Die Frau in Rot

The movie begins with Teddy apparently about to jump off a ledge nine stories up. Why? He starts to tell us how it all began, and we go back to that day with the scene straight out of 'Seven Year Itch', only Charlotte has dark hair and is dressed in red. And it turns out she is a model for the San Francisco cable car ad campaign, which Teddy is involved with. Despite that, Teddy has a lot of trouble meeting this woman, and his attempts meet with humorous results. For example, on more than one occasion he thinks he is talking to her but it turns out to be Ms. Milner, and this is good for a number a laughs.

Teddy, however, shouldn't be thinking about another woman. He is married to Didi and they have two daughters. If Teddy needed any incentive to behave himself, he should keep in mind what happened to Joey when he cheated on Teresa (Joey and Teresa's young son is staying with Teddy and Didi). And apparently he is not destined to have a relationship with Charlotte, because his attempts are just one disaster after another.

Gene Wilder is good as always, especially with physical comedy and when he has to talk his way out of jams. Kelly LeBrock is pleasant and sweet, with a slightly naughty side (I saw an edited version, so I surely didn't see all there was of her). Gilda Radner is nasty in a way that didn't appeal to me, but others might like it. I liked most of the songs by Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder, some of which they did together--though one gets played entirely too much on the radio all these years later and I got tired of it long ago. There is some physical comedy, but plenty of funny situations too. But the movie is not all funny. Some of it is touching, and some parts are depressing.

Some highlights, in addition to Joey's nasty surprise and Ms. Milner's bizarre behavior:

-We hear one side of what may be a very naughty phone conversation at Teddy's workplace.

-A hilarious scene in a nice restaurant where one of Teddy's friends pretends to be blind and causes chaos.

-Shelly, whose hairstyle sort of looks Native American (while black on the sides, it's red and blonde in the middle) even though his parents are Jewish, has come to take Teddy's daughter Missy to a David Bowie concert.

-Didi explains what happened to Joey and Teresa but doesn't say everything.

-Teddy and Didi are getting ready for a big night, but that gets interrupted.

-Teddy's grandmother Mama Dell is celebrating her 85th birthday. I can't say more, but from the time Teddy arrives at her apartment until the end of the movie, everything is great and most of it is very funny. I can say, since this is how the movie began, that Teddy does end up out on a ledge.

This was a pleasant, slightly naughty farce that was really worth seeing.

I first seen this movie years ago and really liked it, and now after checking it out again, it still has that magic. It also includes a fine cast of stars. Gene Wilder is pretty funny in this. There are plenty of gags too. But, unlike most comedy films, there is a decent and enjoyable storyline included as well. So I'd say there's something for everyone in this movie. It's romantic, funny, engaging and damn right crazy at times! Check it out! 8/10

"The Woman in Red" is Gene Wilder's somewhat sloppy comedy that's a remake of the 1977 French movie "Pardon Mon Affaire". Wilder did triple duty on this film. He not only stars but also wrote and directed the picture. As a writer and director, he does a so-so job. This movie has alot of silly moments that are totally preposterous. And it contains a few laughable lines of dialogue. But "The Woman in Red" for the most part is a pretty funny film. Wilder is good as Teddy Pierce, a married man who one day see's a beautiful woman wearing a red dress. After catching a glimpse of this woman, he becomes obsessed with her, and can't get her out of his mind. Wilder gets some good support from an exceptional cast which includes Charles Grodin, Joseph Bolonga, Judith Ivey, Kelly LeBrock (as The Woman in Red), and of course Wilder's late wife, Gilda Radner. "The Woman in Red" ain't a great comedy, but a good one. Only if Wilder had done a better directing job this would have been a great farce.

*** (out of four)

I literally laughed till i cried at this super piece of work. I am a big fan of Gene Wilder, he seems to have a natural ability to make me laugh, so i knew i was in for a good laugh here. I must have seen The Woman in Red about 12 times now over the years and it just keeps getting better. What a shame Gene Wilder doesn't make movies any more, i feel there is no good talent around for comedy these days. It seems to be just young guys who are good looking so people would like them whatever they do. Gene Wilder on the other hand is a comedy legend, not just an actor but a director and writer, he is a man of many talents and i really miss him. Also worth noting about The Woman in Red is the soundtrack by Stevie Wonder, it's so 80's and it just brings me back to those days again. Gene Wilder plays a man seeking adventure in his life and becomes obsessed with the woman in red played by Kelly LeBrock. That's your basic storyline, simple and straight to the point so the laughs begin immediately as Teddy (Wilder) pursues Charlotte (LeBrock) and gets into all kinds of trouble as he chases after the woman in red. Hilarious.

I first saw this movie about 18 years ago and found it below average. The main reason for viewing it was may admiration for Gene Wilder after the early Mel Brooks movies... Gene Wilders appearances in The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and, not to forget although not from Mel Brooks, Silver Streak are rightfully and indisputably regarded as masterpieces by now. Compared to these highlights, I actually found The Woman in Red slightly dull.

Watching it on Cable-TV yesterday, i.e. January 2006, I got a completely different impression. I don't know if the difference is just me being 20 years older and more tuned-in with the main character, but now I experienced a warm, enjoyable movie filled with a mild madness I found most appealing. The spirit of the early 80's is very evident, this is not a timeless movie. Nevertheless, I find it more up-to-date with human emotions and behavior than most contemporary attempts in the "daily life comedy" genre.

Finally, if you - just like me - was disappointed by this one twenty years ago, give another try!