Described as rom-com???

I saw no comedy in this film. Perhaps it keeps being described as a "romantic comedy" just because Debbie Reynolds is cast?

This film is grim and about desperation. True, because of 1960 standards, things are danced around such as Debbie Reynolds constantly saying "I'm not what you think I am" and "I've never done what you think I have". Don Rickles saying "Are you in or out?" when trying to get Debbie Reynold's character to agree to prostitution.

Maybe these are the things that make people think it's a comedy when back in the day, that was the only way to allude to sex and drugs. Or possibly the fact that Tony Curtis was never taken seriously as an actor. The price for his looks, much like Elizabeth Taylor.

Added later: Just thinking about, seeing Tony Curtis being such a "rube" and a hick that is conned every time he leaves the apartment could be why people find it humorous, but the idea that everyone that a new-to-NewYorker meets would be constantly taking advantage would be eye opening for middle class America at the time the movie was made. That's back when we still left out doors unlocked and our windows open on a hot night. Today, TC looks ridiculous being so trusting with strangers so maybe that's where the laugh is found as we shake our heads that he could be so gullible. But it was not meant to incur laughter. Take Debbie Reynold's reaction to the gift of the "mink" jacket. It pains her to have to tell Tony that he's been duped (again). She knows she must tell him but she hates robbing him of the joy of his new gig, of buying her a gift, and her own joy that she received a gift from a friend who is not looking for anything in return for the first time in her life. Yet she must tell him so he can learn to survive in NY. I see nothing funny in this movie.

I'm usually pretty amazed at how these old movies managed to get the story told with the handcuffs that were placed on them.