Rock Hunter Isn't Spoiled by Success

 Holly Reese
1-27-13
English 220
Serio

            The only thing business executives care about is money and a nice, private bathroom. At least, this is what I learned from the film “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” I am personally not familiar with the lifestyles of the wealthy business class, but Rock Hunter’s satirical critique of the executives of a big advertising firm gave me some pretty good ideas. Tony Randall’s portrayal of Rock Hunter was critical and humorous. The entire film is full of subtle jokes and sight gags that make fun of success.
             While the main focus of this film is a critique of the business class, the character and storyline that struck me was the interesting relationship Rock Hunter had with his secretary, Jenny. When Rock get swept up in his relationship with Rita and becomes her “Lover Doll,” his girlfriend and future fiancee, Jenny, drives herself crazy trying to meet Rita’s standard of stardom. One of the funniest scenes of the film is when Jenny is working out so much that she has to be taken to the hospital and has her arms stuck in the push-up position. Rock continuously tells her that he loves her the way she is, but it doesn’t stop Jenny from trying to impersonate and become Rita. This is a strong critique of Hollywood actresses and starlets of the time and I think it is still a relevant commentary today. It is impossible these days to turn on a television or getting on the internet without seeing stories about celebrities. These stories can range from how terrible a celebrity’s new haircut is to another celebrity’s workout routine. There has always been pressure for the average person to live up to the physical standards that Hollywood sets. Rita Marlowe is a complete exaggeration of this celebrity complex and Jenny’s reactions to Rock’s situation may seem silly, but I think it has a some truth in its critique.
          Ultimately, I don’t think Rock Hunter’s accidental success spoils him. Throughout the entire film he somewhat remains a good guy. While he is enticed by becoming president of the advertising agency and the perks of a private bathroom, he always seems to be out of his element. While he likes success and believes it is what he wants, he never really fits into the role of an executive or of a movie star’s boyfriend. He is simply a man who has to deal with extraordinary circumstances, and he never really loses himself. I enjoyed the light hearted comedy of this film and that my opinion of Rock Hunter was not disappointed by success.