Tammy Tyree (Reynolds) lives a humdrum life in the rural swamplands of Mississippi. She works the land, confides in the livestock she tends to and endures the antics of her hapless, but doting Grandpa (Brennan). But when a fateful plane crash rains debris down upon her sleepy corner of the world, Tammys luck changes and her everyday existence is transformed.
Hauled along by her grandfather to scan the nearby river for wreckage, the duo come upon a single, unconscious survivor; Peter (Nielsen). The pair take the unfortunate soul back to their home, patch him up and nurse him back to full health. However, just as Tammy realises shes fallen head over heels for her patient; the newly recovered Peter says his thanks and returns home. Tammy is left heartbroken, and her spirit is crushed once more when her grandfather is imprisoned for selling moonshine.
However, Tammys luck changes when an indebted Peter invites the young woman to stay with him and his family at their palatial home as thanks for saving his life. Tammy is instantly in awe of her elegant new surroundings, but adrift in the world of high society. Nonetheless, her romantic feelings toward Peter continue to blossom and are soon reciprocated by the affable bachelor.
It might be more than 50 years old, but Tammy and the Bachelor stands the test of cynical times as a feel good, heart warming Cinderella story. Debbie Reynolds is immediately endearing and loveable as good natured Tammy, while a supporting cast of snooty socialites, eccentric bohemians and kindly housemaids place us in comfortably familiar territory.
But while the film doesnt conceal its fairytale notions, its not a straightforward rags to riches affair either. Tammy is a force of nature, a salt of the earth grafter whose humble ways put a dent in the toffee-nosed hide of the high society she finds herself immersed in. She isnt some would-be princess waiting to be rescued from the pits of poverty and likewise, while Leslie Nielsens white knight boasts earthy plates to his shining armour.
Tammy and the Bachelor is a familiar enough story, but its one that radiates incredible warmth and in sticking to a tried and tested formula, the tale proves timeless. On the screen, the piece mightnt look as glorious as it once did, but this DVD transfer is a palatable enough one that does the colourful production justice.
Overall Verdict: A classic romantic comedy, Tammy and the Bachelor should prove a treat for both new and returning audiences.
Special Features:
Trailer
Reviewer: David Steele