Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Bluebell Alcock Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Hattie I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

Robert D. Ruplenas I watched this through Netflix, being intrigued to see a movie hitherto unknown to me starring Jack Lemmon. With Kim Novak and Fred Astaire on the marquee as well, I was intrigued. But what an awful disappointment. The first half of the flick was fun to watch, especially seeing Fred Astaire put in his classy bit. The cinematography of London was beautiful and the production values were great, but after the first half, the movie just disintegrates into incoherence. The plot complications are too complex to keep track of and after a while one just gives up. One shouldn't have to work so hard to keep track of things in what is supposed to be a frothy comedy. The insertion at the end of outright slapstick seems like an act of desperation. The actors do their best, but the fault ultimately lies with the script. Sad, really to see such talent wasted.

miss_meli This movie is now out on DVD albeit in Jack Lemmon's collection and not alone but it is a film on a single disc so while not sold separately it should suffice. The print is in excellent condition. I'm only upset that I only just now purchased as I just now found out about it by chance! I had a bad print years ago and reluctantly parted with it even though I enjoyed the film immensely. My top film used to be a tie between Casablanca and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind but now those films have been bumped down to number two and number three. This is now my first favorite film. Is it better than those films-absolutely not-not even close. Those two films are masterpieces. For me personally, those films are films I can't watch too often, maybe because they aren't light films. The Notorious Landlady is a film that requires repeated viewings because of the enjoyable performances. The first time you view it you just want to see what happens, the next time you view it you want to see it knowing what you now know from the first time, etc., by the next couple of times you view it you will appreciate the Novak-Lemmon romance all the more. What I like about their romance is that while its complicated it isn't vulgar nor is it sappy. The music is unforgettable (great love theme for Kim and Jack) and the dialog is excellent and witty. I find myself pausing the film to laugh at lines I didn't catch or get at another time. This film doesn't take itself seriously, which makes it inviting to watch. Kim Novak is perfectly cast and alluring, Jack Lemmon is romantic and sexy. I cannot forget to mention Fred Astaire-this has to be one of his best roles! The supporting cast is excellent too. The film has so much depth, so many layers to peel and enjoy. Its what more films should be like if they can't be masterpieces; they should be like this.

moonspinner55 Jack Lemmon, Kim Novak, and Fred Astaire struggle to enliven minor mystery-comedy involving an American man working in London, renting a room from a sexy, shady lady who's under surveillance after her husband died rather suspiciously. First-half of the movie is lax, with a witless build-up of the characters; by the second-act, director Richard Quine turns the whole thing into mad slapstick, and the characters into ninnies. Novak's comedic timing is commendable, though Quine does his best to exploit her--and no actress could keep her dignity during a bathtub scene wherein she's required to cover her bare chest with her arms throughout a long conversation. Kinda tacky. ** from ****

AndreaValery I just bought this video from a reputable company. I was quite surprised to see that it was available - it has been out of circulation for years. One person told me long ago that it had never been put on video. That person was obviously misinformed.The video itself is not in the best condition. The film is in black and white and there are several moments of white glare, followed by excessive darkness. There are some breaks and pops, just like my old LP's.These visual defects, strangely enough, added to my enjoyment, for they gave the movie a vintage quality. Indeed, one has the feeling that this movie could have been made in the 1930's or 1940's. This film is a direct descendant of earlier screwball comedies and screwball mysteries such as the Thin Man. Kim Novak looks at times like Jean Harlow and the scenes of London are a wistful reminder of how very British the city once was. The clever plot revolves around the question of Mrs. Hardwicke played by Kim Novak. Is she or is she not guilty of murder? Briefly Bill Gridley wrestles with himself over this issue, but his attraction to her gets the upper hand. Hey, what's one dead husband when you're in love?An unexpected event leads to a zany trial and last but not least to a madcap chase straight out of a Buster Keaton comedy. Lovely Kim really has trouble keeping her hat on as she tears through the fields in pursuit of poor Estelle Winwood.I found Jack Lemmon in top form, contrary to one commentary posted here. He is completely natural, without the slightest hint of effort. But he usually is this way.Casting Fred Astaire was a stroke of genius - his presence adds even more vintage, and I mean vintage in the most complimentary sense. He is a real asset and I wish he had just danced a little.All in all, great fun.