jzcareer
When watching this movie for the first time on TV several years ago, I feel in love with it. However, it does not try to present itself as being a great artistic work of cinema but, a comedy. It is like watching a 90 minute Saturday Night Live episode with the two leading stars playing off of each other. What, I enjoyed the most is that while Mr. Hope is playing his role only for laughs Ms. Hepburn is playing her role straight So, when watching the two of them it is a little bit like the classic "Odd Couple" TV show. Also, I could tell that the theme of women not being treated equal when doing the same job as a man even in a communism Country would have been a safe way to highlight social change during the 1950's in the US. In addition, the wonderful uniforms, skirt suits, evening dresses, and other items worn by Ms. Hepburn were just outstanding.
Sdp1317
I had no idea that Katherine Hepburn ever made an Awful movie, but this one qualifies. What possessed her to make this horrible picture???? The accent is absurd. The costumes are hideous. She is so out of place. And Bob hope???? As stupid as usual. This one should have been left on the floor. I have read that 12 minutes of Hepburn's performance were cut by the Hope team for the US version. Pity. But I think it was a bad idea from the get go. And on another note, the 10 line minimum requirement for this post is also ridiculous. This movie was sooooo bad there is no need to waste ten lines in describing how awful it is! I am at a total loss on what else to say other than do not watch it and I am sorry I wasted my time writing this
cinemabon
If you're looking for a title that shows off Katy Hepburn's talents, this should be at the bottom of the list. For MGM in the 1950's, it was easier and cheaper to rework an old script rather than write new material. Such was the case with this reworking of "Ninotchka" originally a vehicle for Greta Garbo. In this instance, Dore Schary, in trying to save money and put up a "big star" convinced Hepburn to take the part. To say her Russian accent is a cross between New England slang and bad British is to be kind. Hope was so dismayed over Ben Hecht's script, that he and producer Harry Saltzman conspired with outside writers to give Hope "ad libs" to punch up his part. This so infuriated Hecht that he went to Schary and demanded his name be taken off the project (which Schary did not allow). Slated to make its network premier this month on Turner Movie Classics I would encourage fans of Hepburn patience in watching this debacle between British director Ralph Thomas and two "prima-donna" stars who departed this film never speaking to one another again. An absolute turkey and not recommended except for the most die hard Hope fans who like his ab lib humor.
Glyn Treharne
The late Hepburn and Hope were an odd coupling, but they did manage to generate a certain amount of chemistry.Hepburn's interpretation of a Russian aviatrix is nothing more than a caricature, and the script presents a view of Russia and its people in line with the anti-Soviet sentiments of the McCarthy fifties. However, Kate does look great in her military uniform, and she is also woman enough to make you believe that Hope would fall for her. There was always something about the way Hepburn looked at a man that led you to believe he was in for a truly joyous experience.This isn't a great film, but it passes the time.
AD
