COME LIVE WITH ME

SYNOPSIS: Illegal immigrant and showgirl Johnny Jones is due to be deported from the USA. Her only hope is to get married, but her rich publisher boyfriend is already married. She meets down-on-his-luck author, Bill Smith, and proposes a marriage of convenience in order to remain in the country, but Bill has more ambitious ideas.

BOTTOM LINE: A fairly interesting idea is spoiled by uninspired acting and plodding direction. The casting of Lamarr as the woman torn between two men who both wish to marry her gives her a chance to prove she's more than just a pretty face. She almost succeeds, but she fails to have much chemistry with either Stewart or Hunter, mostly playing a beautiful treasure they both must possess. The script tries to be modern and witty, yet it fails to persuade and then succumbs to the most trite notions at the end that are very hard to swallow. Stewart gives his struggling writer real spunk and individuality, making him the most interesting character in the film. It goes without saying that any man would accept a proposal from someone as beautiful as Lamarr, what isn't convincing is why he'd what to stay with her once she requests a divorce. Except for her physical attributes she has little to offer. The various showdowns between Stewart and Hunter are mildly amusing, mostly because Stewart has no idea that Hunter is his competition and Hunter is only too aware who Stewart really is. It all comes to a head when Stewart "kidnaps" Lamarr and takes her to his childhood home and introduces her to his wonderfully crusty grandmother. Apparently farmland and family are aphrodisiacs to city showgirls. It can be the only explanation for the 24-hour turnaround of her affections. A pleasing rom-com that just never quite clicks together.