The Matchmaker (1958) in Color — Starring Shirley Booth & Anthony Perkins

The Matchmaker (1958) — Buy This Classic in Color

This delightful 1958 comedy, directed by Charles C. Coleman, brings Thornton Wilder’s stage hit to the screen with a stellar ensemble. Shirley Booth stars as the irrepressible Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker with schemes of her own, alongside Anthony Perkins, Shirley MacLaine, and Paul Ford. A tale of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and a determined widow’s strategic maneuvering, the film is a warm-hearted farce that sparkles with wit. Now, for the first time, you can experience this beloved classic in rich, period-authentic color. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

In 1880s New York, the wealthy and miserly Horace Vandergelder (Paul Ford) decides to remarry and hires professional matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi (Shirley Booth) to find him a suitable wife. Dolly, a widow with her own agenda, has set her sights on Horace—not for love, but for his fortune. She promptly steers him toward the unsuspecting milliner Irene Molloy (Shirley MacLaine), while secretly planning to win him for herself.

Meanwhile, Horace’s two employees, Cornelius Hackl (Anthony Perkins) and Barnaby Tucker (Robert Morse), seize the chance to close his hay and feed store for a day of adventure in New York City. They arrive at Mrs. Molloy’s hat shop, pretending to be wealthy gentlemen, and soon find themselves entangled with Irene and her assistant Minnie Fay (Perry Wilson). Dolly, ever the orchestrator, manipulates events so that everyone ends up at the same restaurant for dinner.

The evening spirals into chaos as Horace unwittingly arrives, discovers his employees in a compromising situation, and tries to maintain his dignity. Dolly’s intricate plans begin to unravel when Cornelius and Barnaby’s identities are revealed, and Horace’s stubborn resistance threatens to derail her scheme. Yet through a series of mishaps and near-misses, Dolly’s larger design becomes clear: she aims not just to pair people off, but to teach them the value of taking chances on love and life.

As the night wears on, each character confronts their own fears and desires. Cornelius finds unexpected courage in his pursuit of Irene, while Barnaby revels in his first taste of freedom. Horace, humiliated and angry, tries to assert control, but Dolly’s gentle persistence wears him down. The chaos culminates in a series of revelations that leave everyone questioning their choices.

By dawn, the tangled threads begin to resolve. Dolly’s true intentions—to marry Horace for security and to give him a chance at happiness—are laid bare. But will Horace see past his own pride and accept her proposal? And will the younger couples find the courage to pursue love against society’s expectations? The film’s ending answers these questions with a joyful affirmation that sometimes the best-laid plans are the ones that lead to unexpected happiness.

Cast & Crew

Director: Charles C. Coleman
Stars: Shirley Booth, Anthony Perkins, Shirley MacLaine, Paul Ford, Robert Morse

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Watching The Matchmaker in color transforms the experience of this period farce. The original black-and-white photography, while excellent, hides the vibrant costuming and rich interiors that the 1880s setting demands. In our professional colorization, Dolly’s elaborate purple-and-gold dresses, Irene’s delicate hats, and the warm wood tones of the New York restaurant all emerge with fresh life. The restoration reveals subtle details in the actors’ performances—the blush on Shirley Booth’s cheeks as she schemes, the bright red of Horace’s cravat that underscores his pompousness. This colourised version honors the film’s theatrical roots, making it feel as if you’ve stepped into a live performance. The careful palette, researched from period references, adds depth to every scene without distracting from the witty dialogue. It’s a new way to appreciate a classic comedy that has delighted audiences for decades. Buy your DRM-free MP4 download today at €15.00 and enjoy instant access.

Historical Significance

The Matchmaker (1958) is the film adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s 1954 play, which itself was a reworking of his earlier 1938 comedy The Merchant of Yonkers. The play became a hit on Broadway, and this film version preserved much of Wilder’s sharp dialogue while opening up the story for the screen. Director Charles C. Coleman, primarily known as a studio craftsman, handled the material with a light touch, allowing the cast to shine.

The film is notable for featuring Shirley Booth, a stage legend who won an Academy Award for her film debut in Come Back, Little Sheba (1952). Here she brings her trademark warmth and comic timing to Dolly Levi. Anthony Perkins, just a year before his iconic role in Psycho, shows his versatility as the awkward but lovable Cornelius. Shirley MacLaine, then a rising star, adds charm and wit as Irene Molloy. The film also marked an early screen appearance for Robert Morse, who would later become famous for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Though The Matchmaker was not a major box office hit upon release, it gained a loyal following over the years and paved the way for the 1964 musical Hello, Dolly!, which reimagined the same story with music. Today, the film stands as a delightful example of mid-century American comedy, blending farce with genuine emotion. The colorization brings it to new audiences, making the period setting more accessible and inviting for modern viewers.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 101 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00 (token, rendered by the site)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was The Matchmaker originally filmed in color?
A: No, the film was originally shot in black and white in 1958. This digital download offers a professional colorized restoration created later, not a studio color release. The colorization was done carefully to match period-accurate hues.

Q: How does this colorized version compare to the stage musical Hello, Dolly!?
A: While both are based on Thornton Wilder’s play, the 1958 film version is a straight comedy with no musical numbers. The colorization emphasizes the 1880s costumes and settings that the stage musical later made famous, offering a complementary experience.

Q: Is Shirley MacLaine’s role substantial in this film?
A: Yes, Shirley MacLaine plays Irene Molloy, one of the key romantic leads. Her scenes with Anthony Perkins are central to the plot, and the colorization highlights her character’s fashionable millinery outfits.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Wild One (1953)
• High and Low (1963)
• The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
• The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
• Suez (1938)