Amazon.com

Staid, secure publisher James Stewart leads a quiet life until he meetshis bewitching downstairs neighbor, Kim Novak. John Van Druten's lighthearted Broadway comedy becomes a lush if lightweight romantic vehicle for Stewart and Novak, who would reunite for Hitchcock's Vertigo the next year. Novak is at her best as a Greenwich witch halfway between the worlds of magic and mortals, looking after her dotty aunt (Elsa Lanchester) and mischievous warlock brother (Jack Lemmon) as they keep their skills in practice. Novak's specialty is making men fall for her, but it's a one-way street: when a witch falls in love, she loses her powers. Director Richard Quine gives the witches an almost beatnik sensibility, a real Greenwich Village subculture hanging out in underground clubs and smart curio shops. Elegantly photographed in rich, glowing colors by James Wong Howe, Bell, Book and Candle is a fantasy world in New York set to a funky bongo-laced jazz score by George Duning. Quine's gliding camera is somewhat marred by abrupt editing, but his handling of actors is superb, in particular Novak, whose mysterious beauty masks inner turmoil and romantic yearnings. Ernie Kovacs appears as a wry author whose specialty is the supernatural, and Hermione Gingold is suitably florid as a witch elder with a penchant for theatricality. For once in his life Stewart is actually upstaged by the slyly comic performances around him. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Charming, colorful, quirky.....bewitching.
Adapted from the stage comedy of the same name, Bell Book and Candle stars Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak, fresh from their successful teaming in Hitchcock's Vertigo. Novak plays Gillian Holroyd, a genuine, bonafide witch who runs a south seas antiquities shop. Falling in love with her neighbor, publisher Sheperd Henderson (Stewart), Gillian casts a spell on him. With help from her aunt (Elsa Lanchester), she obliges him to dump his fiancee, and ex college rival, and rush to her side. All of this goes against the grain of Gillian's Endora-like mentor Mrs. DePass (Hermione Gingold), who does her best to counterract the love spell. Meanwhile, Gillian's wacky warlock brother Nicky (Jack Lemmon) courts disaster by coauthoring a book on black magic with Sidney Redlitch (Ernie Kovacs). Legend has it that a witch can neither cry or fall in love. If she falls in love, she will lose her powers....can you guess what happens?

Rumor has it that this is the inspiration for the televisions series Bewitched. There are several striking, undeniable similarities. This film was released in 1958, and I find it just as enjoyable today as I'm sure it was then. Memorable performances by Novak as the icy-cool Gillian and Stewart in his last "romantic leading man" role drive the film. Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester add a lot of quirky flavor as Gillian's spell casting family. Fast pacing, clever writing, great costumes and fabulous eye-popping technicolor make this a film worth watching over and over. It's sure to cast a spell on you too.

The Magical Ms. Novak
"Bell, Book and Candle" ( BBC ) is a very pleasant comedy, given an enormous boost from a formidable cast. In fact, much of my four-star rating is based on the actors involved, and their performances. Notwithstanding many glowing reviews, this is not a classic film and all of the key actors have made better movies.

I understand that BBC is based on a play. I hope that the stage version also had a strong cast, because the plot is really very slight. Jimmy Stewart is a book publisher who doesn't know that his apartment building is inhabited by a couple of witches played by the gorgeous Kim Novak and her nosy "aunt", Elsa Lanchester. When Kim finds that she is attracted to Jimmy, and discovers that his fiancee is a nasty former school mate, she decides to seduce him. Don't worry Mom and Dad--this is 1958--the "seduction" is totally "PG". We also meet Kim's "warlock" brother in a local night club--a bongo-playing Jack Lemmon, as droll as ever. Then we have Ernie Kovacs as an author with a big interest in witchcraft and booze, not necessarily in that order ! Such a shame that Mr. Kovacs passed away at an early age--a major loss for film and television comedy. Finally, as the "grande dame" of witches, Hermione Gingold steals scenes in her gloriously theatrical way.

I'm convinced that Jimmy Stewart could have read a telephone book for two hours, and still be watchable and entertaining. His character is required to look befuddled, perplexed, indignant and incredulous--qualities that Mr. Stewart could raise to an art form. He also has a number of scenes where he is "required" to kiss Ms. Novak passionately--and to think he got paid for this as well ? !

Many beautiful women became movie stars in the 50s--Marilyn Monroe is a legend--Elizabeth Taylor--Ava Gardner--Rhonda Fleming--Grace Kelly--it's a long list. For this reviewer though, Kim Novak was the most stunning woman on screen. In this film--and others--her presence is electric. Jimmy Stewart doesn't have a chance ! I should add that Ms. Novak was a recent guest on "Larry King Live"--yes, guys--she is still a knockout !

The DVD is nice, rather than outstanding--the colours exhibit some haziness here and there--mono sound, of course. This is not a great film, but if you want to spend a couple of pleasant, undemanding hours with this delightful cast--Stewart, Lemmon, Kovacs, Lanchester, Gingold and the truly magical Ms. Novak--you will not be disappointed.

An Entertainment
James Stewart and Kim Novak star in this movie about a publisher (Stewart) who crosses paths with a witch (Novak) who is looking for some excitement. There's nothing serious about this film but it is great fun to watch two good actors with chemistry at work. Though the film was release in the late 1950's, the set and some of the language definitely lets you know that the 1960's aren't far away. If you're looking for some lite entertainment and something different, give Bell, Book and Candle a try.

Kim Novak Enchants in this Bewitching Romantic Comedy
Kim Novac is wonderful as the 'good witch' falling in love with mortal James Stewart. The special treat with this film is that there is a complete 'underground society' (literally) of witches and warlocks, of whom we get to know Elsa Lanchester and Jack Lemon, both recommending Kim Novak quickly forget her romance with the mortal man.

This film is a visual feast with some tidbits of 1950s Jazz music in the score. Complete with black cat, spell-book and magic tricks. Who can blame Jimmy Stewart for falling for Kim Novak's spell? Don't miss this bewitching piece of light entertainment!*****

Love this movie!!!
Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and an beautiful cat.....I absolutely love this movie. It is usually shown on television around Christmas time, and I have watched it every year since I discovered it. I'm so glad to see it is out on DVD! I'm going to purchase it right now! Don't miss this one! ... Read more

Description

Screen adaptation of Arthur Hailey's dramatic novel involving multiple characters and storylines simultaneously unfolding and intertwining inside a luxury hotel. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hotel - Where women are "ladies" and men are "gentlemen"
I love this movie! It's a wonderful escape back to an era when hospitality was in and everyone not only knew how, but were expected to "dress" (it makes me want to buy white gloves and hats just to do lunch).

Catherine Spaak and Merle Oberon are luminous in Edith Head gowns, although Catherine's posture is noticably askew (her mother should've reminded her to sit up straight). Rod Taylor's performance is marvelous, but somewhat restrained for his typical style. However, no one does a love scene with more tenderness than Rod, so it's small wonder Spaak would dump McCarthy's character for Taylor's regardless of money!

Melvyn Douglas is at his best as the curmudgeon hotelier (stroke and all), Kevin McCarthy is the takeover louse you love to hate and Karl Malden almost steals the entire movie as the hotel thief who just can't make a killing. There are also delightful performances by bit players throughout the movie; McCarthy's "oily" sychophantic male secretary and the hotel staff, especially the errant bell captain who's on the take.

The background music is sometimes annoyingly loud (the editors should have caught that!), but Carmen MacRae's all too brief appearances as the hotel saloon singer make up for any soundtrack problems. Carmen could "turn a lyric" as well as Ella!

With all of the sub-plots, you just can't wait to see what happens next and of course, what's not to love about a mostly happy ending.

My only complaint is the common mistake of mispronouncing New Orleans. If you've spent any time there, you already know it's pronounced New "Or-luhnz" not New "Or-leeeens". LOL

Hotel...Two Hours of Distilled Style
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the score to this movie described as "dreadful"! I turned on this movie shortly after it started, and probably would have turned it off if the wonderful score hadn't grabbed my attention. The music and the Technicolor beauty drew me in, and the complexly woven plot kept me watching intently, rather than just listening to the music! And the end was great; I thought it was triumphant; very uplifting! If you want to watch two hours of distilled style, a portrait of a bygone era when men still wore suits and hats, when style and luxury hadn't lost out to cheap plastic imitations, get this movie!

Hotel - A reminder of movies made in more genteel times.
I seen this movie at least two times and found it very entertaining. Great subplots and characters. I felt the movie had a major undertone to it regarding personal service and hospitality versus non personal, efficiency,corporate driven profits which defines the hospitality business as it today.

The opening sequence was a very original one, and the character of the Duchess Of Lanbourne, may have been a thinly veiled characterization based in part on the Duchess Of Windsor (Wallis Simpson). The costumes worn by Merle Oberon in this film appear similar to the fashions worn by the Duchess Of Windsor herself during the late 1960's.

Check-in at this "Hotel"
"Hotel", with its lavish sets, believable characters, and well-constructed plot, is one of the better movies I've seen this year. Always busy, always hosting important people, this hotel reminds me of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York for its grandness and the Peabody in Memphis for its homeliness. Karl's performance stole the show, while Rod's role and character were the most believable. To add a cherry on top (no pun intended), one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen stars as a used and abused French woman. Her performance was exquisite as well. And the sad ending makes you dread the real-estate business. SEE THIS MOVIE! (By the way, the score really wasn't that bad at all.)

The Almost-Grand Hotel
"Hotel" is one of those maddening near-miss films that seem to define the film career of its star, Rod Taylor. Certainly, it seemed to have a great deal going for it - based on the bestseller by Alex Haley, with a strong supporting cast including Melvyn Douglas, Merle Oberon, Kevin McCarthy, Karl Malden, and Michael Rennie - but proved to be the blockbuster that wasn't.

Hampered by a dreadful score, choppy editing, and awkward plotting relative to its racial subtext, the film feels ponderous and uneven. Performances are uniformly fine, the production handsome, but all ultimately wasted in a lost cause. Even its brave departure from the book's sappy happy ending in favor of a more realistic, bittersweet finale fails to satisfy.

Fans of Rod Taylor ought to be used to this, the fine dramatic performance's ("Young Cassidy", "The Man Who Had Power Over Women"), the muscular action pieces ("Dark of the Sun"), and occasional comic turns ("The Liquidator") - all in films that didn't quite work (or just never found their audience). At least we have "The Birds" and "The Time Machine" to console us. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Bubbly Fun
I'd avoided PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES for years because of the universal pans it received -- what a mistake! The new DVD release will undoubtedly give the film a new lease on life, and hurrah for that. What movie did the critics see? This picture may not be top-drawer work from anyone involved, but it's still a great deal of fun, and definitely worth a look. Hepburn is enchanting, as always, and it's enjoyable to see her spoofing horror and action film conventions. Knowing her real-life feelings for Holden adds a special poignancy to their work together here, particularly in his big self-loathing monologue; her reaction shots to him are very moving. He's game, as are Tony Curtis and Noel Coward in cameos, and there's real wit in the Axelrod screenplay. If only the average comedy released today could have a tenth of the style or flair in this "flop" of Hollywood's later golden era!

No matter what people say, it's the BEST
To Audrey Hepburn fans everywhere, this is a must see and must have. The script is hilarious ("Oh, Maurice, I'm like so happy for you" and "I'm not that kind of a girl. Oh dear, maybe I am that kind of a girl!") Audrey Hepburn shines in this movie, and William Holden plays the drunken, funny movie writer. No matter how bad the reviews of the famous people may be, this is a terrific movie. It made my laugh so hard I cried. And belive me, you won't want to miss when Audrey Hepburn's drunk and she's making up this story involving planes, horses, beaches, vampires, bats.... Well, I can't give it all away. See this one. Better yet, buy it. It's definately worth it.

WHAT A SHAME I DIDN'T READ ALL OF THE REVIEWS FIRST!
HAD I READ ALL REVIEWS, I WOULD HAVE FOUND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS FILM. THE 5-STARS REVIEWS ARE SIMPLY NONSENSE, THEY DON'T GIVE YOU AN ACCURATE FEELING FOR THE MOVIE. THE 1-STARS - NOW THOSE REALLY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT! THEY KNOW A STINKER WHEN THEY SEE ONE AND ARE NOT AFRAID TO SAY SO.
I AM SELLING ONE OF THESE "PARIS... USED FILMS AND I HAVE TO BE HONEST, I HAVE TO SAY THE TRUTH - SO BE FOREWARNED! THIS FILM IS BAD, IT IS NOT ENTERTAINING AND THERE IS NO PLOT OR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OR ANYTHING REDEEMING ABOUT THIS FILM.
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE MOVIE OUTSIDE OF IT'S BOX IS REALLY A WARNING. IT TELLS YOU HOW THE MOVIE HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL SCENERY OF PARIS. WELL- THAT'S A WAY TO TELL YOU THAT THIS IS ALL THIS MOVIE HAS IN IT THAT COULD BE OF POSSIBLE INTEREST. GOOD LUCK!

IF YOU BUY THIS FILM, DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU.

Oh my!
I was so dissapointed!
I kept watching just thinking it would get better.
WRONG!
Don't waste your time. This is painful!

This One's A Sizzler!
'Paris When It Sizzles' is a funny, light-hearted masterpiece that is made even better by the two brilliant stars, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden.

Holden plays a famous writer who hires Hepburn to be his typist. But she is not too pleased when he reveals to her that he has not written anything yet, or even thought about the story line! So with only two days to get the script finished, the couple set about coming up with a plot, adding romance, twists, humour, switches, switches on switches, and switches on switches on switches!

The script is then brought to life by the imagination of Holden and Hepburn. With Holden playing the main man, and Hepburn playing the main girl. And also other roles played by Tony Curtis, and a cameo from Audrey's husband at the time Mel Ferrer.

This is an enjoyable film that won't leave you asking any questions. It is one Hepburn and Holden's best. Definitely not one to miss. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two innocent sisters from Ohio hit Greenwich Village and must cope with wall-shaking subway construction, the neighborhood kooks, and a whopping $65 a month for an apartment. My Sister Eileen is one of those "Look out, world, we're conquering Manhattan!" movies, with Betty Garrett as a plain, would-be writer and Janet Leigh as her knockout sister, an aspiring actress who draws men like milk draws kittens. The 1955 movie's well-scrubbed Greenwich Village is a delightful fantasy playground. The city wasnever like this, but it probably should have been. In one of his early roles, Jack Lemmon (crooning one of the Jule Styne-Leo Robin songs quite charmingly) plays a magazine publisher, one of the many Young Men with Ideas he would play in the subsequent decade. Even more interesting is the presence of future director Bob Fosse, as a soda jerk who romances Leigh. Fosse also choreographed the film's musical numbers, and his dances include a delightful quartet at a bandstand and a sensational showdown with Tommy Rall. Fosse and Rall try to outdo each other in a male rivalry dance that will remind Fosse fans of his obsession with hats. The breezy direction is by Richard Quine, who cowrote the script with another future director, Blake Edwards. The original source material, stories by Ruth McKenney, formed the basis for a play and a nonmusical 1942 Rosalind Russell movie, also called My Sister Eileen (in which Quine played the Fosse role); there was a Broadway musical adaptation of the stories, Wonderful Town, which is not related to this film. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A charming, screwball musical
Most folks will pay attention to this film becuase it's an early piece by choreographer Bob Fosse -- but it is a fun bit of froth that easily stands on its own. An absolutely delightful musical comedy, starring Betty Garrett as a smart smalltown girl determined to make it in New York City. She moves there with her with her glamourous, ditzy sister Eileen, whose good looks open more doors than do Garrett's brains and moxie. A nice film about struggling to get ahead in the Big Apple, with a script that takes its time and several exuberently goofy dance numbers, gleefully choreographed by a young Bob Fosse, who also plays one of the sister's avid suitors. The penultimate dance scene is side-splittingly hilarious, featuring a swarm of recently disembarked Cuban sailors on the prowl for American women, who form an inexhaustable conga line that snakes chaotically through the gal's tiny apartment. Thoroughly entertaining... a great, lighthearted film with some fabulous acting and bright, winning performances by all involved.

A Nice Musical Comedy With a Young Bob Fosse
"My Sister Eileen" was Fosse's first official assignment as a film choreographer. He had already co-choreographed his dances for three musicals he made at MGM but didn't get any credit for it.
This film offers a rare chance to see him perform his own steps in front of the camera. He wasn't just a legendary Broadway director and choreographer, he was also a brilliant and nimble dancer with a sweet singing voice. His early stuff was influenced by Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Jack Cole, so don't expect the small intricate dancing with bowler hats that became his trademark.
Fosse is featured in three numbers: the quartet "Give Me A Band and My Baby", which is pure fun, the romantic ballroom routine "There's Nothing Like Love" where he partners "Psycho"'s Janet Leigh, and the explosive "Alley Dance" in which he competes with one of the best yet underrated dancers of Hollywood's Golden Age: the versatile Tommy Rall. The number shows a couple of early Fosse favorites such as the "Steam Heat" hat trick, cartwheel jumps and somersaults.
The rest of the cast is also quite remarkable: Betty Garrett is adorable with her dead-pan humour and Janet Leigh is simply sweet as Darlin' Eileen. And if you ever wanted to hear Jack Lemmon sing, here's your chance.
Director Richard Quine and young Blake Edwards wrote a rather unspectacular screenplay. Jule Styne and Leo Robin did a decent job with the songs but I definitely prefer Leonard Bernstein's "Wonderful Town".
"My Sister Eileen" is a nice little musical comedy. It's ideal to cheer yourself up on a dark and rainy evening.
By the way, this film isn't presented in its original Cinemascope format. The video version was slightly formatted. Well, let's hope for the DVD release.

Entertaining Classic!
What a great movie! It is refreshing to see so much energy brought to the silver screen. The casting makes this movie! It has something for everyone: dancing, singing, funny misunderstandings, apartment problems and much more. This movie provides the entire family with good clean entertainment which is almost extinct in today's Hollywood. Jack Lemmon is wonderful opposite Betty Garrett. Janet Leigh also does a superb job as the sister with everything!

Good Star Vehicle
Although the first version,starring Rosalind Russell and Janet Blair,is by far superior,this musical version with Janet Leigh and Betty Garrett as the two sisters in Greenwich Village is quite a good romp. Bob Fosse and Jack Lemmon (in a rare musical role )add the needed chemistry to make the girls sparkle. The story was later musicalized on Broadway as 'Wonderful Town',which again starred Rosalind Russell as Ruth Sherwood,and won a Tony for her work.

Watching a young Bob Fosse dance is incredible
A great cast with Jack Lemon and Betty Garrett doing a great job together and Bob Fosse showing why he is among the greatest dancers of our time. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Cute film with top cast
Solid Gold Cadillac is a wonderful example of 1950's comedies. It was very well cast, not only Judy Holliday, but the rest of the supporting cast was great. The script was sharp and funny. It had funny, well-written characters. The film moves well. It's wholesome, clean fun with a nice message and a nice ending.

It is one of the few films made by the wonderful Judy Holliday. Though typecast as the "dumb blonde" in most productions, such as this one, she brings an aura or something that makes the screen light up when she's on it like you're seeing something special. You are. When she's not on screen, you miss her. I don't know if it's her timing, or facial expressions, or what, but this woman really had it. I guess the trade off for her brief film career is that she really did not appear in any "bad" productions and otherwise was afforded top scripts with top directors and co-stars.

I thought this transfer was lovely, the film really looked sharp and the whites and blacks were almost new-looking. The color sequence at the end was nice.

This is by no means the best/top of the 1950's as far as comedies go, but it's a nice example of a solid, quality production that is a joy to watch. If you are not a fan of 50's movies or otherwise don't enjoy/appreciate older movies or particular cast members here, you will probably find this dull. Comedies have changed a lot over the years, what was funny then, some may not find interesting or enjoyable now. If you're not sure, watch Judy Holliday's "Born Yesterday" before viewing this. If you enjoy that and liked Miss Holliday, then give this a try.

Woman changes stockholder business. Special color scenes.
Another Judy Holliday film. This one with Paul Douglas, Fred Clark, Arthur O'Connell and narration by George Burns. Judy Holliday (as "Laura Partridge") attends a stockholder's meeting. The meeting goes by too routinely. They almost neglect to see the waving hand of Miss Holliday. Naturally being a stockholder herself, she has a question to ask, before they vote for Treasurer. She does ask some very simple, honest questions, but these white-collar showboats just can't give her an honest answer without the push-off or feeding their face. Well, this smart blonde woman makes a motion and since she does own 10 shares, she would like to form a stockholders committee of her own to discuss the "too big" salaries of the showboats. She does get involved and this woman will make some unselfish changes. Watch the business and the fun begin. The ending of the film changes to color.

Almost Solid Gold
To begin with, I wish these so-called reviewers would stop giving away the plots of the movies they extol! That said, this is a rare case (the 1st of its kind?) of a movie being better than the play it was based on. The general framework was of course the same, but in the play Judy Holliday's part was taken by Josephine Hull, a very funny little old lady (who also scored both on Bway and on the screen in "Harvey" and "Arsenic and Old Lace," to name the only 2 that I know of), and the love interest on stage was only hinted at around the edges, it blossomed in the film. One problem, there simply were no witty lines, either in the play or the movie. This is odd for Kaufman (though the play was produced in 1953, very late in his career), but about par for Burrows (early in his career). But still it was clever and interesting, the play had more structure than the movie (typical of Kaufman), but the movie did things with the plot that were suggested but left undone in the play, which surprised me very much and made me wonder about Kaufman. Also the flick left out all the naughty words which I'm sure Hull barked out with delicious abandon! (Note: Kaufman co-wrote the play, Burrows adapted it for the screen.) This I think was more a sit-com than an actually witty Kaufman comedy. And finally, Judy Holliday did NOT play a "dumb blonde"! She only did that in "Born Yesterday."

Fine Comedic Vehicle for Ms. Holliday.
Although older film buffs remember her fondly, I suspect that Judy Holliday is not as familiar to classic cinema fans today as she should be. She was a beautiful, charming actress who sparkled in comedy roles. While her career took off in the late 40s, it was during the 50s that she made her most famous films, although the number of movies were relatively few. She was caught up in the communist witch-hunts of the 50s, which--to Hollywood's disgrace--had an impact on her film career, and the number of quality roles offered. She was not the only victim during those dark days. By the 60s, she was seriously ill, and succumbed to breast cancer, at age 44.

"The Solid Gold Cadillac" gave Ms. Holliday one of her best roles. As a minor shareholder in a major company, her character asks some simple, but pointed questions at a stock-holders' meeting that lead to various complications for a very greedy, dishonest and unethical Board of Directors, played by John Williams ( smarmy and unscrupulous ), Fred Clark ( a two-faced bully ) and Ray Collins ( indignant and crooked ). She also becomes involved with the founder of the company, played by Paul Douglas, a decent man with too much integrity for those sharks on the Board. The whole cast is excellent, and the plot is consistently amusing.

I found the main theme of this film to be just as relevant today. We are living in an era of high-profile corporate scandal ( eg. Enron, Hollinger, the list goes on and on ). When these situations are investigated, what is found at the bottom ? Nothing but pure, unadulterated greed. The more things change, etc. Actually, I could see "The Solid Gold Cadillac" being updated today--technology has changed, the "numbers" are a lot bigger--but good old-fashioned greed is still around, big-time ! I could see one of our current actresses, with a flair for comedy, having a big hit with this "remake". I nominate Sandra Bullock--hey Sandy--you'd be terrific !

In the mean time, this is a delightful DVD--nice picture, mono sound, of course, and a fine souvenir of Judy Holliday--a star who shone too briefly, but very brightly.

A Holiday Showcase
Hollywood has had a long tradition of dumb blonde performers who could be counted on to produce more than their share of belly-laughs. None, however, was more expert at the trade than Judy Holiday whose untimely death robbed filmdom of one of its most accomplished comediennes. This movie, along with Born Yesterday, is among her very best, and should not be missed.

Film fans may want to note that there's a direct line of descent from Holiday in this movie to Reese Witherspoon in the recent megahit Legally Blonde. Like Witherspoon's character in Blonde, everyone underestimates Holiday's Laura Partridge and with similarly devastating results. In both cases, it's that sweetly scatterbrained exterior that conceals a shrewd and determined inner woman, a combination which proves deadly for those who would happily exploit them. Here, it's the Board of a soulless corporation ( just then emerging from the 50's decade of growth) that falls into Holiday's trap with hilarious results. The Board itself is a stellar lineup of character actors: from the curmudgeonly Fred Clark, to the cultured John Williams, to the scheming Ray Collins, all familiar faces from the Late Late Show and pompously perfect targets for a womanly comeuppance. Holiday's pixilated exchanges with these smugly officious scofflaws are minor gems.

Those interested in charting the rise of the women's movement might also note an important contrast between the two films. Holiday's character, for all her wiles and willpower, must eventually succumb in typical 50's fashion to her stronger male half as played by the always redoubtable Paul Douglas. On the other hand, Witherspoon's post-Gloria Steinam character discovers a hidden self-sufficiency that requires no Douglas counterpart, producing a typically 90's note of feminist triumph. But these are merely incidental reflections on an underrated movie that truly sparkles because of the comedic lustre of its star, the unforgettable Judy Holiday, in a role that suits her to the proverbial T. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Good Movie
"The World of Suzie Wong" is much under-rated. I think it is a well-acted, enchanting movie. William Holden and Nancy Kwan are both wonderful. I noticed another reviewer compared it to "Pretty Woman." I had not thought of it, but that is a good comparison. And the location shots in Hong Kong are "way cool." Want a good love story? Get this film.

gentle drama
THE WORLD OF SUZIE WONG is a gentle, heartfelt, human drama of two lonely people looking for love. It's sublime.

Robert Lomax (William Holden - THE COUNTRY GIRL, SUNSET BOULEVARD), is an American artist in Hong Kong struggling to make a decent living doing what he loves. One day while sitting on the Kowloon-Hong Kong ferry, he meets "Mei-Li", whom he is strangely attracted to.

Soon, however, he discovers that "Me-Li" is really Suzie Wong (Nancy Kwan - FLOWER DRUM SONG), a good-time girl with delusions of grandeur. Romance soon blossoms, but not until Suzie reveals a big secret and tragedy strikes...

Also featuring Sylvia Syms (CONSPIRACY OF HEARTS), and Michael Wilding (THE GLASS SLIPPER, STAGE FRIGHT), THE SECRET WORLD OF SUZIE WONG is a colorful romance set against the stunning backdrop of Hong Kong and the simple human passion of a lifetime.

Of Its Time, but Better Than the Sum of Its Parts...
American William Holden, as former architect turned struggling artist, Robert Lomax, a cynic who's "pushing forty," arrives in 1960 Hong Kong to make a valiant effort for his art. He's never been there and has no idea what to expect. On the ferry boat to Kowloon, he has a sort of altercation with the very young & attractive Nancy Kwan, who claims to be named "Mei Li," a very proper young lady about to enter into an arranged marriage set up by her wealthy father. Shortly before reluctantly introducing herself, she also almost manages to have Robert arrested by claiming he's a purse snatcher, which, judging from her mirthful expression, she does for the sheer entertainment value of the situation.

Robert, completely lost and not particularly wealthy, soon makes his way to the Wan Chai district, and, in his naivete as American abroad, fails to realize he's entered the main prostitution district in the city. His journey to the seedy hotel where he sets up shop as artist would be one of the highlights of the film: Robert's amazement and confusion at the bustling, vibrant city that has become his new home come across nicely. In many ways, the brilliant cinematography and camera work turn the city of Hong Kong itself into the unacknowledged third star of the film. However, it's a very different Hong Kong than now: very much a British colonial post, and, in segments of the neighborhoods, almost a Third World city.

Unfortunately, once Robert reaches the hotel, the movie loses much realism, and we've plainly entered a 1950's Hollywood set version of Hong Kong (although this happens to be a British film), complete with cartoonish prostitutes and Brit sailors on leave. It turns out that prim-and-proper Mei Li's none other than "very popular" Wan Chai "girl" Suzie Wong. There are some very dated scenes that follow, although actress Jacqui Chan's charming in an off kilter way as bar girl Gwennie Lee. Nancy Kwan vamps and spouts much pidgin English and says "for goodness' sake" about 500 times in a row. There's also a scene that made me cringe with a cheap dress getting ripped off Suzie by Robert. Fortunately, Robert, Suzie, and the camera eventually hit the streets of actual Hong Kong again.

Then, something odd happens with this film, bit by bit. The movie focuses more and more on Robert and Suzie as a couple, and, bit by bit, Suzie becomes less of a stereotypical bar girl and more and more of a human being who behaves unexpectedly. It turns out that she has developed a persona for herself, a very manipulative, successful one, that's given her an edge in a very harsh city for abandoned young women. She has an active fantasy life, that's enabled her to separate herself psychologically from the more sordid aspects of what she's done in order to survive. Robert too, becomes less and less Joe Gillis, Jr. (for those of you who've seen Holden in SUNSET BLVD. from a decade earlier), a one-note, crabby cynic with a paternalistic attitude towards Suzie, and more and more a human being who's in love. He shows this most plainly when he finds out that Suzie has an infant son, and Robert accepts little Winston affectionately as his own. In a complex way, Suzie, and also little Winston, act as muses for Robert, and his own art becomes more inspired and interesting because of them. Suzie also benefits from her love for Robert and shows some real emotion for him rather than her usual play acting.

This is where I find the movie interesting, as it depicts, much more realistically than one might expect in 1960, the dimensions of a biracial, bicultural couple's life together. Although Robert has made contact with the British elite in the city and needs them for patronage for his art, he's never really comfortable with them or their patronizing, mildly racist way of observing the Chinese. Kay O'Neill (actress Sylvia Syms), the daughter of a well-placed British banker, falls for Robert, but he doesn't really feel any emotion for her as he does for Suzie. Of course, she can't believe Robert would really prefer Suzie to her. When he announces he's thinking of marrying Suzie, Kay's father says that, of course, he could never hire someone in those circumstances. The rest of the Brits more talk around Suzie than to her whenever she's present. Likewise, most of the Chinese, while polite with Robert, don't know quite what to make of him, either, and he seems to do better either with Suzie as intermediary or because her friends help him along. It's obvious too that sometimes cultural miscues cause Suzie and Robert to misunderstand one another. This leads to the beginning of the climax of the film, which is somewhat tragic.

No doubt, this has been a controversial film. In the past, many Asian-American studies professors seemed to grow livid at the mention of it. This was supposed to be the ne plus ultra (or maybe the nadir, instead) for stereotypical portrayals of all Asian women as submissive little China doll characters or bar girls. There is some of that there (although much less than in most other 1950's-early 1960's American films), but, as I'd noted, the interesting thing's how the stereotype turns out to be a fake, something created for the advantage (if that's the word) of the heroine for relating to foreigners. It's also interesting how the genuine romance, one based on a sort of mutual respect between Robert and Suzie, becomes more important. Most interesting of all's the portrayal (that mostly rings true) of a biracial, bicultural romance between two human beings. As someone involved in such a relationship for many years, I found myself giving the film an extra star for this "rightness" alone. Finally, both Holden and Kwan are good in their roles and the way their characters interact. I just couldn't see France Nuyen and William Shatner (from the stage play version) evoking the same level of emotion and empathy for Suzie and Robert. It's even more remarkable that Kwan was only in her early twenties when she portrayed Suzie.

Plus, if nothing else, this movie's a terrific time capsule/travelogue of Hong Kong, as it was never so brilliantly captured elsewhere on screen in that era.

A True Human Expeience
'The World Of Suzie Wong' the romanticized story of a Hong Kong prostitute and an American artist is for some, a simplistic racist view of Chinese, for others, a guilty pleasure. Yes, it is both of those things but it is even more. It is a fine and tender love story of two people from very different worlds who overcome pride and prejudice and embark upon a true human experience. Forty four years after its release this film along with 'Flower Drum Song' are being re-evaluated and embraced by the Chinese American community. Why? Because beneath the surface of each film they share the common job of telling the story of their time and place with honesty and true humanity and in the case of Suzie Wong, the story is not such a happy one.
At first we are presented in 'Suzie Wong' a stereotypical view of happy little hookers in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. But as the story unfolds the veneer of this portrait cracks open to reveal through Suzie just how desperate the lives of these women are. In a city of over three million crammed onto the island city it is a case of do what you must to survive. In Suzie's case she must compartmentalize her feeling into body, love, and soul and thus protect herself by pretending that she is the daughter of a rich merchant rather than a Wan Chai bargirl. Though her relationship with Robert they both learn the meaning and cost of love in a world of narrow view and prejudice.
The film is very adult and honest in dealing with the subject of the flesh trade and racism in 1960 must have been a bit shocking on several levels. This film must be credited with opening the door to telling more honest stories of Asian's with Asian actors in the major roles. After all, not too many years before we had Jennifer Jones playing a Eurasian in 'Love Is A Many Splendored Thing'. She did a fine job, but still she was miscast. Here we have Nancy Kwan creating a memorable character, as it should be, by someone of Asian descent.
Nancy Kwan is luminous in the role of Suzie. This was a star making turn for her and led to other good roles over the years. She is sexy, with a street-smart veneer that covers her open and trusting heart. She rises to the many emotional challenges of Suzie and succeeds in carrying the viewer through the film as only an accomplished actress can. The camera falls in love with her, as does the reluctant Robert.
William Holden is perfectly cast as the "pushing forty" American who has come to Hong Kong to pursue his dream of being an artist. He is a pro who give the role just the feeling of wonder and discovery it needs blended with a certain worldliness that it requires. Together, Kwan and Holden are an intoxicatingly romantic couple that share a chemistry on screen most films of this genre aspire to but few achieve.
The supporting cast is filled out by standouts such as Jacqui Chan as Gwennie Lee, Andy Ho as Ah Tong, Michael Wilding as Ben Marlow and Sylvia Simms as Suzie's rival, Kay O'Neill.
Geoffrey Unsworth also known for his work on 'Becket', '2001 A Space Odyssey' and 'Cabaret' stunningly photographed Hong Kong for the film. His use of light and color is unsurpassed in capturing the long gone look of the city in 1960. The art direction of John Box is superb. He is best known for his work with David Lean on 'Doctor Zhivago' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
It is all expertly helmed by director Richard Quine who is also responsible for 'Bell, Book, and Candle', 'Strangers When We Meet' and the delightful 'How To Murder Your Wife'.
Of special note are the stunningly beautiful paintings of Miss Kwan by artist Liz Moore. They are indeed wonderful and one wishes there had been an addition to the DVD of slides of this artist's painting for the film.
'The World of Suzie Wong' is a film that holds both an important place in film history and the hearts film buffs and romantics around the globe. So on that rainy Saturday afternoon when you need a little romance, drama and travel to a far off land pop in this new DVD of 'Suzie Wong' and be carried away.

A Romance for guys, not a chick flick
Today there are many "chick flicks," but The World of Suzie Wong is the quintessential "romance for guys."

There are two parallel themes in this film: 1) the "Pygmalion" theme, which was old when George Bernard Shaw's play first appeared in 1913. Pygmalion, in classical legend, was the king of Cyprus who fell in love with his own sculpture. Hence the theme of beginning with a raw material (in this case a woman of no great position or education) and to some degree transforming her into she whom you might adore.

Some may object to this theme carrying racist overtones, but in my view the reverse is true. The essence of the message is an absence of racism. The very fact that in this type of romantic union the protagonists are of unequal social position means that the man is attracted to the woman because of her human qualities, not because of any advantage she can provide to him in terms of social status or wealth. In fact, a man who loves such a woman is often looked down upon socially, which is present in this story. The object of Robert Lomax's love is Suzie Wong for who she is as a woman and how she makes him feel, and he gladly, even cynically disregards the disparagements of those who do not approve.

2) Theme number two is the enchantment of the East. This is magic stuff for those so smitten, which includes your humble correspondent. In this way, this wonderful story (novel and film) is understated. It is barely believable that Lomax's attraction to Suzie would start from nothing and grow so slowly to compelling strength. Lomax must be a man of Quixotic romantic notions or he would not be trying this alternative life style of professional painting. This mixture of desire and fascination is more likely to stormily seize a man's heart, but "Robert meets Suzie-falls crazy in love-marries Suzie" would make for a ten-minute film, and that just wouldn't do, would it?

It's also an interesting commentary on the film makers of this approximate vintage that when they wanted to tell the story of interracial romance they often seemed to think they had to attenuate the effect. Both Nancy Kwan and France Nguyen (in South Pacific), for example, were of mixed parentage, (but the Asian love interests in The Sand Pebbles and Sayonara were not).

The World of Suzie Wong is so very romantic, and the themes explored here are enduring. I love the novel -- I love the film. I can't imagine anyone but William Holden playing Lomax (although William Shatner [believe it or not] played the stage role). This role belongs to Bill Holden. ... Read more

Description

Best known for his role as the 'Pink Panther'; this was Peter Sellers last film. Sellers plays two roles - the evil Fu Manchu and his nemesis, Scotland Yard's Nayland Smith. Manchu is celebrating his 168th birthday when one of his assistants spills the last of his anti-aging potion. He sends his assistants out to gather the materials needed to make more potion - including the Star of Leningrad Diamond. This alerts the authorities who set up a plan to get Manchu to kidnap a decoy Queen of England. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

OH MY GOSH!
this is unbelivabley MY GRANDFATHER!!!!!!!!! amaxzing isn't it, but sometime he scares me, this is an amazing film, I am not a bads person but someitme i have bad plots as well, this film has the best camera affect, best makeup (look at manchus face, hes screaming "damn im sexy"), you cant deny his amazing looks wich i picked up frum him, AMASING!

a diabolically criminally funny spoof
THE FIENDISH PLOT OF DR. FU MANCHU [hereinafter "Fu"] is a diabolically, criminally funny spoof of the preceding Fu villain movies. The opening scene was foretelling. Sellers, as a vintage Fu, is celebrating his 168th birthday. His crowd of sinister lackeys are singing "Happy Birthday." Fu calls for his life sustaining elixer to have a swig which would carry him over for another year. The elixer is brought into the chamber by an extremely familiar servant. This servant . . . uh, er let's call him Kato for want of a better name . . . well his robe catches fire and he douses the flame with all of the elixer. Now, Fu must replace the diamond ingredient elixer by stealing a couple of rare diamonds. After stealing one diamond, the action swings into a Chinese Fire Drill version of Pink Panther. To stop Fu, retired agent Nyland Smith, played by Oriental expert Sellers, is brought out of retirement. An FBI agent, Joe Capone played by Sid Caesar, becomes part of the Scotland Yard scenery. It was his job to belittle the Brits and draw his gun on cue. Agent Smith decides that Fu will kidnap the Royal Family; that they needed doubles to perform Royalty's civic functions. Those doubles were recruited from the police force and had to audition for the role. As auditioning Constable Alice Rage, Helen Mirren, did an a la Shirley Temple tap-dance number, singing "On the Good Ship Lollipop." I nearly choked on my popcorn from laughing. She won the role of Queen. Later in the film, I doubled up while she sang, "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow." In a scene memorable of Jules Verne--or Bond for that matter--Agent Smith flies his cottage by balloon entitled, "Spirit of Wiltshire." This was Seller's final movie. Too bad that many of his fans, including myself, missed this very funny one at the box office. And, for sure, Helen Mirren was a Wow.

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu
VHS in Spanish with subtitles and wasn't what I ordered. It was ordered new. VERY UNHAPPY with Video.

Campy, Satirical and Fiendishly Funny!
This movie is one that will either become one of your favorites or will cause you to ask yourself why it was even made. The difference lies in your previous exposure to the "Fu Manchu" mystique. For those of us who have previously read of the "Yellow Peril" and the "Vast Underground Conspiracy" the movie is a wildly funny romp through a fictional world where every oriental is working to enslave the human race. For those who have not read the original works by Sax Rohmer many of the most hilarious scenes and comments will slip by unnoticed. It is still a very entertaining movie, however, and is well worth watching, if only for the outrageously campy ending.

Very Funny. Fine Family Fun!
My parents hate this movie, and I don't know why. Peter Sellers is an actor beyond compare. This movie is one of the best evermade. It's a little campy but that's okay because that's what was intended! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A fun movie; nothing too serious; 3 1/2 stars
If you like Jack Lemmon, this is a fun movie. If you do not, then it's an average film.

The sexy italian blonde looks much better on the screen than on this cover. In fact, there are a lot of good looking women in this movie so that's a plus for men so inclined.

Story follows a cartoonist who ends up marrying an Italian immigrant girl who seduced him during a bachelor party after she jumped out of a cake. Her eyes are played out as being magical.

Sort of funny . . . cute plot . . . a few good twists. Interesting court scene.

I won't spoil the ending.

Not what you'd expect
This is one of those films that start out seeming to be about one thing, but turn out at the end to be about something else entirely. Jack Lemmon is a confirmed (?) bachelor, living in a town house with his valet, Terry-Thomas, when one morning, after a liquor-soaked bachelor party for a friend the night before, he wakes to find himself married (gulp) to the dazzlingly beautiful Virna Lisi. Trapped in a no-win situation, he cooks up a plot for her murder (only on paper, of course); but, when she disappears, he finds himself on trial for her actual murder. One of the great comedic courtroom scenes follows. When the [spoiler] at the end of the film, you realized that you've been duped -- the film, which seemed to be about the joys of woman-hating, turns out to be about one of the great themes of cinema - "love conquers all". Eddie Mayehoff and Claire Trevor are marvelous in supporing roles.

A guy thing...and loads of fun...
In our PC society, I can still look back and grin affecionately, considering that this film was made at a time when "battle-of-the-sexes" humor was at a peak (Doris Day, anyone?) Lemmon's a natural, and Terry-Thomas actually steals the film for that reason. Fairly formulaic, the men are made to look more idiotic than the women, though if anyone wants to take issue, check out Claire Trevor's manipulative harpee witch. Virna Lisi is, indeed, stunningly gorgeous, and very endearing. This is a "nice" movie; not a great one, nor one that lives on in history. It has Lemmon, Terry-Thomas, Lisi, Trevor, Eddie Mayehoff (a riot), and should be taken for exactly what it is: a fun, mindless romp that entertains. Lighten up. I still think this should've been nominated for Sound Effects...I never forgot the "Gloppita-gloppita" machine. Don't judge; enjoy!

The Good-natured Sanity of Satire
There is absolutely nothing like good-natured satire for escape from the pressures of the workaday world, which insists on everyone being reasonable and restrained in their ire toward others. In the genre of high satire, "How to Murder Your Wife" takes one poke after another at the guys AND their ladies, both of whose unrealistic expectations toward one another periodically drive each other to the brink of ... could it be MURDER? This is STRICTLY for laughs -- and of course, paradoxically the best laughs come when a good moral results from the logical playing out of the perfectly orchestrated tomfoolery in this classic film.

We need satire -- much more than we think -- to remain good-natured, even sane. It alone gives us the perspective to let down our self-righteous hair and laugh at ourselves. One is only certain that he has a friend when his friend isn't afraid to insult him once in awhile! Remember the profound psychological function of the Medieval court jester, alone of the King's subjects who could ridicule the King mercilessly ... and so keep him human in aspect. The Marx Brothers knew themselves to be Society's collective court jesters with a holy mission to insult the upper classes, who were taking themselves so perilously seriously in the '20s and '30s.

So, may our insecurities of male and female social prerogatives vanish in a cloud of wholesome laughter in this ingenious stroke of good will -- and may we benefit from more and more good satire in future productions. For it is the perfect irony of this film that its theme is actually the passionate pursuit of harmony between the sexes, and not their mutual demise. Ah, give us a second helping of wit, Sir Terry Thomas!

It's a men's joke!
Stanley Ford (Jack Lemmon) is a popular cartoonist. 463 newspapers buy "The adventures of Bash Brannigan" because they know their author draws on real-life experience. His lawyer Harold (Eddie Mayehoff) gives free vent to his moral indignation: "pornography! violence! sadism!" but Stanley remains complacent: " I never asked Bash to do anything I haven't done myself". He is immune to Harold's sermon who can't wait to see him henpecked. But Stanley has perfected the skill of lying in a woman's arms without falling in her hands. He owns a luxurious townhouse in New York and Charles (Terry-Thomas), his distinguished and stuck-up butler (He calls himself "Mr. Ford's man") runs the household, awakes him, escorts him to the shower, weighs him out (160 pounds) and prepares healthy meals. In short: Stanley leads the life that readers of the "Playboy magazine" dream of.

One day he goes to a friend's wedding (The bride forgot her shoes in Stanley's bedroom), but the wedding he celebrates instead is his own: He wakes up with a hangover and discovers that he married the girl who jumped out of the wedding cake (Virna Lisi). Since the new Mrs. Ford has assets (she took part in a beauty contest) he tries to break the news gently to her: he wants a divorce...Mrs. Ford is amused to see his pantomime: She does not understand one word because she comes from Italy...Harold is delighted and lists Stanley's obligations:"You got to make a new will...health check...insurance". Harold's wife Edna (Claire Trevor) informs Mrs. Ford that she is entitled to a mink-coat, a pet-dog and her husband's credit card. Charles has dark forebodings. The foundations of his cosmic system are shaken when his new lady takes possession of her house. Duel in the kitchen: Charles is calories-conscíous, Mrs. Ford prepares lasagne-souffle with a pound of butter. Both wait for their lord and master to pass his judgment. Stanley settles on the souffle - and forfeits his butler.

Stanley's comic-strip hero follows his creator's example: "Yes (Gulp)" says the bridegroom. "He He" says the bride. Mrs. Ford's qualities do not miss their fire. Still. Stanley's home becomes a boudoir. He develops a paunch - his appetite is good. She makes a do-it-yourselfer out of him and a sissy and she controls his liquor-ration. Goaded by Edna she inspects her husband in his no-ladies-allowed-club and startles some half-naked men in the sauna. Her contrition comes too late: Stanley decides to free not himself but his comic-strip hero from the manacles of matrimony. He smuggles the prototype of an ecstasy-pill in his wife's drink. Brrrp! and she is dancing on the table. Blaaap! and he drags her off on his shoulder. Yes, and then he commits his "murder": He throws a dummy in the gloppeta-machine and buries it in cement. His wife sees his new Bash Brannigan cartoon and gathers that he is longing for her death...

A deeply moving moment all the more effective because it comes unexpected. This film is the best sex-comedy in a series that started 1959 with PILLOW TALK and ended 1965 with THE GREAT RACE. These films were demonised and nagged to death by calamity-howlers who could not endure the sight of a happy audience. I was never offended by the alleged "sexism" - why shouldn't women be capable to take a men's joke with humor? The plot is a yarn, the courtroom scene a classic, the score Neil Hefti's best and the acting fantastic. This is the one film where Jack Lemmon has the opportunity to play the playboy - and he does so with boundless relish. Irrepressible, undaunted and with his unmistakable sense of humor. And he did all the stunts himself! Virna Lisi is irresistible as his fond appendage who coddles her husband until he becomes a softie. The only objectionable point is the mistreatment of sympathetic Claire Trevor (STAGECOACH, KEY LARGO). But, as Orson Welles once said: "Husbands should revolt from time to time. Even the best circus-number becomes boring if the beast is too tame". ... Read more

Description

A sex farce very loosely based on "Sex and the Single Girl" by Helen Gurley Brown ... Read more

Reviews (12)

They Don't Make 'Em Like This Anymore
This movie is a classic comedy. It is a wonder it is not on television more often. The sexy chemistry between Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood is what makes the film a great success, but it is also backed up with smashing performances by Henry Fonda and Lauren Bacall as the bickering Brodericks. The car chase on the San Diego Freeway to Los Angeles is hilarious, and is a fitting, symbolic end to the chasing around that occurred throughout the movie. A must-see!

Funny
Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood had great on-screen chemistry. Natalie was such a wonderful comedienne. And Lauren Bacall was perfectly cast as the jealous, suspicious wife of Frank Broderick (Henry Fonda). Some of the most original, funny dialogue is in this movie.

Realistic Corporate Portrayal
I liked the part where the two men at the office go to the restroom, and everything inside is coin-operated -- pay toilets, lavatory water, towels for drying hands... and to look in a mirror, they put a coin in a slot and a panel slides up, revealing a mirror for just a few moments of hurried hair-combing. I have worked at places where they put this much squeeze on their own employees, a real treat let me tell you.

This film's director, Richard Quine, switched to directing after starring in the film of a lifetime, "We've Never Been Licked," a 1943 movie about the incomparable fighting sons of Texas A&M. Quine played the lead, a cadet named Brad Craig, and shared the screen with notables Robert Mitchum, Anne Gwynne, Noah Beery Jr and William Frawley. Loved by a generation, "We've Never Been Licked" represented the pinnacle of an acting career, thus Quine -- though relatively young -- turned to directing. He died in the late 1960s, never having matched either in direction or acting his magnificent achievement with WNBL, though "Sex and the Single Girl" was a good-faith effort.

movie fan
This film is great fun and Natalie never looked more lovlier but I'll purchase it when it is released on DVD.

Natalie Wood Rocks
I love Natalie Wood so anything she is in makes my day, but this movie is really halariously funny!! Tony Curtis is a comedy genius. This movie has big stars and big laughs and the idea that something this risque would be in an older movie just tickles me.
Totally worth the time ... Read more

Reviews (8)

One of Judy Holliday's best !
A delightful, genuinely heartwarming comedy, starring Judy Holliday and Richard Conte as a young couple about to have a child, yet still struggling to define what their family life will mean to them, and Salvatore Baccaloni as Conte's broadly portrayed Italian Papa. Fans of Judy Holliday will love this film -- she leaves her "dumb blonde" character aside in favor of a much richer role; she gets some great comedic moments in early on, acting out the clumsiness and moodiness of late-term pregnancy, yet also portrays a smart, intuitive young woman who provides the rational and emotional glue which holds her family together. There are a lot of subtle touches to this film; nothing is overplayed or hackneyed, and although it is set in the white-picket fence era of the early '50s, the issues addressed in the script will ring true for many viewers for decades to come. Recommended!

John Fante's sell out
Watching this movie was a tragedy for me. John Fante was a magnificent novelist of the 30's and 40's who wrote two of my favorite novels Ask the Dust and The Road to Los Angeles. He sold his talent to Hollywood in the 50's. In the 70's he had a short comeback with West of Rome and Brotherhood of the Grape, but the damage was done.
Yes Full of Life was a book written by him, but one I wouldn't dare read. It's about a good father dealing with his wife's pregnancy. John Fante wasn't the perfect sort though. His cynical Bandini is what makes his books so appealing. A disappointment. Judy Holliday fans should pick another movie as she is talented. Try The Solid Gold Cadillac or Born Yesterday instead.
.

JUDY, JUDY, JUDY...
ATTACH JUDY HOLLIDAY TO A FILM AND EVEN A BAD FILM ELEVATES TO ART!

"The Baby"
I was so excited to see I could find this movie. I am the "baby" at the end of the film. I was born at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica and when the film crew needed a baby they came searching at the hospital. Unlike the "red haired" boy referred to in the movie, I was actually a blonde haired girl. But, what the heck!

A little story from the 50s
Dated way more than most. See attitudes evolve from the 19th century to the 20th in the 21st without the artifice of a historical drama. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A waste of time!
Being a fan of Peter Sellers I found this film to be one of his worst. It was very hard to watch because it was slow going and boring. The only reason I gave it 2 stars was because Peter Sellers is in it and did a good job acting, no other reason.

A realy GREAT video
This is the greatest movie, I have been looking for this for years, sell all your children just to buy it.

Sellers at his best
this is the absolute best movie ever!!! Peter Sellers at his best (yes better than A Shot in the Dark)!!!! Drop everything you are doing to buy and watch this movie 10 times over!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

If you're a if you want to wallow in the bad seek out OH DAD
I don't think I'll ever understand the 60's? What a wacky time! Somewhere between civil rights marches, Vietnam, moon landings, LSD, and the myriad of other things that came put of that time, also came some of the oddest movies ever. Major studio's seemed to be dumping large sums of money into strange films some that come to mind, Otto Preminger Skidoo, The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, and the film I'm about to review, OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SAD.

The film based on the stage play by Arthur L. Kopit (The Stage Musical PHANTOM, not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical.) and stars veteran character actor Rosalind Russell (His Girl Friday) as Madame Rosepettle. Madame Rosepettle is an eccentric overbearing women. She's the kind of women who sucks the air out of any room she's enters. She has many strange quirks like that fact that she has two Venus flytraps she loves to take care of and a tank full of Piranhas that eat Siamese cats. Oh yeah and when her husband died she had him stuffed and she keeps him in a closet.

Her son Johnathan (Robert Morse, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) is 24 years old and act like he's five. His mother keeps him indoors at all time, keeping him busy with stamp collections, edited books, and a telescope.

As the film begins we watch as Madame Rosepettle and her son land in Jamaica. They are staying at a first class resort for the summer. There they meet the beautiful Rosalie (Barbara Harris, Gorse Pointe Blank), the resorts baby sitter whom falls for Johnathan and Commodore Roseabove (Hugh Griffith, Start the Revolution Without Me) a crazy ship captain who pines for Madam Rosepettle. All these characters meet up and well, all hell breaks loose.

Did I forget to mention Johnathan Winters receives top billing in this film as Dad the Narrator?

This film is bad, but it has too much spunk to be unwatchable. It is vibrant; the story has life, and the actors all do a great job of creating these lively and humorous and malajusted characters. What weighs the film down into mediocrity is Johnathan Winters. He does narrate this film. But not the story, he narrates the action, and every time he does we see this small freeze frame of his face pop up on screen. A gimmick that stops the film cold dead in its tracks, I'll bet some Paramount bigwig said this movie makes no sense, we have one of the biggest comedians of the day why waste him in such a small role. There are perfect comedic and dramatic beats in this film destroyed by Winters banal comments.

The single greatest sequence in the film is a short silent movie narrated by Madame Rosepettle. It's so perfect, it so crazy, and it is flawless in delivery. It in of itself would make a fascinating short.

Honestly, this film is the comedic answer to Psycho. It's about a boy's relationship to his crazy mother. It's kinda funny, but Robert Morse also has a stunning resemblance to Anthony Perkins. It's not Psycho, it isn't anywhere close, but it's a lot of campy fun and in the same vein. If you like great bad movies, I'd try to track down a copy of this film.

If you're a if you want to wallow in the bad seek out OH DAD, POOR DAD, MAMMA'S HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET AND I'M FEELING SO SADfan of camp,

What happened?
This is a very funny comedy although the version available on VHS (1984 Paramount) suffers from revisons that lighten the original "darker" tone of the movie version released in 1966.

Some of the changes include: omission of the "garbage scow" sea captain, poisoning of the sea captain, and the knife murder of the...baby sitter; and (it has been years) but I don't recall the "canned sitcom" music track in the original film either, and Jonathan Winters' comments seem to have been replaced with less biting versions than the originals. What happened?

"Corpse delight!"
This hysterical black, black comedy was all too soon ignored by everyone. Do yourself a favor - Roz Russell? Remember "Auntie Mame"? Well, this gal has never been better as the acid tongued mother [mild acid, you know], together with her disfunctional family [includes Robert Morse, the brilliant Jonathan Winters, Barbara Harris - another "treasure"], on vacation somewhere in the Caribbean - just watch out for the 25 year old baby! It is alive with joy, and probably in some vague way will remind you of the TV series "Dinosaurs" ["gotta love the baby!"]. Make sense? Not really, it's just there for sheer enjoyment, and a long lost jewel just waiting to be rediscovered. This is a "Must have" for any avid collector. [Based on the play by Arthur L. Kopit]. Oh, and Dad? He is somewhere, embalmed, neatly ensconced in the coffin, in the closet! Well worth watching! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

OH MY GOSH!
this is unbelivabley MY GRANDFATHER!!!!!!!!! amaxzing isn't it, but sometime he scares me, this is an amazing film, I am not a bads person but someitme i have bad plots as well, this film has the best camera affect, best makeup (look at manchus face, hes screaming "damn im sexy"), you cant deny his amazing looks wich i picked up frum him, AMASING!

a diabolically criminally funny spoof
THE FIENDISH PLOT OF DR. FU MANCHU [hereinafter "Fu"] is a diabolically, criminally funny spoof of the preceding Fu villain movies. The opening scene was foretelling. Sellers, as a vintage Fu, is celebrating his 168th birthday. His crowd of sinister lackeys are singing "Happy Birthday." Fu calls for his life sustaining elixer to have a swig which would carry him over for another year. The elixer is brought into the chamber by an extremely familiar servant. This servant . . . uh, er let's call him Kato for want of a better name . . . well his robe catches fire and he douses the flame with all of the elixer. Now, Fu must replace the diamond ingredient elixer by stealing a couple of rare diamonds. After stealing one diamond, the action swings into a Chinese Fire Drill version of Pink Panther. To stop Fu, retired agent Nyland Smith, played by Oriental expert Sellers, is brought out of retirement. An FBI agent, Joe Capone played by Sid Caesar, becomes part of the Scotland Yard scenery. It was his job to belittle the Brits and draw his gun on cue. Agent Smith decides that Fu will kidnap the Royal Family; that they needed doubles to perform Royalty's civic functions. Those doubles were recruited from the police force and had to audition for the role. As auditioning Constable Alice Rage, Helen Mirren, did an a la Shirley Temple tap-dance number, singing "On the Good Ship Lollipop." I nearly choked on my popcorn from laughing. She won the role of Queen. Later in the film, I doubled up while she sang, "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow." In a scene memorable of Jules Verne--or Bond for that matter--Agent Smith flies his cottage by balloon entitled, "Spirit of Wiltshire." This was Seller's final movie. Too bad that many of his fans, including myself, missed this very funny one at the box office. And, for sure, Helen Mirren was a Wow.

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu
VHS in Spanish with subtitles and wasn't what I ordered. It was ordered new. VERY UNHAPPY with Video.

Campy, Satirical and Fiendishly Funny!
This movie is one that will either become one of your favorites or will cause you to ask yourself why it was even made. The difference lies in your previous exposure to the "Fu Manchu" mystique. For those of us who have previously read of the "Yellow Peril" and the "Vast Underground Conspiracy" the movie is a wildly funny romp through a fictional world where every oriental is working to enslave the human race. For those who have not read the original works by Sax Rohmer many of the most hilarious scenes and comments will slip by unnoticed. It is still a very entertaining movie, however, and is well worth watching, if only for the outrageously campy ending.

Very Funny. Fine Family Fun!
My parents hate this movie, and I don't know why. Peter Sellers is an actor beyond compare. This movie is one of the best evermade. It's a little campy but that's okay because that's what was intended! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

OH MY GOSH!
this is unbelivabley MY GRANDFATHER!!!!!!!!! amaxzing isn't it, but sometime he scares me, this is an amazing film, I am not a bads person but someitme i have bad plots as well, this film has the best camera affect, best makeup (look at manchus face, hes screaming "damn im sexy"), you cant deny his amazing looks wich i picked up frum him, AMASING!

a diabolically criminally funny spoof
THE FIENDISH PLOT OF DR. FU MANCHU [hereinafter "Fu"] is a diabolically, criminally funny spoof of the preceding Fu villain movies. The opening scene was foretelling. Sellers, as a vintage Fu, is celebrating his 168th birthday. His crowd of sinister lackeys are singing "Happy Birthday." Fu calls for his life sustaining elixer to have a swig which would carry him over for another year. The elixer is brought into the chamber by an extremely familiar servant. This servant . . . uh, er let's call him Kato for want of a better name . . . well his robe catches fire and he douses the flame with all of the elixer. Now, Fu must replace the diamond ingredient elixer by stealing a couple of rare diamonds. After stealing one diamond, the action swings into a Chinese Fire Drill version of Pink Panther. To stop Fu, retired agent Nyland Smith, played by Oriental expert Sellers, is brought out of retirement. An FBI agent, Joe Capone played by Sid Caesar, becomes part of the Scotland Yard scenery. It was his job to belittle the Brits and draw his gun on cue. Agent Smith decides that Fu will kidnap the Royal Family; that they needed doubles to perform Royalty's civic functions. Those doubles were recruited from the police force and had to audition for the role. As auditioning Constable Alice Rage, Helen Mirren, did an a la Shirley Temple tap-dance number, singing "On the Good Ship Lollipop." I nearly choked on my popcorn from laughing. She won the role of Queen. Later in the film, I doubled up while she sang, "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-Wow." In a scene memorable of Jules Verne--or Bond for that matter--Agent Smith flies his cottage by balloon entitled, "Spirit of Wiltshire." This was Seller's final movie. Too bad that many of his fans, including myself, missed this very funny one at the box office. And, for sure, Helen Mirren was a Wow.

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu
VHS in Spanish with subtitles and wasn't what I ordered. It was ordered new. VERY UNHAPPY with Video.

Campy, Satirical and Fiendishly Funny!
This movie is one that will either become one of your favorites or will cause you to ask yourself why it was even made. The difference lies in your previous exposure to the "Fu Manchu" mystique. For those of us who have previously read of the "Yellow Peril" and the "Vast Underground Conspiracy" the movie is a wildly funny romp through a fictional world where every oriental is working to enslave the human race. For those who have not read the original works by Sax Rohmer many of the most hilarious scenes and comments will slip by unnoticed. It is still a very entertaining movie, however, and is well worth watching, if only for the outrageously campy ending.

Very Funny. Fine Family Fun!
My parents hate this movie, and I don't know why. Peter Sellers is an actor beyond compare. This movie is one of the best evermade. It's a little campy but that's okay because that's what was intended! ... Read more