js-58417 "Under The Yum Yum Tree" (1963) is not as bad as some reviewers may have you believe if you consider the time it was made.It's hard to believe that no other reviewer seems to get the basic premise of this story. The concept is shown at the beginning titles (not to mention the film's title.) The "Yum Yum Tree" has grapes (fruit) hanging off of it while a man and woman dance around it. This is clearly representative of the Bible story in Genesis with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve is tempted by the snake (Satan) to take a bite of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Doing so will make her aware of her nakedness and therefore 'Carnal Sin'. She then corrupts Adam by convincing him to do the same.In this film, a young college girl, Robin (Carol Lynley) moves into a new apartment with her boyfriend, Dave (Dean Jones in Goody-Two-Shoes mode) to prove that they can cohabitate as intelligent adults in a platonic situation before they get married. The landlord, Hogan (Jack Lemmon), is literally the devil incarnate. He spends the entirety of the movie doing all he can to entice the young couple to break their moral code and have sex. Even going so far as to make sexual advances toward her himself.The film is presented as something of a fantasy/fairy tale, so the behavior and sets do seem a bit unreal. This sort of approach was popular as a sub-genre of the day. Compare it to "Damn Yankees" (1958) or "Bedazzled" (1967) as devil characters presented broadly, or even "Bell, Book & Candle" (1958). Therefore, Hogan is certainly a lecherous creep and Peeping Tom, surrounding himself in his apartment complex with young women of perhaps loose morals, which when considered as real human characteristics would be far beyond acceptable behavior. But when seen as the Devil himself his behavior makes more sense. It is supposed to be over-the-top! Hogan dresses in red, drives a red sports car, has an apartment with red carpet, walls, & furnishings. At one point Dave is sleeping on the couch snoring. Hogan sneaks in and waves his hand above Dave's head and the snoring stops, showing a bit of supernatural power. Later, Hogan mentioned that he is devilish while examining his key cabinet, then the film cuts to Dave who briefly prays "Oh God".True, the premise isn't too complicated and there is very little plot, but for an early '60s foray into "modern" sexual relationships it's all pretty harmless. Especially since the couple passes the test to stay chaste until married. The fun is in the over-the-top performances by Lemmon and the always amusing Paul Lynde & Imogene Coca. Worthy viewing for fans of the era, genre, or stars.

ptb-8 Well it's a 2 or a 10 depending on how and where you see it. Personally I would advise every gay movie night schedule include this gasp worthy drivel for girls to howl and throw things at the screen. YUM YUM TREE is possibly the most inane insulting sexist farce this side of CARRY ON AGAIN DOCTOR which makes the viewer crippled with lockjaw horror. If you are an infantile dimwit swinging bachelor who fantasizes about trapping women in the apartment he has rented to them... well very SAW and HOSTEL, now-day, this 1963 so called sex comedy is as much fun as a wet towel. And a towel from the dog bed not the bedroom. Jack Lemmon is strident and he must have been so embarrassed in later years for making this. Imogen Coca is wasted in a lame role as sadly she always was. This is a terrible film. Insulting. The TV music with the tiddly xylophone music to signal 'comedy scene' is groan-worthy. Stupid eye rolling dialog and bimbo characters make this ideal for bad movie night especially for Lesbians who will choke on the sexism of the whole concept and execution. The ONE good thing is his red car (!) in which they go on a picnic....

krdement This movie is a real stinker. I confess that I never have understood the comic appeal of extremely annoying characters. They just grate on my nerves. That describes Jack Lemmon in spades in this so-called comedy (which is really a farce). If a farce depicts mostly unbelievable characters portrayed by hammy actors in situations that defy any credibility, then this is a farce, and for those of you out there who enjoy such movies, this is the one for you.Almost as annoying as Mr. Lemmon's character is the boyfriend, portrayed by Dean Jones. I was, however, surprised to learn via this film that Mr. Jones appeared in films made outside of Disney - where he really belongs! Although Carol Lynley is no great shakes as an actress, she is beautiful - never more so than in this film. She is the only positive in this whole mess.This is a prime example of Hollywood's implosion after the golden age - due in no small part to the Code. Hollywood was totally incapable of depicting the 60's in a way that remotely reflected the reality. To prove the point, you only have to listen to the soundtracks of films that attempt to reflect the Pop Culture of the time: NONE OF THE MOVIES OF THAT ERA use any contemporaneously popular music! It is always some Hollywood producer's ersatz imitation. The soundtracks are a joke! Films like Under the Yum Yum Tree have that same hopelessly out-of-touch feel, even though music is not a critical element. The bizarre distortion of those times in films such as this is just as annoying as Mr. Lemmon's character.The equally bizarre concoction of morals - from hokey prudishness to monumental lecherousness - is not depicted with humor, but with that same Hollywood perspective that bears so little resemblance to reality that it is a hollow basis for humor.

fairwaters Love Jack Lemmon? Then give this naughty little comedy a spin! Of course films made 40 years ago were not made to today's social standards. but that doesn't stop this wicked romp from being completely enjoyable. Imogene Coca offers up a spirited protagonist in this film. a performance that should not be missed! Shake up a swinging cocktail and sit back in your velvet lounge for a delicious sexual frolic.34 year old female.