User reviews

I wouldn't call it a classic, but PENELOPE is definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon. Natalie Wood is gorgeous and quite funny in the title role, and she has an amazing wardrobe. Dick Shawn and Peter Falk (practicing for COLUMBO?) provide strong supporting performances as a psychiatrist and a police lieutenant, respectively. Unfortunately, Ian Bannen lacks charisma, making it hard to believe that "Penelope" would choose his character over every other man in NYC. With its bright, bold colors and criminal exploits, PENELOPE plays like an extended episode of the "Batman" TV series. In fact, the film includes a reference to Batman. Definitely a must-see for Natalie Wood fans.

I was 16 when this movie came out and completely overlooked it. I'm afraid I was more into the new wave at the Paris than this kind of thing at the mall.

I saw it 30 years later and was astounded by the beautiful and to my eye authentic documentation of New York City at a moment of awesome and perishable beauty--a phrase that describes equally well the amazing Natalie Wood. The screenplay is a failed attempt at a 60s 'modern' screwball comedy, but the film work and editing are wonderful, and the camera has loved very few people with the intensity it loves Natalie Wood who glows in the wonderful 60s fashions.

Alright so it's not the greatest film in the world BUT I must recommend it anyway especially to those fans of the fabulously fun era of the late 60's. That 60's vibe is evident throughout the film. And I was surprised to hear "Johnny" Williams aprapos and quality score complete with Penelope theme song. Natalie Wood as Penelope is stunning and is also featured on a vocal number at the local "beatnik" club (now you don't want to miss that do you?) Peter Falk is the detective on Penelope's trail previewing his future role as Columbo and there are also many recognizable actors of that era in the film as well. Natalie Wood was very depressed over the lack of appreciation for this film but regained her career momentum with the success of "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" 3 years later.

This weren't as bad as some people say. There's three reasons to watch it: (3) There is actually some funny and witty material here, (2) the photography is gorgeous--both the interior shots and the glamorous locales of mid-1960's New York, and (1) Natalie is stunningly beautiful.

okay, it's not perfect. it's a 60's screwball comedy filled with color, humor and silliness. Natalie Wood is great in it, very funny and she wears great clothes. Peter Falk must have been practicing for Columbo and the guy who plays her husband is acceptable if a bit boring sometimes. but then, i guess he's meant to be viewed that way. Wood plays a bored housewife who steals things whenever she feels like her husband isn't paying attention to her due to his work. so she robs his colleagues. Now this is all well and good but she also robs her husbands bank of $60,000. thats the plot, absurd and silly but fun and very funny. i can't understand why it bombed at the box office, never mind, at least it was a good bomb. don't forget that some of the best movies out there bombed at the box office. this isn't one of the best movies out there but it's great fun and i can think of worse way for you to spend your time. 7/10. this movie would be nothing without the always great Natalie Wood, who didn't show her flare for comedy that often.

Pretty dumb comedy about neglected wife Natalie Wood becoming a kleptomaniac to get her husband's (Ian Bannen's) attention. She even sees a psychiatrist (a very annoying Dick Shawn) to try to be cured. Then she robs her husband's bank and things just get sillier...

This isn't a total bomb. It's beautifully photographed--I've never seen NYC look like this; the settings and costumes are incredible; Wood is just gorgeous and Bannen is handsome and actually quite amusing as her husband. But two things destroy this--the script and Shawn. Shawn is WAY over the top in his performance--he's not funny just annoying. The script is pretty poor--there are a few good parts here and there but most of the comedy is just BAD!!! Wood and Bannen give it their all but the material just isn't there. The rest of the cast just overacts (horribly). It leads to a "happy" ending which had me rolling my eyes.

So it's worth seeing for Wood, Bannen, the cinematography (letter boxing is a must) and some mildly humorous material. Otherwise--forget it. I give it a 6.

Enjoyed this slap-stick film which dealt with all kinds of crazy things that Natalie Wood,(Penelope Elcott) "Sex & The Single Girl",'64, managed to get involved with, in order to get the attention of her husband, a Bank Executive. There are lots of laughs in this film and Natalie Woods had just gotten a divorce from Robert Wagner when she made this film and still managed to give a great charming and sexy role, where she runs around in her bra and panties. Peter Falk,(Lt. Horatio Bixbee),"Columbo TV Series" plays a police officer and seems to be captivated by the wiggle of Penelope's body and takes exceptions to putting her in jail when she really commits a bad crime against her poor husband. It is rather sad to view this film and see a beautiful Natalie Wood and realize she had to die in such a horrible way in life.

This film is highly underrated. I have heard of how "Penelope" was a flop from other sources. I saw it on TCM today as one of the birthday tributes to Natalie Wood. To my surprise, I found this film highly entertaining. The dialogue was witty and funny. Love the humor. This is one of the comedic best of Natalie Wood! Dick Shawn, Peter Falk, and Ian Bannen, who played her analyst, a police detective, and her husband respectively, did a fantastic job as the three men who fell in love with Penelope. A very funny film, brilliant, brilliant film! I was not very fond of 60's humor, but I still found this film hilarious. Whether you are a fan of 60's comedies or not, I assure that you will enjoy it as much as I do.

When "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" was on television starring Laurence Olivier, Maureen Stapleton, Natalie Wood, and Robert Wagner, I was working in the office. The next day every guy in the place was swooning over Natalie Wood. She certainly was beautiful.

This film was made when she was on top of the world and also dating Arthur Loew, the producer, (and my good friend's stepfather).

She plays the eponymous Penelope, the stunning wife of a bank officer (Ian Bannen). Feeling neglected, she robs his bank, disguised as an old lady. She runs into the ladies room and becomes Penelope and walks out with $60,000.

Eventually, the detective assigned to the case, Lt. Bixbee (Peter Falk), looking at the robbery film and figures out it's the young woman leaving the bank. She's wearing a yellow Givenchy suit, which she promptly donates to a thrift shop.

She sees her psychiatrist (Dick Shawn), who is madly in love with her, and he totally freaks out when he realizes she's telling him the truth -- she's a robber!

He convinces her that the suit will be a problem, so she returns to the thrift shop to buy it back.

This is typical of '60s comedies -- not laugh out loud material, but featuring some glamour and a flimsy story.

It is a good and very capable cast, with funnymen Shawn and Jonathan Winters, Peter Falk, and Ian Bannen as her husband.

Sadly this movie failed miserably, and some time later, Wood attempted suicide and didn't make another film for three years. So while you might think having guys drooling all over you, money, success, and a powerful boyfriend are the keys to happiness, in her case, they weren't.

Natalie Wood finally gets a comedy vehicle all to herself, but the results are half-cocked. Crafty woman conspires to rob her husband's bank--perhaps because she needs love or attention--and that's the entire plot in a nutshell. It's dragged out for 97 minutes. Natalie and the supporting cast (colorful players like Peter Falk and Jonathan Winters) have, understandably, very little to work with, though the production values are plush and some of the comedy is breezy and amusing. Director Arthur Hiller mistakes broadly staged gags for funny set-pieces, and most often the movie is just silly. As for Natalie Wood, she provides what interest there is, she looks great (and sings beautifully!), but the entire film rests on her shoulders and it's not in her to carry the load alone. ** from ****

This was the first flick of Natalie's that I ever laid my eyes on, and, well, what can i say?... I was bedazzled, captivated, and why?, simply because it was Natalie. What is good about this movie?, 1-the cute little 60s outfits she wears!, you have to give her that. She embodied the true meaning of 60's style. 2-All the witty and light-headed arguments between Penelope and her therapist. 3-The persona created by Natalie as her Alterego Penelope seems to me now (with a wider knowledge of Natalie's Cinema) one of the finer representations of the charming and charismatic self that she in fact was, and well.... The movie in its wholesomeness turns to eye-candy before you can finish quoting it's title.

If you ever loved her, you love Penelope too.

I don't know where this movie has been all my life. I'd have enjoyed it immensely when I was an adolescent Natalie Wood fan. Back then it might have been a personal favorite. Looking back over more than sixty years of movie-watching, I reluctantly write "Penelope" off as just another comic heist caper, of the kind that proliferated in the 1960s, though an immensely enjoyable one.

Wood plays the wife of a banker who is also a kleptomaniac who holds up her beloved husband's bank. Do kleptomaniacs rob banks? Well, that's the premise. She sticks up her husband's bank for the fun of it. But what can she do with the money? Will the detective catch her (since, in retrospect, we know the detective is secretly Colombo under cover, we have preconceptions). And how does that impinge on her marriage? Did she rob her husband's bank as an attention-getting device? And how does she get the attention without confessing?

It's one of those silly-sixties comedies with a good cast and (thank goodness) no depth. Jonathan Winters is wasted in a tiny part, so don't watch "Penelope" for him. Dick Shawn, who was never able to flower the way he should have been allowed to, fares well in one of his better (albeit fairly straight) roles as a psychiatrist who needs a psychiatrist. Peter Falk is the detective on the case: but is he on the right track as much as he seems to be? The cast keeps unfolding, like they did back then, from Lou Jacobi in a plum role he makes delightful with his light touch, to Arlene Golonka to, in a dinky part, Jerome Cowan (who goes back to Fred Astaire movies).

The weak link in the chain is Ian Bannen. Rumor has it they wanted Dirk Bogarde for the part and he would have been fine, but equally as stiff. Bannen's a good actor when let off the leash but one I've never found funny. Back in his little-English-movies days they'd shove him in something like the Peter Sellers movie "Man in a Cocked Hat" as the straight man. Bogarde would have been equally wrong. They needed Laurence Harvey, who could have brought a wry wit to the role (why couldn't I have been a casting director?) Bannen's terribly miscast and they seem not to have informed him this was a comedy. He's not bad, he's just playing like he belongs in another movie.

The writing's a bit on the silly side, as comedies tended to be in the 1960s, though Wood has some lovely lines (of dialogue, I mean) and Shawn's perfectly wonderful as her desperate shrink. Their several scenes together are precious, in a good sense of the word.

The movie is overblown. It's wide screen with luscious sets, where people live in rooms the size of ordinary people's houses. Everything is too big for the slender plot. It also has several (stylized) flashbacks that vary greatly in quality though they all work together in a "pulp fiction" sort of way to fill in exposition, as if a movie like this needed any. I think the writers just didn't have enough plot to stretch ninety minutes.

I enjoyed the movie overall but I have a high tolerance for silly-sixties heist capers and for Wood, who may be an acquired taste in the twenty-first century. It's sad she died the way she did but I don't think she'd have aged well. She might have ended up making special appearances on "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Love Boat" and people would have said, "Is that Natalie Wood? I thought she was dead." Only, in this case, she was.

Wood was perhaps not the world's greatest thespian, but she's solid and effective here even if her performance hardly varies from the performances she gave in movies as varied as "The Great Race" and "Sex and the Single Girl." She's Natalie Wood. That's all we, her fans, expected of her, and that's what we got. We were satisfied.

The score isn't really that notable though it's by John Williams and the theme song, pure 1960s schmaltz, is terrible. Nothing dates a movie so quickly as trying to be of its time. An enjoyable movie if you like that sort of thing, and I do.

Natalie Wood, Peter Falk, Dick Shawn a great cast, NYC in the 60's a great location, even great opening credits… so how does this add up to such a boring movie? It is a movie I tried to there were some laughs and some great location shots, but what a bunch of annoying characters, I mean just about all of them. I guess Arthur Hiller was still just getting his feet wet; he did become a great director, and who would cast Ian Bannen as Penolpe's husband even as a straight man he's too much of a bore. As beautiful and sexy Penolpe is hers is the most annoying character of all, the Gracie Allen routine went out with... well Gracice Allen. I see that Hiller was trying to invoke the zaniness of the "screwball comedy" but this just came off as boring. High light - Natalie in her under garments being chased by Jonathan Winters

Made in 1966 during the heigth of her starpower, PENELOPE is not one of Natalie Wood's better pictures, although she looks beautiful throughout and is adorable. Natalie was dating Arthur Lowe Jr around this time and he coincidentally produced this film. Natalie was also savvy enough to surround herself with an exceptionally strong supporting cast: Peter Falk, Dick Shawn, the one note Lila Kedrova, and small parts by Jonathan Winters, and the overlooked Amzie Strickland( who still does commercials today ). STORYLINE: Natalie as PENELOPE is a gorgeous rich young wife who feels neglected by her handsome banker hubby, so she robs his bank while wearing an expensive "Givenchy" suit and spends the majority of the film either trying to get rid of or retrieve the suit ! Neither plausible, nor side splittingly funny, it is however, standard 60's lite fare. TRIVIA: The film bombed at the box office and Natalie attempted suicide not long after. Natalie didn't make another movie for 3 years after this one, returning in the smash hit BOB,CAROL,TED & ALICE. Edith Evanson, who played the look a like bank robber died exactly 1 year before Natalie on 11/29/81.

The ever-charming Natalie Wood (she does have a wiggle) plays the role of a married woman that seems to be a Kleptomaniac.. one that steals because she enjoys it. And funnily, she torments her psychiatrist with the tale! From here, we learn more about her character's past and are tasked with trying to find the probable reason as to why she is the way she is.

It is a rather simple script, but it is well executed, and manages to deliver some funny lines and situations. It is quite a strange and ridiculous premise that makes for a very interesting and refreshing watch! I These are the sort of movies that make me feel like I'm watching cinema for the first time, as I never know what to expect. Enjoyed it very much.

I saw this movie when I was a kid and thought it was pretty good. As an adult, however, I think it pretty much stinks. Natalie's character is just too much to take -- the writing is very bad. The guy chosen to play her husband shows no chemistry with Natalie whatsoever. Natalie is gorgeous of course and the clothes show she was the original "That Girl." Peter Falk is his usual glib self and with Dick Shawn I thought I was watching It's a Mad Mad Mad World. I've read that Natalie hated this movie and it almost seems to show in her performance. You can tell she and her co-star didn't have much going either; if you check the camera shots closely, it appears as if they shot a lot of their scenes separately. It's pretty sophisticated -- if you're 12 -- otherwise, save this one for when your're sick in bed with a fever.

A must for vintage, colourful movies - they don't colour'em like the used to. The strong female character a rarity, such cheerfulness which in more recent times has been a trademark of Meg Ryan and Reese Witherspoon. Wonderful scenes including "How to blow bubble-gum", including Penelope and a detective Horatio. Great scenes with her analyst Gregory, who, understandably, has a hard time not falling in love with Penny.

Natalie Wood was, without a shadow of a doubt, much more than just a pretty face. She was a charismatic and talented actress, capable of playing comedy and drama roles with equal ease and becoming the main source of interest in any film she appeared in.

Penelope is a good example of this. A well-written comedy, but one that would not be particularly interesting if it were not for the lead role played by Wood, despite being accompanied by actors of the caliber of Peter Falk, or comedians Dick Shawn and Lou Jacobi.

The one who gives body and life to this complex, childish but adorably perverse character, Penelope, is Natalie Wood. Everything else revolves around her, unable to shine alongside the sun that is Penelope.

It is not an anthology film, but a simple, fun, charming, well-written and produced comedy, tailor-made for Natalie Wood.

And for that alone, it is well worth watching.

The main reason to see 'Penelope' is lovely and always watchable Natalie Wood, immensely talented who sadly died tragically far too young with so much more to give. Another interest point is pre-'Columbo' Peter Falk, 'Columbo' still is one of my favourites and Falk's portrayal is iconic. Did like the idea for the story, the simple title was charming enough and have always appreciated the genre 'Penelope' fits under and the style of humour it was going for.

'Penelope' sadly however didn't really do much for me. It does have its good moments and things, namely the production values and Wood. Anybody expecting something funny, sophisticated, witty and well well and directed are best looking elsewhere. Not everybody will agree with all that and find that 'Penelope' is to their taste, but others will find that it could have been much better. Speaking as somebody who is regrettably one of them, sorry.

Certainly there are good things here in 'Penelope'. Its two main good things are the production values and Natalie Wood. The film has a glossy look to it that is very pretty to look at and very stylish without being garish. Wood looks absolutely gorgeous in the clothes she gets to wear. On top of looking lovely, Wood carries 'Penelope' with ease and displays great charm and spirit.

A couple of the other cast members come off well also, especially Falk in an amusing and authoritative turn in a part perfect for him. Ian Bannen has a rather dull character but he does his best in making him amiable enough. The music has a quirkiness that endears and the songs are an easy listen, as is Wood's singing. There are a few amusing and charming moments.

Sadly there is generally not enough of them. The story is very flimsy and not always very eventful, as well as predictable and contrived. Some parts feel like padding, such as that strange scene with Jonathan Winters. The film could have done with a far snappier pace as the energy is not always there. Neither is there enough momentum in the direction, which is bland most of the time.

Furthermore, the script has some amusing moments, but there is a general lack of wit and sophistication and instead it tends to be over-worked and corny. There is nothing really here that is hilarious either in dialogue or gags. The characters are generally dull and annoying, excepting those of Wood's and Falk's. Dick Shawn overacts and really gets on the nerves and Winters is wasted in a pointless and bizarre sequence that adds nothing to the plot.

Overall, watchable but not great by any stretch. Looks beautiful but somewhat strange. 5/10

I can't think of an actress to this day that could pull this movie off with such joy. I've seen it several times and each time I'm left with a happy feeling. It's not meant to be a serious movie, it's meant to bring laughter and she does that over and over throughout the movie. Thank you beautiful Natalie for making me smile.

If nothing else "Penelope" helps to explain the attraction the French have for Jerry Lewis movies, as unlike these "Penelope" type comedies the Lewis stuff actually contains a fair amount of humor. During the ten years before the arrival of Woody Allen and Mel Brooks, Hollywood had virtually ceded comedy over to television and concentrated on epics and overwrought melodrama. Disney did funny stuff for children like "The Shaggy Dog" and Disney alumni did beach movies for teenagers, but only Lewis was doing comedy features.

Hollywood did try to pass off a few very mild titillation films (for adults) as old style screwball comedies and "Penelope" is as good an example of this mislabeled genre as any other.

"Penelope" was Natalie Wood's last big starring role. She looks great but had no business being cast in this role because "The Great Race" had already revealed an almost complete absence of comedic talent and timing.

Technically it is a well-made production with a decent if not particularly witty script. You get a sense that the set was full of underutilized creative and production talent, constrained from making the film into more than its producers wanted.

It is interesting to see a very young Peter Falk playing (big surprise) a detective and perhaps even more interesting to see Dick Shawn as a relatively straight laced psychiatrist (why did director Arthur Hiller keep Shawn's manic talents in check?). Jonathan Winters makes a brief appearance as Penelope's lecherous college professor (in the film's main titillation scene).

There is even an appearance by the ubiquitous Fritz Feld, playing his standard pompous Frenchman, and (another big surprise) making popping noises by slapping his mouth with the palm of his hand to indicate his superiority and impatience.

If you just want to "look" at "Natalie" you could do worse than "Penelope". If you want actual comedy from the 1960's you will do a lot better with Jerry or with Frankie and Annette.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

When I was six years old this was on TV. I saw the beginning and was sent to bed. I just remember the great theme song with the cartoon credits ( I love cartoon credits.. EVERY movie should have cartoon credits.. do you realize how much better BLAIR WITCH PROJECT would be with cartoon credits?), the robbery and Jonathan Winters chasing Natalie Wood around. I remember thinking, "Why is he doing that?" After all these years I am finally watching it again. It is kinda surreal.. Like a spoof of wacky sixties farces. Wood plays a kleptomaniac. I await the remake with Wynona Ryder.