Who knew the inspiration for the movie Sabrina was sparked here in Maine? A Blue Hill screenwriter and a character named Biddeford Poole are your first clues.

By Colin W. Sargent

The Fred Astaire romp The Pleasure of His Company (1961) revolves around the return of a globe-trotting gadabout for his daughter’s wedding. After a 20-year absence. With his disapproving first wife looking on.

Mainer Gary Merrill joins a cast that includes Debbie Reynolds and Lilli Palmer (the film’s best performance). But the big hook is, the Astaire character’s name is Biddeford Poole. Who was the screenwriter for this movie, anyway? And what’s up with the theme of return? He must have had a Maine
connection. Ayuh!

Read the full story in the digital magazine above.