What’s New Pussycat movie storyline. Michael James, the British editor of a Paris fashion magazine, is in love with ESL teacher Carole Werner, but despite Carole and her parents’ want for them to get married, Michael just isn’t ready to give up his womanizing ways for Carole.
In Michael’s own words, he has been cursed all his life by “looking almost handsome when the light shines on him in a certain way” and thus becomes the object of desire for most women who see him in that light, such as unbalanced exotic dancer Liz Bien and a parachutist named Rita. Michael is seeing Austrian therapist Dr. Fritz Fassbender to help him with his problem, unaware that Dr. Fassbender will probably be of little help as he secretly aspires to Michael’s life.
Despite being married, Dr. Fassbender most specifically lusts after one of his patients, Renée Lefebvre, who only has eyes for another. Because Michael won’t give her a commitment, Carole takes up with Michael’s neurotic friend, Victor, who in turn truly loves her despite also aspiring to be more like Michael. All their romantic entanglements come to a head as they all convene – some by accident, some on purpose – on the Chateau Chantel for the weekend.
What’s New Pussycat is a 1965 screwball comedy film directed by Clive Donner, written by Woody Allen in his first produced screenplay, and starring Allen in his acting debut, along with Peter Sellers, Peter O’Toole, Romy Schneider, Capucine, Paula Prentiss, and Ursula Andress.
The Oscar-nominated title song by Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics) is sung by Tom Jones.[2] The film poster was painted by Frank Frazetta, and the animated title sequence was directed by Richard Williams. The expression “what’s new pussycat?” arose in the beatnik generation and is a general query aimed by men at women. In the film, Michael (O’Toole) calls all women “Pussycat” to avoid having to remember their names.
What’s New Pussycat (1965)
Directed by: Clive Donner
Starring: Peter Sellers, Peter O’Toole, Romy Schneider, Capucine, Paula Prentiss, Woody Allen, Ursula Andress, Michel Subor, Eddra Gale, Katrin Schaake, Eléonore Hirt, Jean Parédès, Jess Hahn
Screenplay by: Woody Allen
Cinematography by: Jean Badal
Film Editing by: Fergus McDonell
Costume Design by: Gladys de Segonzac
Art Direction by: Jacques Saulnier
Music by: Burt Bacharach
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: United Artists
Release Date: June 22, 1965 (United States)
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