Send Me No Flowers

| 1964

Directed by: Norman Jewison

Main Plot

Send Me No Flowers follows the story of George Kimball, a hypochondriac who mistakenly believes he is dying after a visit to the doctor. Convinced that he has only a short time left to live, George becomes obsessed with planning his own funeral and ensuring that his wife, Judy, will be taken care of after his death. In his frantic attempts to find a suitable replacement for himself, he enlists the help of his friend, who complicates matters further. As George navigates his fears and the absurdity of his situation, misunderstandings and comedic scenarios ensue, highlighting the themes of love, mortality, and the importance of communication in relationships. The film blends humor with poignant moments as George grapples with his impending fate and the impact it has on those around him.

Characters

  • Rock Hudson plays George Kimball, a hypochondriac who mistakenly believes he's dying and tries to find a new husband for his wife.
  • Doris Day plays Judy Kimball, a devoted wife who mistakenly believes her husband is dying, leading to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt moments.
  • Tony Randall plays Arnold Nash, the hypochondriac best friend who helps George Kimball navigate his mistaken belief that he's dying, leading to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt moments.

Ending Explained

In Send Me No Flowers, the story culminates with a mix of comedy and heartfelt moments as the main character, George, mistakenly believes he is terminally ill. This misunderstanding drives him to take drastic actions, including planning his own funeral and attempting to find a suitable replacement for his wife, Judy. As the narrative unfolds, George's frantic efforts lead to a series of humorous yet poignant situations that highlight his love and concern for Judy. The climax occurs when George's deception is revealed, and he learns that he is not dying after all. This revelation brings a sense of relief but also forces George to confront his fears about mortality and the importance of expressing love and appreciation while one is still alive. The resolution of the main conflict comes when George and Judy reconcile, with George realizing that he should cherish their time together rather than dwell on the idea of death. The film concludes on a light-hearted note, emphasizing the value of communication in relationships and the humor found in life's uncertainties. Ultimately, Send Me No Flowers reinforces the idea that love should be celebrated, not overshadowed by fear of loss.

Norman Jewison Comedy Drama Romance Rock Hudson Doris Day Tony Randall