The Mating Game
The Mating Game

The Mating Game

1959Movie96 minEnglish

Tax collector Lorenzo Charlton comes to the Larkins' farm to ask why Pop Larkins hasn't paid his back taxes. Charlton has to stay for a day to try to estimate the income from the farm, but it isn't easy to calculate when the farmer has such a lovely daughter.

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IMDb6.3/10
Director: George MarshallGenres: Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

A crusading lawyer from New York City is sent to a small, isolated town in the Ozarks to investigate the unusual fertility rate of the local residents. He discovers that the town's prosperity is directly linked to its large families, a secret the townsfolk are determined to protect. As he delves deeper, he finds himself caught between his professional duty and the charms of a local woman, challenging his own views on family and tradition.

Critical Reception

The Mating Game received a generally lukewarm reception from critics upon its release, with many finding its premise amusing but its execution somewhat predictable. Audiences at the time were more receptive to its lighthearted romantic comedy elements and the performances of its lead actors.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praiseworthy for its charming lead performances, particularly Tony Randall's.
  • The comedic situations arising from the premise are generally amusing.
  • The plot is considered somewhat formulaic and predictable by modern standards.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment suggests it's a light, enjoyable romantic comedy from its era, with strong performances from the main cast being a highlight.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the last Technicolor productions from MGM before the studio began transitioning to other processes.

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