The Thrill of it all (1963)

Plot:  A housewife becomes the TV spokeswoman for "Happy Soap" - to the annoyance of her Husband.
Stars:  Doris Day, James Garner

Doris Day gives a great performance in this good-humored satire of  TV advertising and  Suburbia.  She's especially good at "blowing her lines" during the "Happy Soap" commercials.  And her rapport with James Garner is excellent, only surpassed by her chemistry with Rock Hudson.  Too bad the movie, except for Day, is so mediocre.

So, what went wrong? Two reasons:  Carl Reiner.  He wrote the script, and proves - once again - he wasn't ready for the Big Leagues.  Basically, Thrill of it All is a 108 minute Dick Van Dyke episode - in color.  We get lots of "cute kids making cute remarks", a tired subplot about a far-too-old Arlene Francis having a "late baby", and a predictable story-line.  Except for a funny drive into a swimming pool and the "I'm a pig" joke, the humor is TV sitcom stuff.  Too make it worse, Reiner refused to stay behind the camera, and drags down several scenes which should have gone to a funnier actor**.  Garner does well, but isn't given much to do except play the Suburban  Dad and express annoyance at Day's antics. The supporting cast is good in their standard roles.

Summary:  A mediocre Comedy with a great Doris Day performance.  Needed sharper writing and been 10 minutes shorter.

** =  For some reason, Carl Reiner thought he was a great comic actor and stated he lost the Rob Petrie role to Dick Van Dyke because of "antisemitism".  Really.  Side note: Reiner wrote the movie for Judy Holiday, who bowed-out due to illness - fortunately for the movie.