Tony Curtis

In memoria

Tony Curtis passed away last week and TCM had a marathon of his films in tribute over the weekend.  I managed to catch this little gem of a film entitled "Who Was That Lady? from 1960" starring Tony, his wife Janet Leigh and Dean Martin.  I must admit that I've never even heard of this film when it aired, but I was intrigued by the premise:  Ann Wilson, (Leigh) catches her straight-laced husband, (Curtis) Columbia University Assistant Professor of Chemistry David Wilson, kissing another woman. From David's perspective, he was the one being kissed innocently, the woman in question was just a grateful transfer student. However, Ann immediately wants a divorce. On the advice of David's friend, actor Mike Haney (Martin) makes up a story that  David is really an FBI agent,  and that the kiss was all in the name of national security. David, with the help of Mike's prop friend, gets a fake FBI badge and gun. The ruse works, but Ann is a bit over-excited about her husband's secret life, and may not be able to keep her husband's occupation a secret. The real FBI somehow get wind that a fake ID has been made and decide to teach him a lesson.  The plot sounds ridiculous...and it is, but it is a very funny movie and worth watching, just for the restaurant scene alone!  Also, the Wilson's apartment in the film is just to die for.

The two blondes were hilarious!  

Sadly, when this was being filmed, Leigh and Curtis were having marital problems, but they never let that show in their performances, which just shows you how professional they were.  Martin is wonderful with his snappy dialog and sarcastic remarks and he even sings the title song for the film.