Tony Curtis marries women for their money then kills them. But then he marries a beautiful Italian woman who does the same for her husband. Who will wind up on top?
Most negative reviews focus on how the man kills his wives but neglect the culpability of the woman. Figures. It's the sort of sexual discrimination we've been fighting all these years. Ignore the bigots who have one standard for men and another for women and have a blast.
The movie is actually hilarious. And Curtis has no shame. Early on, describing his life, he plays a little boy in short trousers. He's a delight.
His victims include Anna Quayle and Fenella Fielding, both known for their comedy work; and Zsa Zsa Gabor, who is eventually the funniest.
The primary scene-stealer, of course, as usual, is Curtis's manservant, played by Lionel Jeffries.
Lots of taboo subjects were being explored at the time this movie was made, particularly respect for death. "The Assassination Bureau" with Oliver Reed and Diana Rigg, and Sid Caesar's "The Busy Body" also fall into this territory. And, what may be my favorite movie of all time, "The Wrong Box" with Michael Caine.
The fact is, for the open-minded, who can laugh heartily at death, this movie is hilarious right up to the final scene, which leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Every time I watch it I skip that part
It's one of Tony Curtis' most successful comedies, counting laughs per capita.
