Blu Ray Review: Come September (1961)

The films of the 1960s seem to have a style all their own. And before the cultural shift in 1967 that gave us movies like The Graduate and Bonnie and Clyde, there were light romantic comedies like Come September, which has just been released on blu ray by Kino Lorber.

Rock Hudson, then at the height of his powers, stars as Talbot, a successful American businessman who travels to Italy every September, stays for the month, and romances Lisa (Gina Lollobrigida). However, when he decides to show up in July unannounced, he discovers that not only has his villa been made into a hotel, Lisa is about to be married. A group of teenage boys harass Talbot on the road, and later camp outside his villa because, as a hotel, it is hosting a group of teenage girls. When the girls’ chaperone is injured, Talbot must assume the role.

Come September is a delightful comedy that is bolstered by the supporting work of old veteran Walter Slezak and newcomers Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee. While Dee had been in movies for a few years, and scored big in Gidget (1959), Darin was a popular singer making his film debut here. His song Mack The Knife spent a long time at the top of the charts in 1959, so Darin is given a couple of song numbers to do in Come September, including the title track, which he also composed. This is the film where Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee first met. He allegedly approached her and joked, “Tuesday Weld! I see all of your movies.” Not missing a beat, Sandra responded with, “Fabian! I have all of your records.” The two fell in love, and were married ten days after production wrapped on this movie. Their marriage produced a son, but they divorced seven years later, in 1967, when the culture changed and neither could sustain their early 60s stardom and success.

Come September benefits not only from an amusing script, fun performances, good direction, beautiful locations, and fine cinematography. Rock Hudson was just starting to get away from heavy dramas like Magnificent Obsession and make his way into lighthearted comedies. At the time of this films initial release, The Hollywood Reporter stated: “(Hudson) is an expert at this sort of thing, and has seldom been better." Come September was Gina Lollobrigida's biggest box office hit.

Kino Lorber’s blu ray benefits from an interesting and enlightening commentary track by film historian David Del Valle and filmmaker David DeCoteau.

The film is available at this link: COME SEPTEMBER