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Irma la Douce
1963 147 min United States of America 12+
★7.8
Romance, Comedy
Director: Billy Wilder
Trailers
Description
When a recently fired policeman falls in love with a French prostitute, he doesn't want her to be with other men, so he creates an alter-ego in order to become her only customer.
Budget:
$5M
Worldwide:
$25.2M
Starring
Jack Lemmon
Actor
Shirley MacLaine
Actor
Lou Jacobi
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1964
— Best Musical Adaptation
Golden Globe 1964
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Academy Awards 1964
— Best Cinematography (Color)
BAFTA 1965
— Best International Actress
Golden Globe 1964
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1964
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
Golden Globe 1964
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Key opinion
Irma la Douce is a polarizing entry in Billy Wilder’s filmography, praised for its charming performances and visual style while often criticized for its bloated runtime and uneven narrative. While some viewers celebrate its quirky humor and romantic premise, others find the comedy forced and the pacing sluggish.
| Production | Alexandre Trauner's impeccable production design brings the red-light district to life with vibrant, authentic flair. | |
| Score | André Previn’s score effectively captures the whimsical Parisian atmosphere of the story. | |
| Runtime | The film’s excessive length creates a bloated viewing experience, with many critics arguing it would be more effective if significantly trimmed. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the lead performances are divided; supporters admire the chemistry and energy of Lemmon and MacLaine, while detractors find their character work repetitive or lacking in necessary cosmopolitan nuance. | |
| Pacing | The narrative's pacing is a subject of disagreement, with some viewers enjoying the escalation of the farce, while others find the middle section clunky and the transitions forced. |