Irma la Douce
Irma la Douce

Irma la Douce

1963Movie147 minEnglish

When a recently fired policeman falls in love with a French prostitute, he doesn't want her to be with other men, so he creates an alter-ego in order to become her only customer.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users83%
Director: Billy WilderGenres: Comedy, Musical, Romance

Plot Summary

In the seedy underbelly of Paris, a naive police officer named Nestor Patou attempts to clean up the streets by cracking down on prostitution. He falls for Irma, a cheerful prostitute, and decides to protect her by posing as a wealthy and possessive "client" named Lord X. His elaborate charade escalates as he must maintain the illusion of Lord X, leading to increasingly comical and complex situations.

Critical Reception

Irma la Douce was a critical and commercial success, praised for its witty screenplay, lively performances, and Billy Wilder's masterful direction. Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon received particular acclaim for their roles, and the film's blend of humor and charm resonated with audiences and critics alike.

What Reviewers Say

  • Shirley MacLaine delivers a star-making performance as the titular Irma.
  • Jack Lemmon's dual role is a comedic tour-de-force.
  • Billy Wilder's direction and screenplay are sharp and hilarious.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's humor, the chemistry between the lead actors, and the charming Parisian setting. Some found the plot a bit convoluted at times, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Shirley MacLaine), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Won 1 Oscar for Best Original Score. Shirley MacLaine won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 1956 Broadway musical of the same name, which also starred Shirley MacLaine in its initial run.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I love the first half hour of this film. It's all about the fastidious policeman "Patou" (Jack Lemmon) who is unwittingly transferred into a Parisian red light district where he encounters the eponymous hooker (Shirley MacLaine) plying her ...
John Chard

John Chard

One of Wilder's most divisive film's amongst his fans. Adapted from Alexandre Breffort's stage musical, Irma la Douce in film form turns into something of a roller-coaster ride. Even allowing for the absence of the songs (a major gripe ...
John Chard

John Chard

One of Wilder's most divisive film's amongst his fans. Adapted from Alexandre Breffort's stage musical, Irma la Douce in film form turns into something of a roller-coaster ride. Even allowing for the absence of the songs (a major gripe ...