Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Breakinger A Brilliant Conflict

Ogosmith Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Neive Bellamy Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

SimonJack This is a very good comedy about marriage, divorce and remarriage. Judy Holliday is Nina Tracey (nee Chapman), and Jack Lemmon is her husband Robert. Robert's best friend is Charlie Nelson, played by Jack Carson. They had been officers together in the Navy during WW II. Now they are both attorneys. Kim Novak is Janis, a girl in Charlie's black book whom he lines up with Robert after Robert and Nina get a divorce. The couple had been married eight years but boredom set in and they decided to divorce. This happens early in the film, so that the rest is a nice blend of comedy and romance as Robert and Nina try to adjust and get back in the dating game. Of course, that doesn't work for either one, and romance returns between them. The rest of the small cast are fine in their roles.This isn't a challenging film or top flight comedy with much witty dialog and situations. But, it's a pleasant story with some fun scenes that most should enjoy. The cast for "Phffft" is a first rate list of comedy actors in the 1950s. Jack Lemmon and Judy Holliday played in some of the best sophisticated comedies of the time, although Holliday's career was a short one. Jack Carson for many years was one of Hollywood's best supporting actors, especially for comedies. He co-starred here along with Kim Novak, in just her third film. Novak was very good and won a Golden Globe as most promising female newcomer. Holliday had won an Oscar for the comedy-drama "Born Yesterday" of 1950. She had two more smash comedies after that, including another hit with Lemmon in early 1954 – "It Should Happen to You." Holliday made only 14 movies in her career, but won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for film, and a Tony Award on Broadway. The Tony came in 1956 for the Broadway smash hit, "Bells Are Ringing." Holliday's last film was the movie version of "Bells Are Ringing" in 1960. It's a great comedy-musical with Dean Martin, Jean Stapleton and Eddie Foy Jr. Holliday died at age 43 in 1965 after a five year battle with breast cancer.Jack Lemmon was one of the great actors of the silver screen for nearly five decades. But, he got his start in TV in 1949 and was in several TV series through 1954. Those included dramas and comedies. "Phffft" was just his second movie and followed the smash hit earlier that year with Holliday, "It Should Happen to You." Of course, he would go on to win two Oscars and have six more nominations. He also won four Golden Globes for acting, with another 17 nominations. Lemmon won three BAFTA awards, with four more nominations; and he won two prime time Emmy awards with four more nominations. Lemmon was equally adept at drama and comedy. Some of the funniest and most endearing comedies he made were later in life and his career with long-time friend Walter Matthau.

vincentlynch-moonoi Phffft! pretty much describes my feelings about this film. And that surprises me. Jack Lemmon has always been one of my favorite actors...a man who can be comfortable with comedy or drama. And Judy Holliday was bright in a number of films, including one of my favorite musicals -- "Bells Are Ringing". So when I saw this listed on TCM I was pleased since somehow I had never seen this.For me, this script just doesn't quite make it. Lots of potential. Perhaps it was partly because this film seems incredibly dated. Lemmon and Holliday are pleasant enough in the roles, but they sure don't seem very inspired, nor -- in this film -- do they seem to click.Although only 44 years of age when this was filmed, Jack Carson seems way too old in this film. The grossly slicked down hair doesn't help any. And again, his character seems so outdated. If you're a Kim Novak fan, don't get too excited -- her role is not very big, but she and Lemmon seem to have a little screen magic.The one truly bright segment in this film is the dancing fiasco. Both Lemmon and Holliday sparkled here! It's not that this is a bad film. It's pretty good...but just pretty good. Worth a watch...once.

MartinHafer This is a very simple film with a pretty ordinary plot, yet because the film was so well-handled, it's very worth seeing. Basically, it's a reworking of the plot from THE AWFUL TRUTH or MR. AND MRS. SMITH--a couple breaks up but it soon becomes obvious that they still love each other. The writing is fresh and original (despite the idea having been recycled) and much of this is due to the little touches throughout the film (such as the cute character played by Kim Novak and the 'whooshing' bed). Jack Lemmon and Judy Holliday are also wonderful in the leads, as they have a certain sweetness about their characters. They are vulnerable and a little annoying, but you also like them and want to see them live happily ever after. Because of all these elements, the film just seemed to breeze by and I could easily forgive that the ending was predictable. A lovely little film and a terrific "date film".

CMUltra One reason Judy Holliday fans (of which I am one) are so fervent in their love for the comedienne is that she had mastered timing. In comedy, timing is everything.Phffft! is an excellent vehicle for Judy to work her magic. The story is pedestrian and the one-liners range from cute to tired. But, in Holliday's capable hands the material takes on new life. Watch her delivery, her pauses, her expressions. All pitch-perfect.Jack Lemmon is fantastic as well. In this and "It Should Happen To You" he and Judy display a great on-screen comic chemistry. They play off each other very well. Lemmon handles his own scenes in his classic style as well. He was truly a joy to watch.The film also benefits from excellent support by Jack Carson as Lemmon's best friend/bad influence. Kim Novak makes, I believe, her first major appearance in this movie and does well. She's not as polished as she will later be but her appeal is still quite evident.For me, the movie gets better with repeated viewings. Always a good sign. The mambo scene between Judy and Jack alone is worth the price of admission! Ole!