THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT

THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT (1956). Director: Frank Tashlin.

"Fats" Murdock (Edmond O'Brien) hires washed-up press agent Tom Miller (Tom Ewell) to turn his sort of girlfriend Jerri Jordan (Jayne Mansfield of the massive mammaries) into a famous singer -- unfortunately the girl can't sing. This basically borrows the plot of Born Yesterday and adds a rock music background [there are song numbers performed by guest artists]. In a rather weird subplot development, Miller is obsessed with the real-life singer Julie London, who broke his heart [and who is heard singing "Cry Me a River."] Henry Jones and Barry Gordon have small roles. Mansfield exhibits an appealing personality if no great acting ability, but she isn't terrible. O'Brien and Ewell seem to be having fun, and the former even sings! Amusing final twist.

Verdict: Good-natured, if minor-league comedy. **1/2.