Hot 888 Mama . . . and pass him around, and we'll all be happy again. THE OPPOSITE SEX is sort of like a husband-swapping club, circa 1956, complete with a Reno Dudette ranch where rich soon-to-be ex-wives have 42 days to try out the latest in Boy Toys if they are caught between Sugar Daddies. High Society is so exclusive that social climbing is virtually impossible, as the "Crystal" character finds out here. Even though Crystal spends most of THE OPPOSITE SEX in various bath tubs, she cannot clean the dirt of her humble origins from her soul. At least that seems to be the main message of this so-called "women's film," in which the Rich Bi*Ches run an exclusive guild which quickly isolates and destroys any would-be gate-crashers, such as Crystal. The Ladies Powder Room is run more like a Texas slaughterhouse. Take it from me (and I toured one in Abilene): THE OPPOSITE SEX is NOT for weak stomachs; you may not like seeing how they make sausage. But for the braver gals, it's loads of fun!

allanwparkes One day this story will make a great musical. But this isn't it. In fact, it's hardly a real musical at all. Which is strange, considering its female cast seem to be chosen according to their singing talents - and then don't use them! When Ann Miller appears on the train, surely that ought to have been the cue for a witty quintet along the lines of 'He got it coming'. But no. Nothing. When Charlotte Greenwood meets them at the hotel, that ought to have been the cue for a witty greeting song that commented on the set-up. But no. Nothing. Apart from June Allyson, all the songs (which are just 'background' stuff, not character-driven) are sung, ironically, by the MEN. And surely there were better composers around in the Fifties. Unfortunately, Jerome Kern had died a few years before. His music would have been the ideal choice with the witty words of Dorothy Fields. Even if it had produced no hits (like Centennial Summer) it might at least have been interesting. Wasn't Frank Loesser available? Even the choreography is limp. Couldn't they have got Jack Cole to at least enliven that interminable 'Bananas' number? As I said, this story has the makings of a great musical, but this is a sadly missed opportunity. Having said all that, it's still an enjoyable film. Worth watching if only to be reminded of the days when women wore FROCKS. Ah, the Fifties. Take me back to 58!

Apple-Girl If you like comfortable 1950s movies, you'll enjoy this. Nothing earth-shattering here, but the colorful high-fashion clothes and weird casting are fun to watch, in a campy way. You've never seen so much enormous sparkling jewelry in your life! June Allison is goody-two-shoes boring as usual, but Delores Grey and Agnes Morehead are great. Joan Collins isn't quite there yet, she's not as twisted as she was in the 80s. And it's impossible to take your eyes off of Ann Miller, gorgeous girl, she energizes every scene she's in. The guys in the film are all quite forgettable. So are the musical numbers. Watch it for the 50s styles and you'll have fun.

[email protected] I saw this movie only a few days ago on TCM. I thought the women were wonderful. I'm an especially fond of Dalores Gray, did I say fond, I'm in love; she is fantastic looking and what a voice, although it is not used in this picture, except over the titles. Agnes Moorehead is also a looker. I seem to go for the hard faced type. June Allyson as the lead is not very good, compared to the other women including Ann Miller she is dull. The outfits the women wear are are great yet so implausible. In every scene, a different dress, this film is more a fashion parade of the 50's, than a true musical. Jeff Richards plays the cowboy flirt well and has a song of his own although I not sure if his own voice is used. But for me this movies main delight is Dalores Gray. I am surprised how few films she made, yet in each she made an outstanding impact. I didn't realize just how long Jone Collins has been around. I thought she played the gold digger perfectly. www.basildoneye.com