Kiss Me, Stupid

Kiss Me, Stupid is a 1964 comedy-romantic film brimming with achingly witty dialogue and deliciously insightful wit. Directed by Hollywood legend Billy Wilder, this lesser-known gem tremendously showcases both the director's knack for edgy humor and the era's burgeoning liberal attitude.

The plot revolves around Orville J. Spooner, portrayed brilliantly by Ray Walston, a struggling songwriter in the quaint and inconspicuous town of Climax, Nevada. Orville is a passionately jealous husband, whose obsessive protectiveness about his wife often eclipses his more exceptional talents. Yet, beneath the protective veneer lies an ambitious dreamer, harboring aspirations of composing a hit song that will reshape his life.

Enter Dino, played by Dean Martin. Dino is a roguish, charismatic showbiz star visiting Climax for a car repair. His magnetic charm and superstar stature make him a living, breathing manifestation of Orville's wildest dreams. Instead of being starstruck, Orville hatches a devious plan to use Dino's unexpected visit as a golden opportunity to pitch his tunes.

Adding another delicious twist to the narrative is Kim Novak, playing the role of Polly the Pistol, a waitress at the local watering hole, the Belly Button. Polly is an aspiring showgirl, and she sees Dino's arrival in Climax as her ticket to Las Vegas, glamour, and stardom.

The movie hilariously juggles infidelity, lust, ambition, and dreams, revealing the wilder underbelly of small-town America. It is a sizzling frolic into the creative liberty the sixties embodied, in a backdrop teeming with small-town authenticity offered by Climax, Nevada.

The performances by the movie's central trio, Dean Martin, Kim Novak, and Ray Walston, are exuberant. Dean Martin imbues Dino with roguish charm and casual sophistication, effortlessly becoming the man whose arrival can stir up a quiet desert town. Martin's portrayal of Dino offers a tongue-in-cheek take on his real-life playboy image. He wonderfully delivers Wilder's witty lines, making his character more than a standard caricature of a bon vivant singer.

Walston's performance as Orville is the lynchpin of the movie, supplying both the intrigue and the humor. His portrayal of a small-town man driven to extreme lengths by ambition and jealousy is imbued with enough charm and wit to prevent Orville from becoming an unsympathetic character.

Kim Novak, as Polly, gives an incredible performance. Her Polly is a small-town damsel thriving in ambitions. While she is more worldly and experienced than Orville's wife, she’s also sensitive and vulnerable, providing a nice contrast to the other leads.

The movie, however, belongs to Billy Wilder, the master auteur. Wilder's direction and handling of a story exploring taboo themes in the society of the sixties make it a standout feature even in his illustrious filmography. The sharp dialogue, deftly satirizing both showbiz and suburban life, and the sequence of hilarious events create a delightful viewing experience.

Overall, Kiss Me, Stupid is a must-watch for fans of classic comedies, as well as those who appreciate the directorial craftsmanship of Billy Wilder. With an engaging storyline, excellent performances, and its share of zany characters, the movie remains a delightful exploration of the American dream and the extent to which one might go to achieve it.