Films

The Lady Takes a Flyer (Universal-International 1958)

Lana and Jeff Chandler embrace in 1958's "The Lady Takes a Flyer". Lou Valentino Collection

Production Dates: April 15, 1957-Early June 1957

Release Date: January 29,1958.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Lana Turner, Jeff Chandler, Richard Denning, Andra Martin.

Directed by: Jack Arnold

Writing Credits: Danny Arnold, Edward H. North (story)

Produced by: William Alland

Original Music by: Henry Mancini, Heinz Roemheld and Herman Stein

Cinematography by: Irving Glassberg

Synopsis: Aviators Mike Dandridge and Maggie Colby reach an impasse in their marriage when they discover that they want different things out of life.

My Review: Another underrated Turner gem. Lana and Jeff Chandler are superb together in this tale of aviators who meet and fall in love on the job, only to be married a short time later. All is well with them until a bundle of joy comes along, forcing Maggie to become a stay at home mom and having to split her time between her husband and her baby. Typically the husband-neglects-us-and-leaves-us-all-alone-at-Christmas-syndrome begins and tensions between them begin to flair. When Maggie, fed up with it all, goes off on a solo trip of her own, it sets the stage for a nail biting finale.

As far as Lana's career is concerned, Lady Takes a Flyer is a breath of fresh air, after she had been playing heavy, dramatic roles from The Bad and the Beautiful on. It's a lighter, less weepy role for her and it fits. Jeff Chandler conveys a feeling of passion for what he does that allows the viewer to side with him and not think of him as a self centered jerk who neglects his family. A painter has to paint, a singer has to sing and Mike Dandridge has to fly planes. It's a part of who he is. Turner and Chandler fit together like bread and butter and the film is a real treat from beginning to end.

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

Important News About The Upcoming Jeff Chandler Bio, Jeff Chandler: Film, Record, Radio, Television and Theatre Performances by Jeff Wells

Thanks Jeff for Alerting me of This- LW

Dear Liza,
Hello. I'm the author of "Jeff Chandler: Film, Record, Radio,
Television and Theater Performances," which includes a section on The Lady Takes a
Flyer, along with comments by the film's star, Lana Turner as well as
by Jeff Chandler and a fan after seeing a preview of the movie on August
22,1957, in Burbank, California.
Sincerely,
Jeff Wells

"Jeff Chandler: Film, Record, Radio, Television and Theater
Performances"
ISBN 0786420014
photographs, notes, bibliography, index
240pp. softcover (7 x 10) 2005

$45
Now Available

Description
Ruggedly handsome Jeff Chandler won over fans with his versatile acting
in film, television, radio, and theatre. He was particularly respected
for his roles in Westerns. Chandler got an Oscar nomination in 1950 for
Broken Arrow, was involved in the production of 27 box-office
champions,and worked with such stars as Orson Welles, Susan Hayward, and James
Stewart.

First, a biography covers Chandler’s life: his birth in 1918; WWII
service; the start of his radio career in 1946; his first film role
soon after; and his success as a recording artist, song-writer, and owner of
“Chandler Music;” his death in 1961 and the subsequent malpractice suit
filed by his family. The work then covers his 54 films from The
Invisible Wall (1947) to Merrill’s Marauders (1962). Each chronologically
arranged entry provides the studio name, month and year of release, the ad line,
alternate titles, running times, format, genre, ratings, cast and crew
credits, and a synopsis, plus such information as behind-the-scenes
details and additional comments, review extracts, and quotes from
Chandler and others about the film. A section on music and spoken word
follows, listing all credits and statistics as above, plus program
notes and quotes from Chandler. The radio section gives the program and
episode name, date, episode number, and credits. The next section lists
television appearances with the same information as in the film section.
Chandler’s play (The Trojan Horse) with the troupe, dates, number of
performances, cast and crew, synopsis and additional comments, is
described last. A full bibliography concludes the work, which is
illustrated with personal and professional photographs.

About the Author
Jeff Wells is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles, California.

 

 

Photo Gallery

Lana and Richard Denning celebrate Christmas in 1958's "The Lady Takes A Flyer". Lou Valentino Collection    Can't a gal take a bath in peace? Lana sits in the tub while the crew of "Lady Takes A Flyer" discusses a scene with her. 1958    A lobby card for 1958's "The Lady Takes a Flyer".    Lana looking fashionable on the runway in a scene from "The Lady Takes a Flyer" in 1958.    It seems as if Lana knows what she's doing but Jeff Chandler isn't so sure in a scene from 1958's "The Lady Takes a Flyer".    Lana autographed this picture of herself in 1958's "The Lady Takes a Flyer".   

 

 

 

 

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