Doris Day and Rock Hudson joined forces onscreen for the first time in this classic widescreen romantic comedy that helped establish the stars as an iconic pair and earned Day her only Best Actress nomination. Day plays Jan, an interior decorator who does not realize her new beau, a Texas rancher (Hudson), is actually the womanizing composer she’s unwillingly sharing a party line with. The witty script (by Stanley Shapiro and Maurice Richlin, with story by Russell Rouse and Clarence Greene) won an Oscar for Writing (Story and Screenplay – written directly for the screen) in a field of such eclectic and impressive nominees as The 400 Blows, North by Northwest, and Wild Strawberries. Additional nominations went to the colorful art direction, Frank De Vol’s peppy score, and the priceless Supporting Actress-nominated performance by the great Thelma Ritter. 

Doris Day: Images of a Hollywood Icon Book Signing

Doris Day: Images of a Hollywood Icon

The book signing takes place on August 13 between 12 – 2pm in the Ted Mann Theater Lobby

To commemorate what would have been the 100th birthday of one of the most beloved and successful actors and singers in the history of show business, the Academy Museum is pleased to present a book signing of the new publication Doris Day: Images of a Hollywood Icon followed by a screening of one of Day’s most memorable films, Pillow Talk (1959). The book benefits the Doris Day Animal Foundation, which serves as part of Day’s legacy beyond the great body of film and music she left.  

The book will be signed by Jim Pierson (co-editor), Lea Price (co-editor), and special guest Jackie Joseph (The Little Shop of Horrors, Cheyene Social Club, Gremlins), who worked with Doris on her last movie With Six You Get Eggroll (1968). 

Doris Day: Images of a Hollywood Icon features rare and previously unpublished photographs from the late star’s personal collection. Starting with the 1948 Technicolor musical Romance on the High Seas, where she introduced the Oscar-nominated hit song “It’s Magic,” Day quickly ascended to the top of the most popular stars in Hollywood. Her classic films include The ManWho Knew Too Much (1956), Pillow Talk, Love Me or Leave Me (1955), Calamity Jane (1953), Midnight Lace (1960), The Pajama Game (1957), and The Thrill of It All (1963)—several of which are screening in the museum’s limited film series Technicolor Summer: Doris Day Matinees, August 5–19.  

Doris Day: Images of a Hollywood Icon, published in association with the late star’s estate, offers hundreds of photos, including glamorous publicity portraits, behind-the-scenes images with famous friends and colleagues, and glimpses into her personal life, including her long-time devotion to animal welfare. Longtime fan Paul McCartney has composed a Foreword. Turner Classic Movies host Eddie Muller and singer-historian Michael Feinstein have contributed appreciations of Day’s motion picture and recording careers, respectively. Compiled and edited by longtime Day associates Jim Pierson and Lea Price.  

Tickets are $50; includes a signed copy of the book, a Doris Day My Heart CD, and admission to the 2pm screening of Pillow Talk.  

Make It Dinner and a Movie

Fanny's Restaurant & Café

All guests who present a ticket for a film screening, Tuesday through Saturday (and the first Sunday of every month), receive 10% off all food and non-alcoholic beverages at Fanny's. Discount only applicable on the same day as the screening and cannot be redeemed for another screening or date. Dinner reservations can be made on OpenTable or Resy.