Main Cast: Natalie Wood, Ian Bannen, Dick Shawn, Peter Falk, Jonathan Winters
Release Year: 1966
Country: US
Run Time: 97 minutes
Plot
Can armed robbery help save a marriage? These and other questions about modern relationships are pondered in this comedy. Penelope Elcott (Natalie Wood) married James (Ian Bannen) after a very brief courtship, and as his star has begun to rise in the banking business, he spends less and less time with her, leading Penelope to wonder if he still cares for her. Penelope comes up with what she thinks is a good way to get James's attention -- disguising herself as an old lady and robbing his bank of $60,000. The robbery, however, goes off without a hitch, and wracked with guilt, Penelope confesses her crime to her analyst, Dr. Gregory Mannix (Dick Shawn). Mannix, however, isn't much help, since he's crazier than any of his patients and madly in love with Penelope to boot. Penelope also features Jonathan Winters in a one-scene role as Dr. Klobb. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
Penelope is a totally implausible comedy, and that very implausibility will be too big a liability for many viewers. Those willing to accept its ludicrous premise, however, will likely enjoy this featherweight romp. True, Penelope tries too hard to be wacky and zany and therefore ends ups a little too noisy and rowdy, but it's still amiable and fun. In the title role, Natalie Wood is also guilty of giving it too much of the old college try; depending upon one's tolerance for Wood's personality, this may or may not be a problem. Dick Shawn may also be something of an acquired taste, but there's very solid work from Ian Bannen, Peter Falk, Norma Crane, and especially Jonathan Winters. Arthur Hiller is a little off his form as director, but, in general, the film flows smoothly -- and it (and the leading lady) look terrific. The Edith Head costumes are yummy and the general design is candy-colored scrumptious. Penelope is not to everyone's taste, but those in the mood for an unchallenging evening will eat it up. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
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