Kiss Me, Stupid (re-release) 2002
Directed by
Billy Wilder
Made by
Lopert Pictures Corporation
Plot Summary
While driving his Dual-Ghia from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, the lascivious and hard-drinking pop singer Dino, portrayed by Dean Martin, is unexpectedly diverted to Climax, Nevada. In this quirky town, he encounters Barney Millsap, a gas station attendant, and Orville J. Spooner, a piano teacher known for his jealousy. Eager to showcase their songs, Barney sabotages Dino’s Italian sports car, claiming it requires new parts from Milan, thus ensuring Dino’s extended stay in town.
Orville invites Dino to stay with him and his wife Zelda but grows increasingly anxious upon discovering that the singer has a nightly need for physical intimacy to avoid suffering from headaches. In a bid to protect his marriage while also accommodating Dino’s demands, Orville incites an argument with Zelda, which results in her leaving in tears. This orchestrated drama paves the way for Barney and Orville to enlist Polly the Pistol, a waitress and sex worker from a local saloon called the Belly Button, to impersonate Orville’s spouse and fulfill Dino’s needs.
After a shared dinner between the trio, Orville plays his compositions for Dino on the piano, and Polly requests a song that he once penned to woo Zelda into marriage. As emotion floods the room, both Orville and Polly find themselves enchanted by the idea of an ideal domestic life that eludes them. Under the influence of wine and heartfelt ballads, Orville begins to see Polly as more than a stand-in wife and promptly ejects Dino from the scene, opting to spend the night with Polly.
Meanwhile, Dino seeks refuge at the Belly Button, where Zelda is found wallowing in sorrow. After an inebriated outburst, the venue’s manager moves her to Polly’s trailer for some rest. Mistaking Zelda for Polly, Dino, a longtime admirer, seduces her and reinforces the notion of how perfectly suited Orville’s song would be for his musical ambitions. The next morning, when Zelda encounters Polly, she quickly realizes Orville’s ruse. In a twist of fate, she hands over Dino’s money to Polly, who now sees the opportunity to flee Climax and start anew.
A few nights later, Orville’s despair deepens as he learns that Zelda is moving to divorce him, with Barney acting as her witness. Just then, the pair hears Dino perform one of their songs on national television, leaving Orville completely bewildered. As he seeks answers, Zelda commands him with a firm, “Kiss me, stupid.”
Timeline
Dino's Road Trip Begins
Pop singer Dino is driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles in his luxurious Dual-Ghia. Unexpectedly, he gets diverted to the quirky town of Climax, Nevada, marking the start of a unique journey.
Meeting Barney and Orville
Upon arrival in Climax, Dino encounters Barney Millsap, a gas station attendant, and Orville J. Spooner, a jealous piano teacher. Both men are eager to show Dino their musical talents and quickly form a plan to keep him in town.
The Sabotage
To ensure Dino’s prolonged stay, Barney sabotages Dino's Italian sports car, claiming it requires parts from Milan. This deceitful tactic effectively forces Dino to remain in Climax, creating a perfect opportunity for Barney and Orville.
Orville's Wife Leaves
Orville invites Dino to stay with him and his wife, Zelda. As Dino's nightly needs become apparent, Orville becomes anxious and stages an argument with Zelda, leading her to leave in tears, which further complicates the situation.
The Plan with Polly
To address Dino's needs while protecting his marriage, Orville and Barney recruit Polly, a waitress and sex worker from a local saloon called the Belly Button. Polly agrees to impersonate Orville's wife to fulfill Dino's requirements.
Orville Plays for Dino
After a dinner with Dino, Orville plays his piano compositions, attempting to showcase his talent. Julie, feeling inspired, requests a specific song that Orville had written to woo Zelda, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere.
Orville's Shift in Feelings
Under the influence of wine and music, Orville begins to see Polly as more than just a stand-in wife. This realization prompts him to eject Dino from the scene, indicating a shift in his affections towards Polly.
Dino's Encounter with Zelda
Dino, seeking solace at the Belly Button, finds Zelda distressed. Mistaking her for Polly, he seduces her by expressing how perfectly suited Orville's song would be for his music career, further complicating romantic entanglements.
Zelda's Realization
The next morning, Zelda meets Polly and quickly comprehends the ruse orchestrated by Orville. Realizing her husband's intentions, she decides to give Dino's money to Polly, who sees it as a chance to escape Climax.
Orville Learns of Zelda's Divorce
Orville's troubles escalate as he learns that Zelda is moving to divorce him, with Barney as a witness in this emotional turmoil. This news intensifies his feelings of frustration and confusion regarding his relationship.
Dino's National TV Performance
During a moment of despair, Orville hears Dino performing one of their songs on national television. This surprising incident leaves him completely bewildered and serves as a pivotal moment in the story.
The Final Confrontation
In a climactic turn of events, Zelda confronts Orville, compelling him to kiss her with a definitive command, 'Kiss me, stupid.' This moment brings a dramatic close to the tangled relationships that have unfolded.
Characters
Dino (Dean Martin)
Dino is a lascivious and hard-drinking pop singer whose charms often lead him into complicated situations. His insatiable need for physical intimacy further complicates interactions with the townsfolk. Despite his carefree exterior, Dino's character reflects the struggles of managing fame and personal desires.
Barney Millsap
Barney is a gas station attendant who yearns for recognition as a songwriter. He displays determination and creativity by sabotaging Dino's car to keep him in town. Barney's efforts to impress and charm lead to humorous situations, showcasing his ambition and perhaps insecurities.
Orville J. Spooner
Orville is a piano teacher wrestling with jealousy and insecurity in his marriage. His intentions to protect his relationship with his wife lead him to orchestrate a series of deceptions involving Dino and Polly. Throughout the film, Orville evolves as he confronts his emotional needs and desires.
Zelda
Zelda is Orville’s wife, who becomes unintentionally caught in the web of deception spun by her husband. Her character embodies vulnerability and the quest for emotional fulfillment, as her interactions reflect feelings of neglect and longing for affection. Zelda’s journey is pivotal in revealing the complexity of love and relationships.
Polly the Pistol
Polly is a waitress and sex worker who is brought into the mix to impersonate Orville's wife. Strong-willed and assertive, she navigates her role with confidence, while also exploring the possibility of a different life. Polly's character challenges traditional roles and showcases her desire for freedom.
Setting
Time period
The film does not specify a distinct historical time period, but it reflects the mid-20th century American culture with its musical influences and social dynamics. This era is characterized by a blend of burgeoning pop culture and the complexities of personal relationships.
Location
Climax, Nevada, Belly Button saloon
Climax, Nevada, is a quirky and unexpected small town known for its offbeat charm. The town serves as the backdrop for a series of comedic and dramatic events, particularly surrounding the interactions between the characters. The Belly Button saloon is a local hotspot where characters convene, showcasing the town's nightlife and vibrant social scene.
Themes
🎶
Desire
The theme of desire plays a central role in the interactions between the characters, particularly in their romantic entanglements. Both physical and emotional desires drive the plot forward, creating conflict and humor throughout the film. This yearning for love and approval ultimately reveals deeper insecurities and ambitions.
🎭
Deception
Deception permeates the storyline as characters manipulate situations to achieve their desires. Orville’s ruse with Polly to protect his marriage and Dino’s misunderstanding with Zelda highlight how deception can lead to unexpected consequences. This theme showcases the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal their true intentions.
❤️
Love
Love, in its many forms, is a prevailing theme within the film, manifesting through various relationships. From unrequited love to jealousy and betrayal, each character explores their feelings differently. The pursuit of genuine connection among characters adds layers of complexity to the narrative and ultimately underscores the fragility of romantic relationships.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.