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.
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.