This is one of the funniest and best-written comedies I have ever seen. Jack Lemmon is in top form, and Virna Lisi (in her first American film) is beautiful, sexy and delightful. Stanley (Lemmon) is a successful cartoonist and confirmed bachelor. He is ably assisted by his manservant, Charles, played by the always-funny Terry-Thomas. Not only is Charles a confirmed bachelor, also, but he refuses to work for any man who isn't.
After a riotous night of drinking at a friend's bachelor party, Stanley awakens the next morning to find himself married to the lovely girl who popped out of the cake (Lisi). (Ironically, during the party his friend's marriage was called off.) Stanley remembers nothing, and to make matters worse, his bride speaks nary a word of English. Worse still, she hails from Italy where (at the time) divorce is forbidden. Stanley is desperate for a way to end the marriage, and quickly, but no one is able to help him. In a delicious irony, he slowly develops a fondness for his wife, only to have her leave him when he no longer wants her to. I won't reveal the rest of the plot, but the denouement is inspired, and the ending is laugh-out-loud funny.
After a riotous night of drinking at a friend's bachelor party, Stanley awakens the next morning to find himself married to the lovely girl who popped out of the cake (Lisi). (Ironically, during the party his friend's marriage was called off.) Stanley remembers nothing, and to make matters worse, his bride speaks nary a word of English. Worse still, she hails from Italy where (at the time) divorce is forbidden. Stanley is desperate for a way to end the marriage, and quickly, but no one is able to help him. In a delicious irony, he slowly develops a fondness for his wife, only to have her leave him when he no longer wants her to. I won't reveal the rest of the plot, but the denouement is inspired, and the ending is laugh-out-loud funny.