Matthau's Gingrich is fantastically smug, and very well done, but Lemmon's Hinkle is inconsistent despite some excellent, albeit terribly unbelievable, interactions with Rich's Jackson. I appreciated the films lightly handled, but rather severe, rejection of its over litigious society, however this theme seemed somewhat peripheral to the comedy. Ultimately, this is a fun film to watch, but is far from the best that Wilder, Lemmon, or Matthau have to offer.

A fun little comedy boasting Wilder's wit and Lemmon's charm, but it's Matthau who steals the show as a despicable and hilarious shyster. Not a lot to say here except that it's a good time.

Wilder's comedy doesn't rank among his masterpieces, but his sure, seasoned hand keeps it brisk and dependably amusing with just enough perfectly executed moments to reinforce the theory that he was one of the finest filmmakers of his era. The exasperated everyman role was already old hat to Lemmon by this point. He plays it well, but its Matthau who dominates the film, playing his stock character as a cheerful soft shoe instead of resorting to easy aggression.

Suffers from an unsatisfactory ending and two weak performances from Ron Rich and Judi West, but the screenplay is witty, Lemmon is fine as usual, and Matthau dominates the film in his first great comic performance as "Whiiplash Willy" Gringrich, a shyster lawyer who specializes in insurance fraud. Watch for the great character actor Sig Ruman in his final performance as Professor Winterhalter, the only medical professional who sees through the scam.

It's amusing, and Walter Matthau is great (even if he reminds me a bit too much of Richard Nixon at times), but there's something kind of oppresive about it. It has the cynicism and bitterness of some of Wilder's other films but without anything for us to latch on to as the main character is only going through with the scheme out of some pathetic attempt to get back with a woman who doesn't love him. It has its moments and I appreciate Wilder's cynicism even when it doesn't completely work.

less yuck!

Biting Wilder comedy. Matthau's Oscar-winning performance hits home.

A decent comedy from Billy Wilder. Worth a look.

Classic.

Wilder, Lemmon and Matthau is always a guaranteed good time. Ron Rich was great here too. Very quirky characters.

Another charmer from Billy Wilder. I lap this stuff up with a spoon

the amazing comedy and shining drama that sets billy wilder apart from other writer/directors only seep through in the occasional scene, but it's still something i dont regret watching.