The Mating Game

1959 • 96 minutes

About this movie

Golden-Globe nominated and Emmy Award-winning Tony Randall ("Pillow Talk," TV's "The Odd Couple") plays Lorenzo Charlton, a stuffy tax investigator sent to the farm of Pop Larkin (Paul Douglas) and Ma Larkin (Una Merkel) to find out why they haven't been paying taxes. He discovers that the Larkins, instead of money, use a homegrown barter system. Overwhelmed by their complex economic network, Lorenzo drinks one home brew too many. Awakening from a hangover, he sees a vision of loveliness before him -- the Larkin's spunky daughter Mariette (Debbie Reynolds). Enraptured by Mariette, he decides to stick around and find a way to get the family out of their onerous tax burden. George Marshall ("How the West Was Won," "Destry Rides Again") directs this breezy romantic comedy.

Ratings and reviews

The Mating Game was a bit cringe-worthy. The humor felt forced, and some of the stereotypes were outdated. While the subject matter was relevant, the execution could have been better. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for a deep and meaningful film

The Mating Game is an entertaining [insert adjective: romantic, informative, etc.] film that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a light-hearted comedy or a fascinating look at the natural world, this film has it all.

The Mating Game is a classic romantic comedy with a charming cast and plenty of laughs. It's a fun and lighthearted movie that's perfect for a date night or a cozy night in.