Prudence... et la pilule

In movie after movie men & women regularly mate with each other without anyone ever fussing over contraception. This time however there's so much discussion of it you'd assume that the script by Hugh Mills was based on a play rather than on a novel (that he'd originally published in 1965). It certainly lends a new meaning to the description "oral sex" since all they ever appear to do is just talk about it; until the women suddenly all give birth en masse like the women of the village of Midwich.

The reality for women of taking contraceptive pills on a daily basis was seemingly a complete mystery to Mills, since he depicts them as indistinguishable from aspirins and dispensed by chemists in glass jars rather than individually in pop-out blister packs.

Despite it's rather desperate aim to be contemporary and "with it", the backdrop of extravagent wealth and its upper class characters simply heighten the generally pre-war feel of the thing.

I remember seeing this movie as a teen in the 80s, but had forgotten all of the particulars except for the fact that Deborah Kerr looked absolutely stunning and wore some great clothes. I had an opportunity to see it again recently and enjoyed the ride. This wasn't a Deborah Kerr film per se, but rather, an ensemble. David Niven was absolutely hysterical in the film. Some of the funniest scenes were of him up to shenanigans. The scene in the drug store getting aspirin was absolutely classic. Deborah Kerr, the reason I wanted to watch this movie, wasn't her usual genteel self, but I liked seeing her b!tchy side and the verbal sparring that went on between her and David Niven. All of the other characters were fun as well. This is a fun 60s romp with very little depth, but was entertaining enough to hold my interest until the end.

This silly romp is quite entertaining and even adorable. Its a lot of fun.

I am not the type of person who takes marriage and infidelity lightly. My attitude us be single or be married. Well this IS a farce and it does show how the complications that arise from sneaking around make it hardly worth the trouble.

This movie is a lot of fun and is about the best movie about sex that didnt show any sex. All the acting is superb and you will definitely laugh.This movie slightly predated the "real" sexual revolution and those of you that like your sex comedies a little more "bare" may be a bit disappointed for its lack of nudity, but not for its wit and humor!

In case you have any doubt as to the meaning of the title, I'll put you out of your misery: Prudence and the Pill is about the birth control pill. It's a hilarious British comedy starring David Niven and Deborah Kerr that proves you can get pregnant even if you think you're too old, and even if you think you're on the pill.

In the 60s, it wasn't as commonplace for women to be on the birth control pill as it is today-or was it? As David Niven's maid's boyfriend hides birth control pills in her vitamin bottle-so as to not insult her by suggesting she prevent a pregnancy-the maid switches her vitamins, which are really birth control pills, with Deborah Kerr's birth control pills, which are really just vitamins. Why are they vitamins? Because David and Deborah have a marriage in name only; they each have extramarital affairs, and in order to get a divorce and marry his mistress, David wants to prove his wife's infidelity. He switches her pills with vitamins-what's a better proof of infidelity than a pregnancy?

The plot is fast-paced and a little complicated, but if I didn't get confused, you won't either. The humor is very British, but I found it absolutely hilarious. If you like British comedies, you'll absolutely love this one. It's a sex comedy with references rather than raunchiness, so it's classy and funny and sexy all at the same time-just like David Niven! I love him anyway, so I was a little predisposed to like this movie, and it shows off his comedic talents wonderfully. Also, I know Deborah Kerr was more famous for her meaty dramatic roles, I actually like her better when she's being funny! Give this one a try and see which side of her you prefer.