Irma la dolce

Billy Wilder is one of the few masters, and his writing brilliance is on full display in this film about a straight-laced cop who falls for a prostitute, and cooks up an ill-conceived scheme to keep her as his own.

Jack Lemmon was very good at this sort of broad, slapstick comedy, and you can see his influence on other great comedy actors, particularly Tom Hanks. He and Shirley MacLaine generally succeed at reprising their screen chemistry from 'The Apartment'. And Lou Jacobi, in the roll of Moustache, the all-seeing, all-knowing cafe owner, steals the show.

The film has some laugh-out-loud moments, and would be deserving of an 8 or even 9 had Wilder not overcooked the ending. A traditional Shakespeare would have ended 20-30 minutes earlier, the moment when the deception is revealed and the gig is up, however, Wilder decided to milk it, and ultimately, the film jumps the shark with some truly nonsensical and unnecessary plot twists. It's a shame. However, the first two hours contain some great moments, so would ultimately recommend it, especially for Wilder fans.