dougdoepke Zippy little comedy that never bogs down thanks to both director Taurog's pacing skills and writer Curtis's snappy dialogue, though plot developments don't make much sense. But then, this is a comedy. There's more amusement than hilarity even though the ensemble cast doesn't meld that well. The plot's something about the guys trying to romance Kerr out of her big Texas ranch. But get a load of that big inheritance ranch that none of plotters nor even Kerr have seen. It's a hundred miles of nothing, so someone's in for a big surprise. Meanwhile the guys shuffle in and out of Kerr's life whether on shipboard or in hotel rooms, while she slowly succumbs.Kerr does well enough as the lady-like mark, though I don't think she looks comfortable. However, Mark Stevens comes across as something of a bland dead spot among Kerr's prospective suitors. Fortunately, he later found his strength as a successful director and producer. The surprise is tough guy Whitmore who shows a spirited comedic side that viewers of the Asphalt Jungle or Battleground might never suspect. And who would think horror meister Val Lewton-- Cat People, I Walked With A Zombie--- would act as producer of a comedy like this one.Overall, it's a fairly pleasant little diversion if you're not expecting too much. Plus, I can't help thinking the filming would have been better done in Technicolor rather than the bland b&w that flattens what should be livelier visuals.

edwagreen Just goes to show you when people are under contract.A stellar cast of Deborah Kerr, Robert Walker, Peter Lawford, and Mark Stevens are put into this absolute classic stinker.Seems that during World War 11, Kerr met an old U.S. soldier who leaves her farmland that's an absolute piece of junk-just like this movie.Walker is a con-artist who thinks that Kerr has landed a lot of money and tries to woo her. On board the board, there's Lawford with his 14 million and his lawyer Stevens. Walker has his crony, James Whitmore, who is the only funny person in this.Scenes include a tie scene which is utterly ridiculous. Naturally, Walker is being financed to fleece Kerr by hoodlum J. Carrol Naish.The film becomes even more ridiculous when it's discovered that Kerr's land is worthless. Having run up debt, she tries to sell the hotel rug and of course winds up with one of our gallant 3.A weak plot is further done in by poor writing. Norman Taurog, a great director, who won the Oscar for directing "Skippy" years before is straddled with his mess. He probably needed that dog to help out with this clinker.

jotix100 Alison Kirbe, an English woman who has been corresponding with a man from Texas, is suddenly notified he has died and left her his estate. Little prepares this no-nonsense woman for the adventure she is going to embark as she goes to America where her own future is assured. What she never knows is that three men who want her, for different reasons, are pulling strings to get her money while they are doing their little game behind the scenes. Or for that matter, Alison Kirbe doesn't have a clue as to the real estate value of the property she inherits.This MGM comedy directed by Norman Taurog, offers some mild fun because of the great work by the principals in this production. It served as a change of pace for its female lead, Deborah Kerr, who had done a lot of dramatic work in the English cinema, as she proved she was well suited for this type of light comedy.Deborah Kerr is seen in a luxury ship in this film, a place in which she seems a natural, as she plays another romantic lead in the remake of "An Affair to Remember". Ms. Kerr held her own playing opposite Robert Walker, Peter Lawford, and Mark Stevens. The three men in the story are perfectly cast as each brings his own type of persona to the story. Unfortunately, James Whitmore, J. Carrol Nash, and Spring Byington, who are seen in supporting roles don't have much to do in the film."Please Believe Me" marked the arrival of Deborah Kerr to her long association with Hollywood where she would leave her mark throughout the years she graced timeless classics for our enjoyment.

Kim Loughran What superb direction -- and please, hard as it is, believe this is the same Norman Taurog that basted more Elvis Presley turkeys than any other director. Here, Taurog is the star, slowed down only by an uneven cast and a script that creaked in a couple of places as it flexed its plot. Deborah Kerr is supreme, though, as the sentimental English poppy who is tricked up and down until she buckles on her sound, common sense English ingenuity and carries the day. And she had some carrying to do: co-star Mark Stevens is pure avoirdupois with no sense of the camera. Nice jackets, though. Peter Lawford is perfect as the rich guy with a sense of fun, flaunting his sleek biceps and slim waist in a swimming pool scene he steals with aplomb. The script is a beaut, too, but the way Taurog fills each scene with exposition and shtick is a joy to behold. The lighting is highly skilled 40s workmanship. And check the roulette scene for b/w colour play. But the scene that is all Seven Wonders of Hollywood script- writing rolled into one is the showdown in gangster Quinn's office. Unbeatable for its half a dozen plot twists inside three minutes. Believe me.