Paris Holiday (1957)

Paris Holiday is a passable Bob Hope comedy, but definitely one that should have been much better than it is. By 1957, when Paris was made, Hope had started on the decline that would plague most of his films from that point on. The comedian was still as sharp as ever, with admirable timing and the ability to toss off a zinger that was still something to see, but the character that he had developed for the past two decades -- a cowardly yet cheeky fellow who finds himself mixed up in situations he doesn't really understand -- didn't seem to suit him as he aged. He became a little too self-aware, and much of the naturalness and spontaneity that is found in the earlier films is missing. It doesn't help matters that Paris is very sloppily put together, with bits and pieces that were shown to much better advantage in earlier films. Hope's co-star, the French comic Fernandel, is good but doesn't get the chance to make the strong impression that his reputation leads one to expect. As for the women, Martha Hyer and Anita Ekberg look simply stunning, which is all that is required of them -- but they also manage to turn in solid work within the confines of the script. Gerd Oswald's direction is okay but uninspired; its biggest failing is in the climactic courtroom scene, which simply lacks the comedic rhythm that it demands. Paris Holiday doesn't sparkle, but it has some decent laughs along the way. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide