There's a scene in Pillow Talk that stands out as one of the most memorable moments in film history. It's the one where Doris Day and Rock Hudson engage in a flirtatious phone conversation while soaking in their respective bathtubs. Through the magic of split-screen technology, it looks like they're chatting from opposite ends of the same tub, even though they're in separate apartments. This ingenious visual trick captured the playful chemistry between the two stars and became an iconic moment in romantic comedy history.
Believe it or not, this scene almost didn't make it to the big screen. By today's standards, it might seem pretty tame, but back in the late '50s, Universal Pictures thought it was too risqué. They were seriously considering cutting it from the movie. And if you think that's surprising, wait until you hear this: the title Pillow Talk itself was considered too suggestive! At one point, they even thought about renaming the movie Any Way the Wind Blows. Can you imagine? Thankfully, the original title stuck, and the film went on to become a massive hit, earning Doris Day her only Oscar nomination and becoming the fifth-highest-grossing movie of 1959.
The plot of Pillow Talk revolves around two characters who couldn't be more different. Jan Morrow, a career-driven woman played by Doris Day, shares a party line with Brad Allen, a charming womanizer portrayed by Rock Hudson. From the get-go, they can't stand each other. Jan keeps overhearing Brad using the same cheesy pick-up lines to seduce different women, which only adds fuel to the fire. But fate has a funny way of working things out. When Jan catches Brad's eye at a nightclub, he decides to go after her with a new strategy. Pretending to be a gentleman from Texas, he sets out to win her over. What starts as a game of deception leads to unexpected consequences for both of them, creating a delightful mix of comedy and romance that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish.
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Rock Hudson's Hesitation and Doris Day's Persuasion
Rock Hudson wasn't exactly jumping at the chance to star in Pillow Talk. In fact, he turned down the script not once, not twice, but three times. "We almost didn't do it because it was too dirty," he admitted later. At that point in his career, Rock was known for dramatic roles, and the thought of doing a comedy made him uneasy. But sometimes, it takes a little push from the right person to change your mind. Enter Doris Day. Over lunch at her Beverly Hills home, she convinced Rock to take the role. Her husband, Marty Melcher, was one of the film's producers, so she had a personal stake in the project. But more importantly, Doris believed in the script. "I was crazy about that script," she said. "And I loved the clothes, and I loved working with Rock for the first time." Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it paid off. The witty dialogue and sophisticated humor of Pillow Talk struck a chord with audiences, proving that sometimes taking a chance can lead to something truly special.
A Budding Friendship Between Stars
From the moment they stepped onto the set, Rock Hudson and Doris Day hit it off. Rock gave Doris playful nicknames like "Eunice Blotter" and "Maude," while she affectionately called him "Ernie" or "Harold" — his real middle name. "It was magic between the two of them," recalls Pierre Patrick, a close friend of Doris. "They laughed together all the time, and that chemistry translated beautifully on screen." Their friendship wasn't just limited to the set; it carried over into their personal lives, creating a bond that would last for years.
Tony Randall, who played the third wheel in the love triangle, played a crucial role in helping Rock embrace his comedic side. He encouraged Rock to watch his own dailies, which allowed him to see how naturally funny he could be. "He discovered, with delight, that he had a real flair for comedy," Tony recalled. "He came alive in it. He couldn't contain his smile. He was bubbling. He began to have fun, and the results are magical." It's moments like these that remind us how important it is to have supportive colleagues who help you grow as an actor.
A New Chapter in Hollywood History
When Pillow Talk hit theaters in October 1959, it was an instant success. The film breathed new life into the romantic comedy genre, which had been overshadowed by epic historical dramas, war movies, and westerns. For both Rock Hudson and Doris Day, it marked a turning point in their careers. Critics raved about Rock's performance, drawing comparisons to legends like Clark Gable and Cary Grant. Meanwhile, Doris finally shed her "girl-next-door" image, proving she could carry a romantic comedy with charm and wit. "Being nominated for an Oscar for my role in Pillow Talk was a very pleasant surprise," Doris said. "Most importantly, Rock and I became dear friends, and that is something I will always cherish." Sometimes, the most lasting legacies of a film aren't just the awards it wins but the friendships it fosters.
