Under the Yum-Yum Tree (1963)

Too much of everything

A Masterpiece!

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Back when it debuted, I am pretty sure that "Under the Yum Yum Tree" made a bit of a splash with its plot that was strongly infused with sex. However, despite the novelty of the story, the film, down deep, just isn't very good. Mostly it's due to the writing--as the characters are more like caricatures and are very, very difficult to believe. As a result, I found it an absolute chore to watch this movie.The film is set in an apartment complex run by a creepy guy (Jack Lemmon). I am sure back in 1963, he was seen as a great comic character by the filmmakers. However, today he really comes off as a guy you'd expect to see registering as a sex offender--he was THAT creepy. A young engaged (Carol Lynley and Dean Jones) move in together. She sees it as a great experiment to see if they are compatible--he sees it as Purgatory, as this is supposed to be a sex-less experiment. Throughout their stay, their nosy landlord keeps dropping by to either offer Jones unneeded advice or to try to score with Linley. However, neither one seems to understand the true nature of Lemmon's attention--he is neither helpful nor innocent but a perv who thinks of nothing but sex 24-7.The sad fact is none of the people in the film are the least bit believable or likable. Lynley is an oblivious idiot who talks and talks about modern love and relationships but she obviously knows nothing. She speaks in platitudes and faux intellectualism so much that she sounds more like a comic book character than a real woman. Jones is a bundle of sexual tension and nothing more--and his character is given no opportunity to be any more. And, as for Lemmon, well, I have already talked about how he's just super-creepy.By the way, the IMDb summary describes Lemmon as a "love-struck landlord"! This is NOT at all accurate. Love is not what he's interested--the guy is a sex offender. He likes to climb on windows to peek at his female residents--hoping to see them naked. This is not what I'd call love-struck!! Overall, the film tries very hard to be adult and edgy--pushing the 'new morality'. However, instead of making you think or being clever, it just comes off as badly written. All the characters are unlikable and plastic and the film never engages.By the way, I sure found it surprising to see Dean Jones in a movie like this considering his squeaky clean image and promotion of family values. It just didn't seem to fit in this case.

This movie is a real stinker. I confess that I never have understood the comic appeal of extremely annoying characters. They just grate on my nerves. That describes Jack Lemmon in spades in this so-called comedy (which is really a farce). If a farce depicts mostly unbelievable characters portrayed by hammy actors in situations that defy any credibility, then this is a farce, and for those of you out there who enjoy such movies, this is the one for you.Almost as annoying as Mr. Lemmon's character is the boyfriend, portrayed by Dean Jones. I was, however, surprised to learn via this film that Mr. Jones appeared in films made outside of Disney - where he really belongs! Although Carol Lynley is no great shakes as an actress, she is beautiful - never more so than in this film. She is the only positive in this whole mess.This is a prime example of Hollywood's implosion after the golden age - due in no small part to the Code. Hollywood was totally incapable of depicting the 60's in a way that remotely reflected the reality. To prove the point, you only have to listen to the soundtracks of films that attempt to reflect the Pop Culture of the time: NONE OF THE MOVIES OF THAT ERA use any contemporaneously popular music! It is always some Hollywood producer's ersatz imitation. The soundtracks are a joke! Films like Under the Yum Yum Tree have that same hopelessly out-of-touch feel, even though music is not a critical element. The bizarre distortion of those times in films such as this is just as annoying as Mr. Lemmon's character.The equally bizarre concoction of morals - from hokey prudishness to monumental lecherousness - is not depicted with humor, but with that same Hollywood perspective that bears so little resemblance to reality that it is a hollow basis for humor.

Sure, the premise is sleazy, Jack Lemmon is embarrassing but the film is fast paced and certainly bouncy. The main reason to watch is because of a very charming and funny performance by the lovely Carol Lynley. Although she hasn't had many chances during her career to show off her comedic talents, this film contains a wonderfully funny scene in which Ms. Lynley's character is drunk. Her boyfriend, played perfectly by Dean Jones, is trying not to take advantage of her 'accessibility'. She runs the gamut from sexy to goofy with excellent timing. It is a wonderful performance and one that helps to take an edge off of the sleaziness of the main plot (Mr. Lemmon's apartment manager trying to deflower all these attractive young women).

Love Jack Lemmon? Then give this naughty little comedy a spin! Of course films made 40 years ago were not made to today's social standards. but that doesn't stop this wicked romp from being completely enjoyable. Imogene Coca offers up a spirited protagonist in this film. a performance that should not be missed! Shake up a swinging cocktail and sit back in your velvet lounge for a delicious sexual frolic.34 year old female.