The Lady Says No

(1952)

83 minutes.

Film / Comedy / Romance

Directed by Frank Ross

Cast: David Niven and Joan Caulfield

Producer Frank Ross makes his only effort at directing with this feathery comedy, a vanity piece for his wife Joan Caulfield. The lovely, and customarily demure, actress displays a widened working range disparate from her normal personae playing here as Dorinda Hatch, feminist author of an anti-male best-seller. Dorinda becomes unsettled when a rakish photographer for Life Magazine, Bill Shelby (David Niven), attempts to woo her through sly blackmail. During a picture taking session for the periodical Dorinda does some mugging designed to put the impudent Shelby in his place. But Bill turns the tables on her by using a daft face made by the writer as the proof for an upcoming Life cover, refusing to give the negative to her unless she allows him to kiss her, an act leading to romantic complications that raise doubts as to the sincerity of Dorinda's feminist beliefs. The film has a simple storyline, with some fatuous scenes of slapstick, but the roles are well-performed by all members of the cast. Quite enjoyable.