In a way, it's a typical Jack Lemmon character: Demanding, often unreasonable, aggravated & angry.
In Italy for very personal reasons, he gets entangled in a few messes. There's comedy alright. He just wants to get his business done and return to America. Of course that doesn't happen.
What makes this movie is Juliet Mills. I confess I didn't know she was Haley Mills sister until now. I had seen her on tv decades ago but didn't pay her much mind.
In this vehicle though, she's pretty delightful, and makes the movie. Her character, while fragile, is also sweet, and quite the free spirit at the same time.
Of course I must make mention of the naked scene where the two stars swim out to a rock, and bask in the sun, still in the raw. Now who doesn't love Lemmon? Classic icon American actor. And even if he were 25, I'd prefer to see him clad in some kind of clothing. At 47, even my wife wanted to cover her eyes. If he would've just stayed underwater.
Juliet Mills? The polar opposite. She was 31 here, and just as pretty as a woman gets. The 'girl next door beautiful', which for many of us, is simply the most attractive and alluring. And forgive me, but what a body. Holy cow, was she one vivacious Brit. Just plain hot. It was 1972 so everything was real too!! Could have viewed her all day; whether it be in the raw or in the beautiful dress she donned at dinner.
The movie is fun enough. It hinges on the hi-jinx resulting from the not so ethical, Italian elements around town, all of whom are out for a quick buck from the well-to-do Lemmon. These somewhat cornball bad guys are also the source of much of the comedy. The bad guys have a "Pink Panther" flavored hokeyness to them that keeps everything light. (I speak in general here so as not to spoil it for those who wish to take in this movie for the 1st time.)
I recommend it for a viewing. Jack doing his thing to a tee, and little known Juliet Mills is as charming as she is naturally beautiful.
Thx
Bob R.
