ThiefHott
Too much of everything
Intcatinfo
A Masterpiece!
Odelecol
Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.
Seraherrera
The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity
happipuppi13
In the early to mid 2000's (2000 - 2006) , I set off on a
quest to see all of Katharine Hepburn's films from cinema and TV.
The Iron Petticoat was the last of the cinematic features I needed and I got it by way of E-Bay on video tape. (Made by 'someone'.) It was one of those bidding wars...oh yeah, I won it but I spent *gulp* $40.00. So, when I got it home, and long thereafter, I watched it at least 3 times a year. I now know the movie like the back of my hand. The movie's story is that one day over an american aire bese in Germany, female Russian aviator Vinka Kovelenko accidentally (?) invades American Military air space when she has a fallout with her superiors. She's passed over for promotion, which is given to a male with less rank and tenure than she.She's brought down, escorted basically by surrounding U.S. pilots in their planes, Most notably Chuck Lockwood. Lockwood doesn't seem to take much 'too' seriously in the events that unfold.Chuck gets assigned to get Vinka to denounce the USSR and 'swing her over to the American side'. As propaganda against the Soviets. What happens is that Chuck, who is engaged to an heiress named Constance, inadvertently ends up falling for Vinka and she for him.Essentially leading to both having problems, with their superiors and Chuck with his fiance'. Whom he may be really only marrying for the money and comfort.Bob Hope, a very great comedic legend, falls short here in comedy. His jokes and funny lines don't carry any punch or energy. There were a few lines that got a laugh or two from me but not enough and really, no one else here except maybe Hepburn is funny.Hepburn does get a few good humorous lines in but also some of her actions are, unintended, funny. Her Russian accent as well as some reactions facially and physically. On another level though, she really outshines everyone in this film. When she goes from military wear and dresses up in something beautiul for Chuck's sake, her emotions seem very real. (Chuck has yet to realize he's falling for her). The real problem, as most movie fans know, was that Hope (allegedly) treid to get all the best lines for himself and leave very little for Hepburn. Stating 'Hepburn has no sense of humor'. Whatever he was trying to acheive, it backfired in every way.The film flopped and as mentioned, Hepburn's acting and even most minimal comedy out-shined him. I always liked Bob Hope's comedies but , to use a slang term from today, this was an 'Epic Fail' . As for worst Hepburn film? That honor goes to 1985's "Grace Quigley".I rated this 8 stars for Hepburn's acting and the fact that there'is' a plot you can actually follow. The detractors are the otherwise blandness of some of the other actors and how this was directed into a mostly bland film...that does have it's moments. ..but I'd hardly say it was worth $40.00. (END)
wes-connors
Russian-accented war heroine Katharine Hepburn (as Vinka Kovelenko) lands in West Germany, where she is captured by the American military. Authorities expect her to announce a defection, but Ms. Hepburn wishes to remain a Communist. At the same time, wise-cracking US pilot Bob Hope (as Charles "Chuck" Lockwood) is about to enjoy a leave from military service. His superior officers cancel Mr. Hope's leave and order him to seduce Hepburn into the pleasures of Capitalism. Hope uses liquor and masculine charms, but Hepburn turns out to be a tough nut to crack...This is a wretched re-make of "Ninotchka" (1939). Hope is typical. Hepburn is terrible. A performer of Hepburn's caliber so poorly attempting Greta Garbo is almost impossible to fathom - this is an embarrassing effort. Reportedly, Hope cut a substantial amount of her material; if this is the best they filmed, he was doing Hepburn a favor. Hope's remaining one-liners and light slap-schtick are almost as awful. They wisely hid "The Iron Petticoat" from public viewing until 2012, when viewers were able to determine whether the film was either a lost classic or a train wreck. No contest.* The Iron Petticoat (6/30/56) Ralph Thomas ~ Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, Noelle Middleton, James Robertson Justice
johos3
I do love Katherine Hepburn and Bob Hope. Although I constantly watch Turner Classic Movies and see rare films, I never even heard of this one. After viewing it today, I know the reason.....it's very very dull and silly, but not in a good way. Hepburn, a multi-Academy Award winner, has always been able to do it all. Drama, Humor, even a bit of Thriller. What she obviously can't do is a Russian accent! The host of TCM mentioned that Hepburn grew more uncomfortable with the role and had eye problems, so her role in the movie was reduced to favor Bob Hope. I did notice that he gets top billing .....over Kate Hepburn! Both actors were either in their 50's or approaching that age. The romantic roles look awkward and silly. There's absolutely no chemistry between them.They should show respect for these wonderful actors.....and keep this disappointing dog in the vault!
Dmiller-542-240593
Saw this movie for the first and I hope the last time today. It was presented on TCM movie channel for the first time in 40 years, so we were told. It was hidden in England all these years. And no wonder. This has got to be the worst film ever Kate. Her accent of a Russian was terrible. Bob,s performance was his normal stupidity. And using classic English actors as Russians does not help the film. The story line has been used many times in films. Some with success. It just does not work in this one. Maybe they made the film just for the money. It,s missing the artistic talent that is available with these stars. This is truly a "bomb".