Kiss Them for Me

Kiss Them for Me is a romantic comedy film released in 1957. The film is set against the compelling backdrop of World War II and explores themes of love, friendship, heroism, and the many shades of life during wartime. Directed by Stanley Donen, the movie boasts a stellar cast, featuring Cary Grant as Commander Andy Crewson, Jayne Mansfield as Alice Kratzner and Leif Erickson as Eddie Turnbill.

The plot of Kiss Them for Me is largely centered around three Navy war heroes who are sent to San Francisco. Anchored by Cary Grant's performance, the story teeters between comedy and drama, exploring the complexities of life during a wartime backdrop. Commander Andy Crewson, played by Cary Grant, is a charismatic and audacious Navy pilot, who along with his two comrades, has secured an impressive record of sinking enemy ships. The three naval heroes manage to orchestrate a four-day leave from the frontline duties to revel in some downtime in San Francisco – far removed from the grim reality of the war.

Unlike traditional war movies, Kiss Them for Me does not dwell on battlefield heroics or sentimental patriotism, opting instead for a surprisingly light-hearted plot given its wartime setting. Instead, the focus is on the personal lives and escapades of these three naval heroes, especially Grant's character, Andy Crewson.

Grant uses his celebrated charm and wit to craft a sparkling portrayal of a war hero who carries an unconventional, somewhat cynical attitude towards the glory of war. His character, Commander Crewson, chooses to live life on his own terms, navigating through a variety of amusing challenges and encounters presented by their holiday in San Francisco.

Jayne Mansfield, as Alice Kratzner, adds to the film's charisma with her vivacious screen presence. Alice is an eccentric millionaire and socialite, who is drawn to the glitzy tales and personalities of the war heroes, and particularly of Andy Crewson. Mansfield's onscreen energy, paired with her comic timings, adds an extra layer of comedic charm to the narrative.

Leif Erickson's portrayal of Eddie Turnbill - Crewson's commanding officer, is a representation of the more traditional viewpoint during the time of war. He is a loyal and dedicated war servant, opposite to Crewson’s persona, who considers the war as a necessary evil. That contrast leads to comical and, at times, confrontational interactions between Erickson and Grant's characters.

Stanley Donen, noted for his skillful touch in orchestrating romantic comedies, makes effective use of the comedic elements embedded within the screenplay. The dialogues are witty, the narrative is brisk, and the circumstances the characters encountered are suffused with an underlying sense of humor. In the midst of the laughter, however, the narrative subtly probes into a deep inquiry over the glorification of war, heroism, and the cost that they bear upon the individuals involved.

Kiss Them for Me beautifully amalgamates elements of comedy, romance, and drama into its narrative structure. Throughout the movie, the city of San Francisco has been poetically portrayed, setting a captivating backdrop to this multi-faceted story. The cinematography successfully captures not just the charming city vistas, but also the varying moods of the narrative, whether it's the joyous revelry, romantic endeavors or introspective moments.

In the music department, the score by Cyril J. Mockridge accentuates both the comedic and dramatic tones of the film providing a suitable mood and rhythm to the unfolding story. The costumes are a delight, encapsulating the iconic fashion of the late 1950s and adding to the overall visual charm of the film.

Kiss Them for Me offers an entertaining blend of humor, romance, camaraderie, and subtle exploration of wartime realities. Boasting engaging performances from its lead cast, particularly Cary Grant's charming portrayal of a non-conventional war hero, the film manages to take a lighter, more comedic approach to a usually grave narrative of war times. This unconventional blend renders the movie a delightful watch, providing an interesting sample of Hollywood cinema from the 1950s era.