"Penelope" is a Natalie Wood film with some redeeming qualities, though mostly it's tiresome and about as subtle as a stripper at a Baptist picnic!

Penelope (Wood) is a screwball who is married to a 5th Avenue banker. Despite them having lots of money, she's a compulsive thief...and the film begins with her robbing her husband's bank! Along with her psychiatrist, they come to realize that she has stolen for years but it's out of control now because she is doing this to get her inattentive husband's attention. So, she then realizes that she should let the husband know....but he and the police don't believe her. This leads to one of the only funny portions of the film...when she is HAPPY to see blackmailers come to threaten to tell her husband she's a thief! What's next? See the film.

"Penelope" is a very uneven movie. Too often, it lacks subtlety and resorts to very cheap laughs (complete with kooky sound effects) instead of intelligent writing. It's not all bad....but mostly bad. I cannot blame the actors...they are pretty good (including Peter Falk in a role much like his later Columbo). No, the writing (and to a lesser extent the direction) that are the problem. Interesting but highly flawed.

By the way, if you do see the movie, you might also find it surprising to see Arlene Galonka playing a prostitute. Normally on TV she played sweet roles on wholesome shows like "Mayberry RFD"!!

The main reason to see 'Penelope' is lovely and always watchable Natalie Wood, immensely talented who sadly died tragically far too young with so much more to give. Another interest point is pre-'Columbo' Peter Falk, 'Columbo' still is one of my favourites and Falk's portrayal is iconic. Did like the idea for the story, the simple title was charming enough and have always appreciated the genre 'Penelope' fits under and the style of humour it was going for.

'Penelope' sadly however didn't really do much for me. It does have its good moments and things, namely the production values and Wood. Anybody expecting something funny, sophisticated, witty and well well and directed are best looking elsewhere. Not everybody will agree with all that and find that 'Penelope' is to their taste, but others will find that it could have been much better. Speaking as somebody who is regrettably one of them, sorry.

Certainly there are good things here in 'Penelope'. Its two main good things are the production values and Natalie Wood. The film has a glossy look to it that is very pretty to look at and very stylish without being garish. Wood looks absolutely gorgeous in the clothes she gets to wear. On top of looking lovely, Wood carries 'Penelope' with ease and displays great charm and spirit.

A couple of the other cast members come off well also, especially Falk in an amusing and authoritative turn in a part perfect for him. Ian Bannen has a rather dull character but he does his best in making him amiable enough. The music has a quirkiness that endears and the songs are an easy listen, as is Wood's singing. There are a few amusing and charming moments.

Sadly there is generally not enough of them. The story is very flimsy and not always very eventful, as well as predictable and contrived. Some parts feel like padding, such as that strange scene with Jonathan Winters. The film could have done with a far snappier pace as the energy is not always there. Neither is there enough momentum in the direction, which is bland most of the time.

Furthermore, the script has some amusing moments, but there is a general lack of wit and sophistication and instead it tends to be over-worked and corny. There is nothing really here that is hilarious either in dialogue or gags. The characters are generally dull and annoying, excepting those of Wood's and Falk's. Dick Shawn overacts and really gets on the nerves and Winters is wasted in a pointless and bizarre sequence that adds nothing to the plot.

Overall, watchable but not great by any stretch. Looks beautiful but somewhat strange. 5/10

It's the opening of the City Federal Bank and an old lady with a gun is robbing the bank. It's a costume. It's Penelope Elcott (Natalie Wood),the wife of the bank manager James Elcott (Ian Bannen). She escapes and police Lieutenant Horatio Bixbee (Peter Falk) investigates. She tells her psychiatrist Gregory the many times of her kleptomania but he refuses to accept it.

This is a comedy without laughs. I'm not sure where the jokes are supposed to be coming from. Natalie Wood is trying to be wacky but she's not actually funny. The only potential is that nobody ever suspects her despite the clues being all there. The problem is that she's not actually trying to hide. I must wonder if the robber's identity remaining secret until the last act would be helpful. She could play dumb for the whole movie and the reveal would shock the audience. The whole psychiatrist section is a drag. There is no tension or comedy coming from the flashbacks. Other than the opening sequence, this has no tension and nothing is funny.