Charles's Affair
Am I wrong, but did Charles say he was having an affair with a man when Elvira told him that she was dallying with another man (on their honeymoon)?
shareI wrote it down this time:
Charles: "I was extremely to attached to Paul Westlake at the time."
How did that get past the censors?
Am just watching it now ... he says Paula
shareI have to admit the first time I saw this film I thought he said "Paul" too and it was a shock. Later, watching my tape I can hear he says Paula but he doesn't say the last "a" very clear which can make you think he says Paul.
share[deleted]
This was 1945 , such things would not have been allowed on film - although it's quite possible Noel Coward created the ambiguity to be cheeky.
There's another line which is a little ambiguous, when Edith wakes from her trance Charles thanks her and gives her money she looks mortified and says something like "Oh sir!". Quite risque for 1945!
Believe it or not sex wasn't invented in the sixties. They might have had to be coy about it but there's plenty of double entendre in old movies.
And Noel Coward, who was gay, would probably have loved the confusion over Paul/Paula.