Review of What's New Pussycat? (1965) by Simona — 01 Nov 2007

It's been a long time since the phrase "introducing Woody Allen" appeared in a film's opening credits - 42 years to be precise. The good: Allen's big break, a few great Allen moments (e.g., a random table at a French cafe featuring 19th century artists, including Van Gogh, sans ear), and the lovely and hilarious Paula Prentiss can save any movie. The bad: Contains the worst elements of swinging '60s excess parodied in Austin Powers, and the beginning of Peter Sellers' long, painful career decline. Similar to and slightly better than the original (1967) Casino Royale.

As detailed in "Easy Riders and Raging Bulls," was originally conceived as a vehicle for Warren Beatty (in the Peter O'Toole role), but he fought with Allen over the screenwriting, and eventually opted out. The movie Beatty wanted to make became Shampoo.