Robert J. Maxwell Jack Lemon is a newcomer to the Ambassador's staff in London. His boss is Fred Astaire. He rents half a house from the impecunious Kim Novak, an American whose husband has mysteriously disappeared. It's widely suspected that she poisoned hubby, using kidney pies that were so good that he asked for seconds. "It was the seconds that done him in," remarks a police officer. Lemon begins to wonder if she's going to poison him and is hypervigilant.The fact that Lemon and Novak are "living together" becomes a scandal. He's advised for the sake of his career to avoid being seen with Novak in public but when she tries to barbecue his dinner the burst of flame sets fire to the tarpaulin, screams break out, windows fly open, bells clang, and the fire department arrives -- that sort of thing.I didn't find it very funny, or very suspenseful either. Lemon tip toes from room to room, examining the contents of drawers, while Novak goes about her business in the kitchen. Lemon and Novak are competent enough. Fred Astaire is miscast in the role of the sarcastic boss who should be threatening instead of charming. Lionel Jeffries and Henry Daniell are both memorable in their brief appearances as a Scotland Yard official and a vicar.The film does the job it set out to do, but what it set out to do is only barely worth doing.

arsportsltd Kim Novak was a Columbia star and went from a supporting role in Jack Lemmon's great Phfft to co star in Bell Book and Candle to lead and top billed over Jack Lemmon in this wickedly funny comedy mystery directed by Richard Quine. This was the last movie Kim Novak made at Columbia and ended a legendary relationship between studio and star where Kim made Picnic, Pal Joey, Bell Book and Candle, Strangers When We Meet among others and her declared favorite film Middle Of The Night. Looking at times like the fabled Jean Harlow Ms. Novak reaches the top of the stardom ladder in this film. To me Kim Novak was what a movie star looked like!

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.

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.