...e tutti risero

This film is worth watching. Screwball comedy stylings brought up-to-date... ie 80's New York.

Perhaps this'll move some of you: it made Quentin Tarantino's list of his Top Ten Films of All-Time in 2002.

This film is supposed to be pure escapism, unfortunately it is merely irritating. Ben Gazzara wanders round as if we're meant to think he's the ultimate in cool, when in fact there's no conceivable reason I can see why every woman within a radius of 10 miles should be lusting after him.

In fact this is a problem with all the characters - John Ritter's geeky act is a pain in the butt after about the first 10 minutes, yet somehow the Stratten character fall for him. As does the annoying country & western singer.

And even Audrey looks as if she's going through the motions - painfully thin in looks as well.

And finally the script - it tries for that laconic sharp Woody Allen/Neil Simon style but falls miserable short of that quality.

Bring back Paper Moon!

Screwball comedy about romantic mismatches in New York City. Peter Bogdanovich is obviously in love with all the women in his picture--he reveres them--yet Audrey Hepburn is (naturally) put a notch above the others because, after all, she's the princess Bogdanovich probably fell in love with at the movies 30 years prior. He shoots her in loving close-ups, gets right in the sheets between her and a wonderfully hard-boiled/soft-boiled Ben Gazzara, and allows her room to sparkle throughout. The love-connections made in the course of the film are fast and amusing, though I did tire of John Ritter's TV-styled klutziness. Colleen Camp, Dorothy Stratten, and the grounded, earthy-sensual Patti Hansen are all exciting to watch. But it's really Hepburn's valentine and she absolutely glows. *** from ****

Everybody seems to be following everyone in this caper from Bogdanovich. Some really big names: Audrey Hepburn, Ben Gazzara, and of course, 33 year old John Ritter, while he was still making Three's Company. Minimal speaking, at least the first part of the film. Turns out, private-eyes are following spouses who may be playing around. Some pretty good singing by Colleen Camp, who plays the jealous Christy. Great street scenes of New York city. Patti Hansen (now MRS. Keith Richards in real life! ) is taxi driver Sam, who pals around with Russo (Gazzara). although everyone is pretty much hitting on everyone in this tangled bowl of spaghetti. lots of following people around the streets of new york. Bogdanovich explores married people flirting and fooling around. and partners and new friends keep meeting the other partners. Bogdanovich really explores un-expected new relationships, and people having multiple partners. Why does Christy keep saying Charles?? quite odd. and "Jose" is Hepburn's real-life son. lots of similarities to What's Up Doc, but that was just one person trying to steal the engaged guy away from his fiancee. As goofed up as director Bogdanovch's personal life was, he sure made some great films. My personal favorite is What's Up Doc? really interesting info him on wikipedia, as well as a full interview in New York Magazine March 2019. Good character study.

Most of the major actors here do their best with not much to work with. The plot is nonsensical and way over the top. The dialogue seemed to be written by an amateur even though Peter Bogdanovich actually wrote it. This is supposed to be a romantic comedy. If so it's a comedy without any comedy and not much romance. The saving grace here is the nostalgic factor. Watching Audrey Hepburn and Ben Gazarra is a pleasure and in a different movie they may have further contributed to their impressive careers. In this mess, their scenes are impressive to watch precisely for their skill but what their characters do defies logic and you simply just don't buy it. John Ritter is very good and Dorothy Stratton holds her own because all she really has to do is look gorgeous. Collen Camp is, at best, mediocre and the weakest link in this cast. This film is only for film buffs who want to relive an era and marvel at the grace and charm of Ms. Hepburn. They may have all laughed but they weren't watching this movie when they did!!!