Irma la Douce

Irma la Douce has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on MGM Amazon Channel, and in the US on fuboTV and MGM+ Amazon Channel. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Shirley MacLaine's performance alone is worth the time investment. Available now on MGM Amazon Channel — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Irma la Douce keeps coming up in conversation. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Irma la Douce from the crowd. When a recently fired policeman falls in love with a French prostitute, he doesn't want her to be with other men, so he creates an alter-ego in order to become her only customer. Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1963. The timing in Irma la Douce is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Irma la Douce respects your intelligence. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Shirley MacLaine's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.