THE NOTORIOUS LANDLADY (1962) **1/2 Kim Novak appropriately (you'll see why) trots out about the worst British accent ever. She also designed her own clothes, so when she leans across the table and just stays there you'll understand that she's just trying to show off her.ehm, necklines, sleeves or something. And Jack Lemmon's performance holds up well all these years later, and Bing Crosby's elegance is for the ages even when he doesn't dance. Actually, I'm sorry to expose my ignoramusness by suggesting that I find him most elegant when he's not flitting about. Lionel Jeffries is probably funniest of them all, unless you maybe count Estelle Winwood. There are some fine actors in this one, my friends, and they're doing what they do very well. The real star though, I think, is Blake Edwards. His approach gives it all that slightly anarchic feel, that touch of absurdity that is just a little too far out to feel real (hence no stress in violence or even murder), but not far enough out to satisfy a Frenchman (and thus still tasteful, to some degree). I'm not saying that this is the greatest work of anyone involved, but it is an old black & white that you should be able to slide past even a most strident modernist, and there's a lot to say for staying power. It goes on for awhile, but also enjoys the virtue of saving the best for last.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything
Internet Movie Database