MADAME

Adding a little spice to a waning marriage, Anne and Bob, a wealthy and well-connected American couple, move into a manor house in romantic Paris. While preparing a particularly luxurious dinner for sophisticated international friends, our hostess discovers there are 13 guests. Panic-stricken, Anne insists her loyal maid Maria disguise herself as a mysterious Spanish noble woman to even out the numbers. But a little too much wine and some playful chat lead Maria to accidentally endear herself to a dandy British art broker. Their budding romance will have Anne chasing her maid around Paris and finally plotting to destroy this most unexpected and joyous love affair.

Enjoyed the first half of this movie — it’s witty and fun. But about two thirds in, it loses its way and is ultimately unsatisfying. Acting is good and the cinematography of Paris is excellent. It is a shame the great script writing of the first half of the movie isn’t sustained all the way through. Overall, it’s ok — but that’s all.