Watch The Notorious Landlady

The Notorious Landlady is a 1962 comedy-mystery film, directed by Richard Quine, and featuring an all-star cast that includes Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, and Fred Astaire. The film follows a new arrival in London, William Gridley (Lemmon), a junior diplomat who rents an apartment from the beautiful and mysterious landlady, Mrs. Carlyle Hardwicke (Novak). Shortly after moving in, Gridley finds himself waking up next to a dead body and embroiled in a murder investigation.

As Gridley tries to clear his name, he becomes increasingly suspicious of his landlady's intentions. With the help of his friend and boss, Franklyn Ambruster (Astaire), Gridley launches his own investigation into the murder and Hardwicke's possible connection to it. Along the way, the trio find themselves caught up in a web of espionage, misdirection, and mistaken identity.

The Notorious Landlady is a playful and witty film, with charming performances from its lead actors. Novak is captivating in her role as the mysterious landlady, with her sultry voice and smoldering presence adding to the film's sense of intrigue. Lemmon's comedic talent is on full display as the hapless diplomat, and Astaire proves that he's just as entertaining on screen as a character actor as he was as a dancer.

The film's script, written by Blake Edwards and Larry Gelbart, is filled with clever dialogue and unexpected plot twists. The mystery at the center of the story is engaging, and the film manages to balance its comedic moments with its more dramatic ones.

In addition to its strong cast and script, The Notorious Landlady also benefits from its London setting. The film captures the city's lively energy and rich history, giving audiences a glimpse into both the glamour and the grit of mid-century London.

Overall, The Notorious Landlady is a delightful and entertaining film that's sure to please fans of classic Hollywood comedies and mysteries alike. Its memorable characters, clever plot, and charming setting make it a standout example of the genre, and a must-watch for anyone looking for a fun and engaging movie experience.

The Notorious Landlady is a 1962 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.