Natalie Wood finally gets a comedy vehicle all to herself, but the results are half-cocked. Crafty woman conspires to rob her husband's bank--perhaps because she needs love or attention--and that's the entire plot in a nutshell. It's dragged out for 97 minutes. Natalie and the supporting cast (colorful players like Peter Falk and Jonathan Winters) have, understandably, very little to work with, though the production values are plush and some of the comedy is breezy and amusing. Director Arthur Hiller mistakes broadly staged gags for funny set-pieces, and most often the movie is just silly. As for Natalie Wood, she provides what interest there is, she looks great (and sings beautifully!), but the entire film rests on her shoulders and it's not in her to carry the load alone. ** from ****
Review of Penelope
