Beverly Boyer (Day) is a suburban stay-at-home mom, taking care of her home and two children Maggie (Karath) and Andy (Nash). She is happily married to obstetrician Dr. Gerald Boyer (Garner). After Gerald gives Mrs. Fraleigh advice about her pregnancy, the Boyers are invited to have dinner with Mrs. Fraleigh and her husband Gardiner (Andrews). At the dinner, Beverly shares a story about her experience with Happy soap, to the delight of Mr. Fraleigh's father Tom (Owen).
Tom Fraleigh is the owner of Happy Soap and is charmed by her candor. He convinces Mike Palmer (Reid) to hire her as the new spokeswoman for the soap. That evening, they take her to the TV studio to film her live commercial. She has a rocky start, but people respect her honesty. Can she balance the demands of her home and her new career?
This was the first of 2 collaborations between Doris Day and James Garner. The second, also released in 1963, was Move Over, Darling which was a remake of the Cary Grant film My Favorite Wife.
The story was written by Carl Reiner (who also wrote the screenplay) and Larry Gelbart. Reiner also has a cameo in the the film as the actor during the TV show... he plays several different characters (with different accents).
The cast is great. Day is sweet and works well in the role; you want to see her succeed. She has great chemistry with James Garner (which is again on display in Move Over, Darling). Garner is also great here. They both get to ride the line between charming and exasperated. Their characters are clearly crazy about each other, and their lives. Kym Karath, who would later be known for The Sound of Music, is adorable and precocious here... and Brian Nash is equally entertaining as her brother. Character actor Reginald Owen is great as Tom Fraleigh.
It is a funny, but mostly forgettable.
The Thrill of It All (1963) 108 minutes
Director: Norman Jewison
Starring: Doris Day as Beverly Boyer
James Garner as Dr. Gerald Boyer
Arlene Francis as Mrs. Fraleigh
Edward Andrews as Gardiner Fraleigh
Reginald Owen as Tom Fraleigh
ZaSu Pitts as Olivia
Elliott Reid as Mike Palmer
Kym Karath as Maggie Boyer
Brian Nash as Andy Boyer
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