What a Way to Go!

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What a Way to Go!

Released May 12, 1964

1h 51m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

25%

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12 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

After attempting to donate $200 million to the Internal Revenue Service, Louisa (Shirley MacLaine) finds herself in the care of a psychiatrist, Dr. Stephanson (Bob Cummings). She relates the improbable story behind her strange gift. It includes a pair of penniless husbands (Dick Van Dyke, Paul Newman), who build large fortunes before suffering early -- and unusual -- deaths. To break the curse, Louisa weds a millionaire (Robert Mitchum), then a clown (Gene Kelly), without much improvement.

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James Powers

The Hollywood Reporter

Hard to define but easy to recommend; the 20th-Fox presentation is a funny musical comedy, or comedy with music, with all the glamour that Hollywood can throw into one film, and a high-powered cast to light the marquee.

May 15, 2018

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Bosley Crowther

New York Times

J. Lee Thompson's direction has failed to coalesce a good, firm farce. It lets the whole thing flap wildly -- and that's no way to make a film.

Rated: 2/5

Jun 17, 2008

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Variety Staff

Variety

A big, gaudy, gimmicky comedy which continually promises more than it delivers by way of wit and/or bellylaffs.

Jun 17, 2008

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Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

A bit of a misfire that is nonetheless endlessly entertaining...

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 27, 2025

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The talents of an incredible group of actors are pooled for this effervescent comedy that was originally conceived as a starring vehicle for Marilyn Monroe.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 9, 2023

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Andrew Galdi

Movie Bitches

It's best to watch it with the sound off at a party...for the costumes

Rated: C+

Aug 31, 2022

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Blu B

You know for being such a bright fun light hearted comedy and musical at times, it's got a lot of dark tounge in cheek humor in it's plot. The amount of dresses/makeup Shirley MacLaine goes through here is more than most actors ever have in their entire careers. And they all look great. It's got tons of production value and asetically looks like a old fashioned MGM musical which it becomes when it gets to Kelly's part. To it's credit when it becomes a musical or goes into silent film or parodies of other film types it doesn't feel out of place. It's well directed, pops visually, very easy to follow, funny for a good amount, and just well done overall honestly. The only real knocks here is it can feel very episodic and only very loosely ties together plot wise but it's a basic story anyway so it works. Also sometimes it feels like the humor pacing wise is a bit inconsistent. It feels like the humor dries up a bit in the second half with Mitchum & Kelly but again it just works even when it actually becomes a musical. Honestly that's probably my favorite part. Everyone has good chemistry with MacLaine also. Who'd ever think Mitchum or Newman could do comedy. The comedy in general is smart but also light hearted dumb but gets consistent chuckles. Anyone who is a fan of any actors in this, golden era comedies or musicals, or the director should check this out.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/16/25

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bao s

What a thing to watch. I think this is a perfect romantic comedy and was surprised at the dismal ratings; especially considering how highly rated some of the most sentimental schlock filled romantic comedies are here. Way better and funnier than My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) - 74% or Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) - 80% GOOD GRIEF!!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/14/25

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Evy S

Watching this now in 2/20/2025 is a feast! The story is kind of funny, played oh so well by all the male actors ( my goodness! All the big names in one funny film!). And then of course there’s Shirley blasting everything to heaven! Thanks guys…. RIP for the departed and hugs to the two alive , Shirley and Dick….

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/20/25

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Dick C

It's a tragic...tragic...tragic...tragic...story but a Happy Ending...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

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Blobbo X

Not much going for it. (Disappointing, with so many stars.)

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/14/24

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Steve D

Not amusing for one single moment.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/24/23

Full Review

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J. Lee Thompson

Director

Shirley MacLaine

Louisa May Foster

Paul Newman

Larry Flint

Robert Mitchum

Rod Anderson, Jr.

Dean Martin

Leonard "Lennie" Crawley

Gene Kelly

Pinky Benson

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Synopsis

After attempting to donate $200 million to the Internal Revenue Service, Louisa (Shirley MacLaine) finds herself in the care of a psychiatrist, Dr. Stephanson (Bob Cummings). She relates the improbable story behind her strange gift. It includes a pair of penniless husbands (Dick Van Dyke, Paul Newman), who build large fortunes before suffering early -- and unusual -- deaths. To break the curse, Louisa weds a millionaire (Robert Mitchum), then a clown (Gene Kelly), without much improvement.

Director: J. Lee Thompson
Producer: Arthur P. Jacobs
Screenwriter: Gwen Davis, Betty Comden, Adolph Green
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Apjac-Orchard Productions
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 12, 1964, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Runtime: 1h 51m

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