6/10
Can Dean Act?
31 May 2006
Kiss Me Stupid is fair, but because it has some risqué moments, 1960's wisecracking and mild female form, it is noteworthy as a predecessor to the coming sexual revolution of the late 60's. There's a mention by lovely Felicia Farr (Zelda, Walston's harried wife) of the magazine, Playboy, referring to her amorous husband. Indeed, Hefner's hedonistic philosophy permeates the film. We see actual unheard-of-before, wife pandering between Dean Martin and Ray Walston. By 1964, this was real edgy stuff. Naturally, after a dalliance with Dino, no harm done, and Zelda is back with a more sensitive husband. This is the Heffner philosophy: If it feels good with mutual consent, then no harm done. Pleasure is its own end. Hubby meanwhile, has his indiscretion with va-va-voom, Kim Novak. The 50's star is on the hefty side as her screen siren days come to a close.

Dean Martin plays his image, the freewheeling Las Vegas cabaret singer, drunk, and a womanizer. His real persona was actually the opposite. Dino was a family man. Nevertheless, audiences loved the rat-pack joker and flocked to the screens to see the swinging Dino. One can only wonder if Dean Martin could act. We'll never find out.
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