What a Way to Go!

Play trailer

What a Way to Go!

Released May 12, 1964

1h 51m

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

18%

Tomatometer

11 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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Avaryl Halley

Movie Bitches

I would say if this movie had leaned in more it would be better but it leans all the way in and fails

Rated: C+

Aug 31, 2022

Full Review

Read all reviews

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

Full Review

Dick C

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

Full Review

Blobbo X

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

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/14/24

Full Review

Lynn H

Light-hearted fun, beautiful costumes (Edith Head) and MEN including Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum, Dean Martin, and Dick Van Dyke. Shirley MacLaine is the only woman who could have done this movie. She is perfection. I only hope that these huge stars had as much fun making this movie as I have had watching it, repeatedly, for most of my life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/07/23

Full Review

Steve D

Not amusing for one single moment.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/24/23

Full Review

ANGEL D

costume design in this movie is amazing

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/15/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

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

Irma La Douce

75%

78%

Irma La Douce

Watchlist

Good Neighbor Sam

80%

67%

Good Neighbor Sam

Watchlist

The Loved One

47%

76%

The Loved One

Watchlist

Dear Heart

33%

70%

Dear Heart

Watchlist

The Patsy

82%

63%

The Patsy

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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

Most Popular at Home Now