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What a Way to Go!

Play trailer Poster for What a Way to Go! Released May 12, 1964 1h 51m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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What a Way to Go!

Critics Reviews

View All (11) Critics Reviews
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

Audience Reviews

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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 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 daniel c A star-studded cast makes this absurd comedy an enjoyable romp as they tip their hat to every decade of Hollywood (up to that time.) A real family film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member AWESOME Visual treat and very entertaining & funny ‼️💥 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
What a Way to Go!

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What a Way to Go!

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Movie Info

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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