Lover Come Back (1946 film)
Lover Come Back is a 1946 American romantic comedy film directed by William A. Seiter, starring Lucille Ball and George Brent.
Synopsis:
Kay Williams (Lucille Ball) is a successful advertising executive who has focused intensely on her career, leaving little room for romance. Steve Randall (George Brent), a handsome geologist and owner of a small tungsten mine, becomes the target of Kay's latest advertising campaign. Kay aggressively pursues Steve, hoping to use his mine to land a major advertising client. However, Steve is initially uninterested and resents Kay's manipulative tactics.
As Kay continues her relentless pursuit, Steve begins to develop genuine feelings for her. He pretends to be naive and uneducated, allowing Kay to believe she is easily outsmarting him. He plays along with her schemes, hoping to teach her a lesson about her ruthless ambition and show her the value of sincerity.
Through a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic mishaps, Kay eventually realizes the error of her ways and falls in love with Steve. She abandons her manipulative tactics and learns to appreciate genuine connection and honesty. The film culminates in a reconciliation and a happy ending, with Kay choosing love over career ambition.
Cast:
- Lucille Ball as Kay Williams
- George Brent as Steve Randall
- Raymond Walburn as Wilbur Meeker
- Charles Winninger as Judge Silas T. Potter
- Carl Esmond as Dr. Kapps
- Florence Auer as Ms. Swanson
- William Wright as Paul Martin
Production:
Lover Come Back was produced by Universal Pictures. It is noted for its lighthearted humor and the comedic chemistry between Ball and Brent.
Reception:
The film was a moderate success at the box office. Critics generally praised the comedic performances, particularly Lucille Ball's, and the film's lighthearted tone.