Being someone who has always enjoyed Bing Crosby's singing, and who has seen him capable of giving good acting performances, and who has enjoyed a good deal of Blake Edwards' work, interest in 'High Time' was high.While not a great film, and not one of Edwards' best by a long shot (nor is it one of his worst), 'High Time' does have a sense of fun factor and good-natured charm and it is very difficult to be too hard on it. As an Edwards film 'High Time' may disappoint (more onto that later), but for Bing Crosby fans this fits the bill very nicely.The episodic story does feel disjointed in places (with all the different antics devised just to keep Crosby busy and to give conflict) and for 100 or so minutes it also feels too lightweight and like there isn't enough to sustain it. The script does have some nice moments, but also its dull and too silly moments.Plus for Edwards, compared to the energetic slapstick and verbal humour one often sees 'High Time' is tame stuff (though due to still having some distinct traits, like the visual style, the opening sequence and Henry Mancini for composer it's at least, compared to earlier efforts like 'Bring Your Smile Along', recognisable as an Edwards film).However, 'High Time' is a very nice-looking film, attractive use of colour, skilfully filmed and with elegant set and costume design. Henry Mancini's music score is suitably bubbly, and the songs are a high point, especially Sammy Cahn and Jimmy van Hueson's Oscar-nominated "The Second Time Around".As was said earlier in the review, it is hard to dislike the film even with its imperfections, but it has such an appealing good-nature and charm and there are some amusing moments, Crosby's drag act at the ball being a highlight.Despite being somewhat long in the tooth Crosby ladles on the charm and copes capably in the comedic stakes. His supporting cast don't hinder him in any way and suitably youthful.In summary, charming and enjoyable but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox

The story: An older wealthy businessman who's a widower goes to college to get the education his own spoiled kids never bothered with. It's not BAD it's just uninteresting. Bing Crosby is a HUGE star and is not appropriate for this project; he's too hip for this film and simultaneously too square for this bit of fluff. Further, the notion that a man at 51 (who is interested enough in life to return to college) is not interested in a romantic relationship with an available and beautiful woman is so far beyond foolish it won't stand analysis. On a technical note, perhaps using the iconic facade of Royce hall at UCLA, and further locations at Valley College was not the smartest move when the story calls for ice skating and snow scenes. VERY confusing. Again, not BAD, just not worthy.

I am a fan of the early Hope-Crosby "Road" pictures and thought to give this a look.Even by 1960 standards the plot is hooky and contrived. The "humor" is a series of long runs for very short slides and watching Bing flirt with young co-eds and "woo" an attractive Professor twenty years his junior is painful if not laughable.Bing, as the middle aged man who goes back to college and shows the younger generation he's still "hip," looks REALLY REALLY tired and in poor health in this film. He actually looks more like he should be checking into a hospital than flawlessly pulling off a series of amazing physical feats. So be prepared to suspend belief with extreme prejudice.Fabian, who my parents informed me was somewhat of a "knock-off" Elvis/Ricky Nelson, is quite forgettable.A young Yvonne Craig who went on to play Batgirl in the television series is fairly cute and charming.There's also running "pratfall" gag with Gavin MacLeod that is unfunny and lame.It is almost inconceivable that Blake Edwards sandwiched this clunker in between Operation Petticoat and Breakfast at Tiffany's, but I guess even the greats have the occasional embarrassment.

Restaurateur Bing Crosby enrolls as a freshman in college. One-idea comic concept is as flimsy as it sounds, with Bing--living in the boys dormitory--ingratiating himself to the students by passing out the occasional cigar, acting younger than his age, participating in the pep rally bonfire, and by doing chin-ups in Phys Ed (which, the filmmakers tell us, is mandatory in college!). The real teenagers all act like they're still in grade school, and the university's faculty fare no better. Before you can even begin to wonder why director Blake Edwards was attracted to this material (except for, perhaps, the money) comes the proverbial comical dream sequence and, worse than that, a high society ball which requires Crosby to dress in drag. It's a drag, all right. * from ****