On This Day... The Grass is Greener (1960)

On today's date back in 1960, Cary Grant's 68th full length feature film, The Grass is Greener, was released. 

Summary: 

When down on their luck, Victor (Cary Grant) and Hilary (Deborah Kerr) have to open their English mansion for tours. One day, a millionaire oil tycoon, Charles Delacro (Robert Mitchum) visits the house and charms his way into Hilary's heart. Meanwhile, Victor is pursued by Hattie Durant (Jean Simmons), creating a complicated love triangle.

Cast:

Cary Grant...Victor Rhyall, Earl

Deborah Kerr....Lady Hilary Rhyall

Robert Mitchum...Charles Delacro

Jean Simmons...Hattie Durant

Moray Watson ...Trevor Sellers, the Butler

Did You Know?

Charlton Heston passed on the role of Charles Delacro because he was committed to a stage play with Laurence Olivier. Heston stated in his autobiography, "I missed out on the only chance I ever had to play opposite Cary Grant. He stood out among his peers as the best at light comedy. I would have leapt at the chance just to sweep up after him."

Both Cary Grant and Robert Mitchum's characters refer to a mutual friend (never actually seen in the film) called "Josh Peters". This is an in-joke perpetrated by director Stanley Donen, whose young sons were Joshua and Peter.

The opening titles were designed by Maurice Binder who, two years later, would begin his legendary association with the James Bond series.

Quotes:

Victor Rhyall, Earl: Sellers, have you seen my Bible?

Trevor Sellers, the Butler: I'm afraid I've got it. I wanted to look something up.

Victor Rhyall, Earl: First you borrow my times, now you pinch my Bible. That's democracy running amok!

Trevor Sellers, the Butler: I'm extremely sorry, Milord. I'll put it back beside your bed.

Victor Rhyall, Earl: Anyway, you should have a Bible of your own!

Trevor Sellers, the Butler: Well, the one you're using is mine, Milord.

Victor Rhyall, Earl: Well, then, so long, be seeing you, as you say in America.

Charles Delacro: Cheerio, as you say in Britain.

Charles Delacro: Sometimes I'm convinced that the greatest barrier between our countries is the bond of a common language.

Posters and Lobby Cards:

Directed by Stanley Donen

Distributed by Universal- International.

Running time: 104 minutes.

Artwork by Rebekah Hawley at Studio36.