The surprise in Surprise Package is what a dull film it is. Director Stanley Donen helmed many fine and a number of superior pictures, and even when he was off his form, his pictures were rarely actually dull. But Package is, as they say, the exception that proves the rule. Donen, apparently aware that the film was not going to be a winner, seems to be trying to inject it with some life, but a fast pace with no support underneath it quickly becomes dull itself. The Art Buchwald-Harry Kurnitz screenplay is a major source of the film's problems, but in and of itself it doesn't sink the film; the basic structure is workable, if not particularly credible or involving, and some of the dialogue is diverting. With the right cast, this could have been the basis for an enjoyable, if creaky, way to spend a couple of hours. But Yul Brynner is visibly ill at ease trying to play comedy here, and he torpedoes any number of laughs. Mitzi Gaynor tries to get by on having a nice personality, when what is needed is a true star persona. And Noel Coward seems to lose interest in his role before he finishes his first line. The cinematography is worthwhile, but this is a film that cries out for color rather than black-and-white. Package contains a couple of laughs and Donen manages a few interesting set-ups along the way, but on the whole, Package is not a keeper.