What is The Iron Petticoat?
The Iron Petticoat is a 1956 British Cold War comedy film also known as Not for Money, starring Bob Hope and Katharine Hepburn, and directed by Ralph Thomas. The screenplay was written by Ben Hecht.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1956
- Release date
- Sep 1, 1956
- Genres
- Comedy
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 5.7/10
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
The Iron Petticoat is a 1956 British Cold War comedy film also known as Not for Money, starring Bob Hope and Katharine Hepburn, and directed by Ralph Thomas. The screenplay was written by Ben Hecht. The story follows Captain Vinka Kovalenko as she defects from Russia, though her defection is not for political reasons. Instead, she chooses to leave because she feels discriminated against as a woman. Captain Chuck Lockwood receives the order to demonstrate the bright side of capitalism to her, while she attempts to convince him of the superiority of communism. Naturally, the two characters fall in love during this time. However, complications arise because the KGB does not like the idea of having a defected Russian officer running around in London. The production of the film had a contentious history regarding the screenplay, which ultimately led to the film's eventual suppression by Hope.
Should you watch it?
“A Soviet officer defects to London, sparking a clash of ideologies and romance with an American pilot.”
- The premise explores gender discrimination within the Soviet military structure.
- It features a central ideological debate between capitalism and communism.
- The narrative blends international espionage threats with a romantic comedy framework.
- The film relies on a specific mid-century political context that may feel dated to modern viewers.
Watch it if you enjoy classic comedies that pit opposing worldviews against one another in a romantic setting.
This is a 1950s comedy with a runtime of one hour and twenty-seven minutes that maintains a lighthearted tone despite its espionage backdrop.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Iron Petticoat worth watching?
It is worth watching for fans of 1950s political comedies and viewers interested in how Cold War tensions were depicted in cinema.
Where can I stream this film?
Availability for streaming varies by region and platform; please check your local digital movie providers.
How long is the movie?
The film has a runtime of one hour and twenty-seven minutes.
Is this a series or a standalone film?
The Iron Petticoat is a standalone feature film released in 1956.
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