What’s New Pussycat? Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A commitment-phobe seeks therapy, but his shrink is even more of a mess, leading to chaotic hijinks and questionable relationship advice.

🍿 What’s New Pussycat?: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Michael James

Michael James (Peter O’Toole) is a charming and successful fashion magazine editor in Paris, known for his irresistible appeal to women. He’s engaged to the lovely Carole Werner (Romy Schneider), who desires a commitment and marriage. However, Michael struggles with his desire to remain a free-spirited womanizer, torn between his love for Carole and his inability to resist the advances of other women.

Seeking Help from Dr. Fassbender

Desperate to overcome his philandering ways, Michael seeks help from Dr. Fritz Fassbender (Peter Sellers), a quirky and eccentric psychoanalyst. Unbeknownst to Michael, Dr. Fassbender is himself a deeply troubled and sexually frustrated individual with his own romantic obsessions. Fassbender is more interested in emulating Michael’s success with women than helping him.

Complications and Romantic Entanglements

The situation escalates as Michael finds himself pursued by various women, including the suicidal Liz Bien (Paula Prentiss) and the adventurous Rita (Ursula Andress). Meanwhile, Dr. Fassbender attempts to woo his patient, Renée Lefebvre (Capucine), who is herself infatuated with Michael. Carole, frustrated by Michael’s infidelity, finds solace in the company of Michael’s friend, Victor Shakapopulis (Woody Allen), who harbors a secret crush on her.

The Chateau Chantel Convergence

All the characters converge at the Chateau Chantel for a chaotic weekend. The characters, unaware of each other’s presence, set the scene for mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and hilarious confrontations. The ensuing chaos tests the relationships and unravels the characters’ hidden desires.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michael James (Peter O’Toole): A charming but commitment-phobic fashion magazine editor in Paris, torn between his love for Carole and his irresistible attraction to other women.
• Dr. Fritz Fassbender (Peter Sellers): A sex-obsessed and eccentric psychoanalyst who envies his patient Michael’s success with women and provides questionable advice.
• Carole Werner (Romy Schneider): Michael’s loving and patient fiancée who longs for marriage but grows increasingly frustrated by his inability to commit.
• Victor Shakapopulis (Woody Allen): Michael’s neurotic and insecure friend who secretly harbors a crush on Carole and struggles with his own romantic failings.
• Liz Bien (Paula Prentiss): A suicidal and eccentric exotic dancer who becomes infatuated with Michael and adds to his romantic entanglements.
• Renée Lefevre (Capucine): A nymphomaniac patient of Dr. Fassbender who is desired by the doctor, but is actually in love with Michael.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Fritz Fassbender: “I like thighs, do you like thighs?” – Dr. Fassbender’s lecherous question, highlighting his obsession with women’s bodies.
• Dr. Fritz Fassbender: “If you followed me here, how did you contrive to be here before me?” – Said to Michael when Fassbender tries to act innocently while trying to find girls.
• Victor Shakapopulis: “My father, the most beloved gynecologist 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!’” – Dr. Fassbender describing his father while casually describing his perversion.
• Michael James: “What in the name of all that’s gracious, is a semi-virgin?” – Michael James asking about an issue of the heart that seems a bit unusual.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,820,000
• Worldwide Gross: $18,820,000

💥 What’s New Pussycat? Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘What’s New Pussycat’ expecting a lighthearted romp, and it definitely delivered on the ‘lighthearted’ part! The sheer zaniness of the plot and characters had me laughing out loud. Peter Sellers is brilliant, and I loved seeing Woody Allen in his early acting days. The scene where Sellers tries to woo Capucine is pure comedic gold! Definitely a fun movie night choice.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1960s comedies”
  • “Those interested in early Woody Allen films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick and absurd humor”
  • “Fans of Peter Sellers and Peter O’Toole”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes and mild sexual content”
  • “Cartoonish depictions of mental health issues”
  • “Some outdated attitudes towards women”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A madcap comedy with a stellar cast, ‘What’s New Pussycat’ delivers laughs through sheer absurdity, although some jokes feel dated. Peter Sellers steals every scene, and the soundtrack is unforgettable, making it a fun if uneven watch.
• The New York Times: “While ‘What’s New Pussycat’ aims for outrageous humor, it often misses the mark. The ensemble cast, led by O’Toole and Sellers, tries hard, but the script struggles to keep up. Still, the movie’s energy and memorable theme song make it a worthwhile curiosity.

Audience Reactions

Peter Sellers’ performance is the highlight, delivering non-stop laughs with his over-the-top portrayal of a crazed psychoanalyst.: Audiences generally praise the film’s cast, especially Peter Sellers, and the iconic theme song by Tom Jones.

Overall Consensus: ‘What’s New Pussycat’ is a polarizing comedy; it is loved by some for its madcap humor and iconic soundtrack, but it is also criticized for its uneven script and dated jokes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Woody Allen originally wrote the script for Warren Beatty, but Beatty left the project due to creative differences. Allen then took a supporting role himself.”
• “Peter Sellers ad-libbed many of his lines, much to the frustration of Woody Allen, who felt that Sellers was stealing his jokes.”
• “Richard Burton makes an uncredited cameo appearance in a bar scene with Peter O’Toole, referencing their previous film ‘Becket’ and Burton’s wife Elizabeth Taylor.”

🖥️ How to Watch What’s New Pussycat??

What’s New Pussycat is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed What’s New Pussycat?, you might like these similar films:

• Casino Royale (1967): Another over-the-top 1960s spy comedy with Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, and Woody Allen, featuring a chaotic plot and many stars.
• A Hard Day’s Night (1964): Captures the energy and spirit of the 1960s with a focus on comedic situations and cultural phenomena, even though centered around a band.
• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997): Parodies the over-the-top spy genre and comedic elements prevalent in 1960s comedies, with a focus on exaggerated characters and situations.
• The Party (1968): A chaotic comedy with Peter Sellers showcasing physical comedy, set against a backdrop of a party spiraling out of control.

🛒 What’s New Pussycat? Related Products

• What’s New Pussycat? [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the film. Includes director’s commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with cast members.
• The Burt Bacharach Collection: A digital compilation of Burt Bacharach’s greatest hits, including the iconic theme from ‘What’s New Pussycat?’
• Peter Sellers: The Pink Panther Collection: Box set of the Pink Panther films starring Peter Sellers, for fans who enjoyed his comedy in “What’s New, Pussycat?”
• Woody Allen: A Documentary: A look at the life and work of Woody Allen, including rare interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from his early career.

🎧 Soundtrack

What’s New Pussycat? features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “What’s New Pussycat” – performed by Tom Jones
• “Here I Am” – performed by Dionne Warwick
• “My Little Red Book” – performed by Manfred Mann

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John Mulaney Plays “What’s New Pussycat?” 21 Times on a Diner Jukebox

OMG, you won’t believe this story! John Mulaney hilariously recounts the time he and a friend pranked a whole diner by playing “What’s New Pussycat?” on repeat. It’s absolute genius and totally reminds me of the movie’s vibe!

Woody Allen Interview Annie Hall 1978 Brian Linehan’s City Lights

Want to get inside Woody Allen’s head? Check out this rare interview where he talks about Annie Hall and even mentions “What’s New Pussycat?” – it gives such a cool behind-the-scenes look at his early work!

Mike Myers performs “What’s New Pussy Cat” at the Gershwin Prize for Hal David and Burt Bacharach

Mike Myers singing “What’s New Pussycat” at the White House?! Seriously, this is a must-see tribute to the genius of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It’s both hilarious and heartwarming!

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