Love in the Afternoon (1957)
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87% of critics liked it
(23 reviews) -
79% of users liked it
(7,129 ratings)
Gary Cooper more or less repeats his international-roue characterization from 1938's Bluebeard's Eighth Wife for the 1957 romantic comedy Love in the Afternoon (both films were co-scripted by Billy Wilder, who also directed the latter picture). Audrey Hepburn co-stars as the daughter of… More Gary Cooper more or less repeats his international-roue characterization from 1938's Bluebeard's Eighth Wife for the 1957 romantic comedy Love in the Afternoon (both films were co-scripted by Billy Wilder, who also directed the latter picture). Audrey Hepburn co-stars as the daughter of Parisian private eye Maurice Chevalier. Investigating the amorous activities of Cooper, Chevalier relates what he's discovered to cuckolded husband John McGiver, who declares that he's going after Cooper with a pistol. Overhearing this conversation, Hepburn rushes off to rescue Cooper. She keeps him far away from McGiver by adopting a "woman of the world" pose. Cooper quickly sees through this charade; still, she is fascinated by Hepburn and attempts to relocate her after she disappears. Meeting Chevalier one day, Cooper relates the story of the Mystery Woman, never dreaming that he is describing Chevalier's daughter. Equally in the dark, Chevalier offers to locate the elusive Hepburn. Once he's tumbled to the fact that his quarry is his own flesh and blood, Chevalier advises Hepburn against contemplating a relationship with the much-older Cooper. She, of course, fails to heed this warning, setting the stage for an ultraromantic finale. Love in the Afternoon is highlighted by a superb running gag involving a quartet of gypsy violinists, who insist upon dogging Cooper's trail wherever he goes-including a steam bath. Love in the Afternoon was adapted by Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond from the novel Ariane by Claude Anet. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Billy Wilder
- Written By
- Billy Wilder, I. A. L. Diamond
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Classics, Comedy
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1957 Limited
- Studio
- Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
The production holds enchantment and delight in substantial quantity.
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Don Druker, Chicago Reader
As Andrew Sarris says, not without its cruelties, but not without its beauties as well.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
An over-long and only spasmodically amusing romantic comedy...
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Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
It's the closest Wilder ever came to Ernst Lubitsch.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
This film was produced by Mr. Wilder for Allied Artists -- in black-and-white. It is a hit.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Gary Cooper
as Frank Flannagan
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Audrey Hepburn
as Ariane Chavasse
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Maurice Chevalier
as Claude Chavasse
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John McGiver
as Monsieur X
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Van Doude
as Michel
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Lisa Bourdin
as Mme. X
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Paul Bonifas
as Commissioner of Police
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Leila Croft
as Swedish Twin
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Filo
as Flannagan's Chauffeur
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Moustache
as Butcher
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Bernard Musson
as Undertaker
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Minerva Pious
as Maid at the Ritz
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Marcelle Praince
as Rich Woman
- Betty Schneider
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Olga Valéry
as Lady Hotel Guest
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Audrey Wilder
as Brunette
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Alexandre Trauner
as Artist
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Guy Delorme
as Gigolo
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Jacques Ary
as Lover on Right Bank
- Eve Marley
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Charles Bouillaud
as Valet at the Ritz
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Valerie Croft
as Swedish Twin
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Gregoire Gromoff
as Doorman at the Ritz
- Charles Lemontier
- Christian Lude
- Lise Bourdin
- Maurice Chavalier
