxi Driver |
| Michael St. Clair | as Baron Richter |
| Lisabeth Hush | as Judith Tremaine |
| Ann Dee | as Singer |
| Beatrice Lilli | as Mrs. Meers |
| MPAA Rating: | UNRATED |
| Production Companies: | Universal Pictures Ross Hunter Productions |
| Distributors (US): | Universal Pictures (theatrical) ABC (TV) MCA Home Video (VHS) Universal Studios Home Video (DVD) |
| Other Companies: | Cinematique (cosmetics) |
| Release Date (US): | 3/22/1967 |
| Running Time: | 138 minutes |
| Languages: | English / Spanish / French / German / Italian / Hebrew |
| Domestic Box Office: | $34,335,025 |
| Worldwide Gross: | $40,000,000 (12/31/1968) |
| Production Budget: | $6,000,000 (Est.) |
In 1920s New York City, the Priscilla Hotel for Single Young ladies is run by Mrs. Meers. Quite early, it becomes evident to the viewer that something untoward is going on there. Specifically, Mrs. Meers heads up a white slavery ring. Her henchmen are a gang of orientals. She selects and drugs an unattached young lady and the orientals carry the victim off somewhere in a laundry basket.
None of this is apparent to Miss Dorothy Brown, a recently orphaned, well-bred girl just arrived in the big city to seek her fortune, as a taxi drops her off in front of the hotel. Nor is it known to Millie Dillmount, who has resided there for three months and works as a stenographer.
Millie takes Dorothy under her wing, and the two girls enjoy an active social life as they adopt the modern culture of the big city. Jimmy Smith has fallen for Millie, but she can't see him because she has set her cap for her boss, chisel-jawed Trevor Graydon. Alas, Graydon sees her as "one of the boys" (in fact he calls her 'John'.) But the instant Graydon sees Miss Dorothy, his eyes light up and "Ah, sweet mystery of life, at last I've found you" starts running through his mind.
The foursome attend plays and parties and soon become friends with a prominent socialite named Muzzy. Various hijinx ensue, including Jimmy scaling Millie's building after he is forbidden to come in the door. Eventually they discover the white-slavery ring and vow to put it out of business. This involves Jimmy posing as a woman and checking in to the Priscilla. More hijinx follow, climaxing in a highly choreographed takedown of the ring and Mrs. Meers.
There's not a whole lot to say about Thoroughly Modern Millie. It is a cascade of inspired silliness wrapped around an over-the-top spoof. The four leads turn in enjoyably absurd performances — as do the other actors. The film had a large budget for its time, and the production values are impressive as a result. Not everyone will enjoy this sort of humor; but for those who do it is a treat.
My Rating:
8 out of 10
Capsule review: Thoroughly Modern Millie is simply a well produced and very enjoyable cascade of inspired silliness.
| IMDB Rating: 7.0 | Raters: 5,048 |
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