Doris Day Jokes About Ribs Broken by James Garner on Movie Set: Hollywood Friendship Endures Despite an Accident
On-set mishap between actors.
During the filming of Move Over Darling, James Garner inadvertently caused Doris Day to sustain injuries when he lifted her from the ground.
Doris Day recounted that Garner was so tall and robust that he “lifted me up under his arm a little too enthusiastically,” resulting in her breaking two of her ribs. She described how she had to perform the entire movie with her ribs mummified in adhesive tape, which made breathing difficult and laughter painful. Despite the mishap, the two actors maintained a warm friendship over the years.
Doris even joked about the incident in later years, saying:
“Jim, if we don’t speak for a while, I forgive you for breaking my ribs. Both of them. Don’t give it another thought.”
Their camaraderie endured beyond the accident, highlighting their mutual affection and good humour.
