jacobs-greenwood Because this comedy with music portrays the now dated male-female role viewpoints of the 1950's, it's a less than satisfying experience today. Perhaps the best that can be said about it is that it features the Academy Award nominated Jimmy Van Heusen-Sammy Cahn title song.Frank Sinatra is too old to play the swinging bachelor that attracts the prematurely "set in her ways" and too young bachelorette wannabe married gal that Debbie Reynolds plays. There is never anything that can remotely be called chemistry exhibited between the two in this movie. Ironically, Sinatra would be even older when he played a similar role in a much better film, Come Blow Your Horn (1963). This was directed by Charles Walters; Julius Epstein's screenplay was based on the Max Shulman-Robert Paul Smith play.I've never been able to warm up to David Wayne nor the characters he plays, and his "Indiana married man experiencing a mid-life crisis that comes to visit childhood pal (Sinatra) in New York" in this one is no different.On the other hand, Celeste Holm was practically auditioning for the Liz Imbrie part (successful thirty-something career woman longing for marriage but second choice for Sinatra's character whom she adores) she would play in High Society (1956) the following year; she's terrific in both roles. Carolyn Jones, who plays Sinatra's dog walker, is the most notable other actor in the cast.

wes-connors It's a CinemaScope culture clash when swinging Manhattan playboy agent Frank Sinatra (as Charlie Reader) falls in love with sweet marriage-minded actress Debbie Reynolds (as Julie Gillis). Fond of lipstick and liquor, Mr. Sinatra finds it difficult to commit. The surprising thing about this semi-serious sixties comedy is the thoughtful and mature subplot acted out by David Wayne (as Joe McCall), who moves in with Sinatra while contemplating divorce, and one of his promiscuous pal's girlfriends, Celeste Holm (as Sylvia Crewes).With the lead relationship between Sinatra and Ms. Reynolds proceeding in flat and predictable fashion, Mr. Wayne and Ms. Holm are the ones to watch. They were nominated for "Supporting Actor" and "Supporting Actress" awards by "Film Daily". Also receiving industry attention was the great title track "(Love Is) The Tender Trap" by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, which received an "Academy Award" nomination. Sinatra's great Capitol Records version took an understandable and well-deserved trip to the US "Top Ten".****** The Tender Trap (11/4/55) Charles Walters ~ Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, David Wayne, Celeste Holm

edwagreen Disappointing inane farce with an all-star cast.Frank Sinatra plays his usual swinging self. As a theatrical agent, he has a supply of women around including Lola Albright and Carolyn Jones. Both are completely wasted here. Jones was much better, when she starred 4 years later with Sinatra, in 1959's A Hole in the Head.Debbie Reynolds tries to play the prim and proper Julie, who has her life planned out for her. She falls for Sinatra.Celeste Holm tries to show comic flair by playing a musician-another love interest of Sinatra. Frankie becomes engaged to both Holm and Reynolds at the same time-you would think this would make for an hilarious situation. It doesn't and is quickly resolved.David Wayne, a wonderful under-rated actor, plays Sinatra's married and want-to-be swinging pal who has left his wife of 11 years along with his 3 children. He falls for Holm as well.Naturally, this story resolves itself at the end. Was it really worth the effort?Sinatra-Reynolds-Holm and Wayne come out on the screen at the end to sing the title song. Holm and Wayne hold hands despite the fact that Wayne returns to his wife and Holm conveniently marries a British resident who resides in the same building as Sinatra. How coincidental.

bkoganbing When the eyes are Debbie Reynolds and the viewer is Frank Sinatra, you can expect a lot of fun and The Tender Trap delivers that fun.Frank Sinatra stars in the movie version of a play which had a modest run on Broadway concerning an actor's agent who's got the life we only dream about. Since this was the kind of life Sinatra really had, it sure isn't an acting stretch for him. Still Sinatra plays this thing very well. Of course everyone has beauties like Celeste Holm, Lola Albright, Jarma Lewis, and Carolyn Jones around. They all got a piece of old Blue Eyes.In steps new client Debbie Reynolds, the 1950s all time good girl and she's not tolerating Frank's wolfish ways. She's got marriage on the mind.It's an interesting commentary on the times that back in the 1950s, the ultimate goal for a woman was the house with the white picket fence, husband, and three kids. Even for one as obviously talented as Debbie Reynolds.Sinatra's also got a male guest in the house, childhood friend David Wayne who blew in from Indiana and has announced his intention of getting in on Sinatra's action. He's left his wife, home, and three kids and is having an early midlife crisis. I think you can figure the rest of the plot from here.One thing the play on Broadway didn't have was that wonderful title tune that James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn wrote. Sinatra opens the film with that song before the title credits and Reynolds later sings it in the film. I remember what a mega-hit it was for Frank back in the day. So perfectly suited for him and his style. All I can say is Ring-a-ding ding ding.Frank and Debbie do well together, too bad they never made another film together. The following year she made one with her husband Eddie Fisher and the demand for the team was underwhelming.Everyone, but especially Sinatra aficionados should love this one.