Doris Day and Cary Grant, two icons of the classic Hollywood era, teamed up for the 1962 romantic comedy “That Touch of Mink.” This film stands out in their respective careers for its blend of humor, romance, and a touch of social commentary, typical of the early 1960s.
In “That Touch of Mink,” Doris Day plays Cathy Timberlake, an unemployed computer programmer who encounters a wealthy businessman, Philip Shayne (played by Cary Grant), in a rather unconventional manner – she gets splashed by his limousine. What follows is a whirlwind of events, including a trip to Bermuda, where Cathy struggles with her morals and desires. The narrative explores the societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly around relationships and marriage.
The film was a commercial success, grossing $17.6 million at the box office and becoming the 4th highest-grossing film of 1962. It received an approval rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a generally positive reception. Critics noted Day’s performance as an adept farceur and the film’s ability to deliver laughs without necessarily challenging the viewer with a deeper message. However, some viewed the film as dated and criticized its portrayal of gender roles and relationships.
Interestingly, Rock Hudson was initially expected to play the role of Philip Shayne, but director Delbert Mann chose Cary Grant instead. Grant’s involvement in the film extended beyond acting; he was highly professional and exacting, paying attention to every detail, including the sets and production values. Doris Day, reflecting on her experience, described Grant as extremely professional but also distant and reserved.
“That Touch of Mink” was nominated for several awards, including Academy Awards for Best Story and Screenplay, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and received nominations for Best Actor (Cary Grant) and Best Actress (Doris Day) in the comedy category. The film showcased Doris Day’s established image as the “eternal virgin,” a theme prevalent in her movies from the late ’50s and early ’60s.
“That Touch of Mink” is emblematic of its era, capturing the social mores and cinematic style of the early 1960s. It brought together two of Hollywood’s most charismatic stars, Cary Grant and Doris Day, in a film that continues to be remembered for its humor, charm, and a candid exploration of relationships during a changing social landscape. Despite some criticisms for its dated views, the film remains a significant part of the romantic comedy genre and a testament to the star power of its leading actors.
Despite both being prominent figures in Hollywood during the same era, they did not collaborate on any other movies. This single pairing in “That Touch of Mink” remains their only joint film project.
