What's New, Pussycat?   (1965)

Women have always been a problem to Michael James. As feature editor for one of the biggest fashion magazines in Paris he is forever surrounded by them. They are all beautiful, and he is neither willing nor able to say 'no'. His fiancee, Carole, wants to get married but Michael is afraid to commit himself. Thus, he turns to the lascivious psychoanalyst, Dr Fassbender, for help. Meanwhile, Michael's friend Victor is in love with Carole, and ever more peculiar women throw themselves at Michael but never at the frustrated doctor. Farce ensues.

[ Phespirit enjoys: Fantasy and escapism in 60's Paris, with an often self-consciously silly, but still magical early Woody Allen script. Superb comic acting by O'Toole and Sellars. The gratuitous night-time coming together of Sellars (wrapped in a Norwegian flag, preparing for a viking suicide) and Allen (cretinous, selfish gourmet, dining alone on a bank of the Seine to celebrate his birthday) is undoubtedly the highlight. ]

Players

Peter Sellers - Dr Fritz Wolfgang Sigismund Fassbender;
Peter O'Toole - Michael James;
Romy Schneider - Carole Werner;
Woody Allen - Victor;

Quotes

MICHAEL JAMES:

A little pleasure, a little pain, but always back to the ladies .....

MICHAEL JAMES:

Did you find a job?

VICTOR:

Yeah, I got something at the striptease. I help the girls dress and undress.

MICHAEL JAMES:

Nice job.

VICTOR:

Twenty francs a week.

MICHAEL JAMES:

Not very much.

VICTOR:

It's all I can afford.

CAROLE WERNER   [to Michael, on finding another woman in his flat]:

Well, look what's sleeping in your bed!

MICHAEL JAMES   [to camera]:

As a man's life goes down the drain ..... you are there.

VICTOR:

You know, for a doctor you sound terribly unethical.

DR FASSBENDER:

Unethical? H'm! What do I give a damn about ethics? Huh!!
My father, the most beloved gynaecologist in Vienna, before they took him away on a morals charge for indecent exposure at the State Opera House, said - and I quote - "Please do not take me away, I will not do it again."

VICTOR:

Brilliant quote.

DR FASSBENDER:

He was a brilliant pervert.

DR FASSBENDER:

We live in perilous times.

Song

[ Sung by Tom Jones; Written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David ]

What's new pussycat? Woah, Woah
What's new pussycat? Woah, Woah
Pussycat, Pussycat
I've got flowers
And lots of hours
To spend with you
So go and powder your cute little pussycat nose!
Pussycat, Pussycat
I love you
Yes, I do!
You and your pussycat nose!

What's new pussycat? Woah, Woah
What's new pussycat? Woah, Woah

Pussycat, Pussycat
You're so thrilling
And I'm so willing
To care for you
So go and make up your cute little pussycat face!
Pussycat, Pussycat
I love you
Yes, I do!
You and your pussycat face!

What's new pussycat? Woah, Woah
What's new pussycat? Woah, Woah

Pussycat, Pussycat
You're delicious
And if my wishes
Can all come true
I'll soon be kissing your sweet little pussycat lips!
Pussycat, Pussycat
I love you
Yes, I do!
You and your pussycat lips!
You and your pussycat eyes!
You and your pussycat nose!