Irma La Douce

I watched this film as part of some research into Andre Previn's work in Hollywood, and as this was one of the works that he recieved an Oscar for, was essential viewing.

Given the line up of wilder, McLaine and Lemmon, you would imagine that this film could not go wrong, but I just cannot understand why anyone once thought it funny. If it had been produced in France (where it was first written) it might have worked, as the French can do this kind of thing with a charm that English/Americans can't. Also, if it had been done as a musical (which I was expecting it would be) it might have worked, but as a comedy it doesn't.

The fact is, in 2011 I cannot find a film about the life of street prostitutes in any way funny, let alone light hearted and charming. It shows how naive the public were when this film was made in that censorship was so strict, but this subject was seen as OK, presumably because 'nobody' really understood the reality behind what this film was about.

One to be consigned to film history students.

A naive gendarme is sacked after raiding a Paris brothel frequented by his boss. He subsequently falls for one of the girls and becomes her pimp. But, consumed with jealousy he disguises himself as a rich English lord to prevent her having any other clients. Lemmon and MacLaine are as wonderful as ever and Lou Jacobi is marvellously droll as the bar owner Moustache, but there is no doubt this is Wilder lite. Despite the rather risque premise it just doesn't have that edge that all his best work had. It looks and feels like a musical with the songs removed, which is exactly what it is.

A film I remebered seeing years and years ago, but which is never on the telly these days.

A real joy to watch, both Lemmon and Maclaine at their best, and an excellent supporting cast.

I remember seeing this film in the cinema in 1965 (if I remember correctly) and it was good to see it again. However, it detracted slightly from my enjoyment of it to have the two main characters speaking with an American accent although they were supposed to be French.

Very difficult to stay with this one, as it's so dated and corny. It's what Americans call a comedy which means it's slapstick, and at a slow pace which then isn't funny. Even the presence of a great actor like Jack Lemmon doesn't help.

Each scene is so strung out and slow, the story takes forever to unwind, and even then it leaves you with the feeling of was it worth it.

The answer is no.