Under the Yum Yum Tree

Under the Yum Yum Tree, set in the early 1960s, is a delightful and cleverly crafted romantic comedy directed by David Swift starring an ensemble cast of renowned Hollywood actors. The cast includes the impeccably talented Jack Lemmon well renowned for his comic timing and versatility, beautiful Carol Lynley, and the charming Dean Jones. The film was released in 1963 and is an enduring classic that captures the 1960s zeitgeist of changing social norms while offering hilarious, light-hearted entertainment.

The film revolves around the intriguing character of Hogan (Jack Lemmon), a licentious apartment building landlord. Hogan is presented as a charmer with a somewhat rakish character. He not only owns the building but also makes no attempt to hide his inclination toward his beautiful tenants. Hogan’s character is a central element in Under the Yum Yum Tree, and Jack Lemmon masterfully plays this role with an expert balance between humor and slick charm, making Hogan oddly amiable despite his less than admirable intentions.

On the other hand, we have Carol Lynley playing the role of Robin Austin, a young and attractive art student, personified as assertive and daring for her time. Carolyn Jones plays the part of her feisty and witty friend, Irene Wilson, who lures Robin into moving into the apartment complex owned by Hogan.

This trio comes onto a single platform when Robin decides to move into one of Hogan's apartments with her boyfriend, Dave Manning, played by the suave Dean Jones. Dave is an engineering student, who, opposite to the traditional norms of that time, insists on living with Robin before marriage, to ensure their compatibility—a decision that leads to comic situations.

Unsurprisingly, Hogan approves of this arrangement, not because he respects their progressive approach or the sanctity of their relationship, but rather, to use this as an opportunity to seduce Robin. Dressed up as his usual charming self, Hogan launches spur-of-the-moment-schemes to create discord between Robin and Dave while trying to place himself into Robin's good graces.

Under the Yum Yum Tree is an absolute delight to watch as it builds a narrative filled with wit, humor, and a lot of mischief. It showcases the dynamic social landscapes of the era. Despite being a comedy, it subtly reflects the evolving perspectives on morality, relationships, and female empowerment during the 1960s. The characters are not just comedic tools but also representive of a societal transition, embodying a forward-thinking outlook.

The screenplay is penned meticulously, aiming at a consistent laugh-out-loud effect with its clever dialogue and well-timed comic scenarios. This is achieved through the comedic genius of Jack Lemmon, the charisma of central characters, and the overall comedic rhythm of the film.

The director, David Swift, creates an enticing setting that maintains the rhythm of the film, coupling it with the vibrant colors and the aesthetics of the 1960s. The cinematography also carries a nostalgic element offering modern audiences a glimpse into this bygone era. The entire narrative is built in an apartment building complex, symbolically dubbed ‘Yum Yum Tree’, referring to the plentiful ‘fruits’ (attractive women) for Hogan to ‘prey’ upon.

As a viewer, you will find yourself giggling at Hogan's antics, cheering for Robin's assertiveness, and occasionally rolling your eyes at Dave's naive approach to the situation. The performances are enthralling across the board, and the actors deliver a cohesive performance that keeps you engaged throughout.

Under the Yum Yum Tree offers not just a peek into an important time in social evolution but also a get-away into an era of light-hearted comedy and altogether good fun. This movie is delightful, filled with comedic moments, and bolstered by the exceptional performances from its ensemble cast. Fair to say that Under the Yum Yum Tree is one of those few old classics that you'd like to revisit from time to time.