The Internet Explodes Over Jack Lemmon and Virna Lisi’s Iconic How to Murder Your Wife Scene—Here’s What Everyone’s Saying

Decades after its initial release, the 1965 black comedy How to Murder Your Wife is enjoying an unexpected renaissance, thanks to a single scene that has captivated modern audiences. Starring Jack Lemmon and Virna Lisi, the film’s signature moment—where Lemmon’s character suavely replaces Lisi’s drink—has gone viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), racking up over 17 million views.

pic.twitter.com/rIvXDxHv0Q

— . (@deityofnightt) January 12, 2025

Fans and new viewers alike went on to parse that scene for its timeless appeal, ingenious choreography, and the leads’ chemistry. Not all the newfound attention has started new debate about the film’s themes and its place in cinematic history, and how it reflects to contemporary audiences.

The Scene That Stole the Spotlight

That now-iconic moment comes in the middle of an elaborate comic set piece, wherein Lemmon’s character, Stanley Ford, is displaying the elegant subtlety of changing out his wife’s drink. For many viewers, it was a masterclass in classic Hollywood charm-one adept at using X exclaimed, “Men don’t treat us like women anymore,” lamenting the loss of what they saw as old-school romance. Another commented, “The way he replaced her drink was so smooth-then I read the comments and learned the drink was poisoned. It killed the rizz!

While some praised the scene as a perfect encapsulation of cinematic elegance, others were more critical. One viewer tweeted, “The film does not live up to the scene,” echoing a sentiment that the movie’s broader narrative failed to match the brilliance of its standout moment. Still, another fan enthused, “I want mine this smooth and affectionate,” reinforcing the enduring appeal of the dynamic between Lemmon and Lisi.

Box Office Success and Initial Reception

When How to Murder Your Wife was released in 1965, the film proved to be a box office success, returning more than $12 million in box office receipts-a respectable return for that era. The commercial success of the movie was reflective of the star power of Jack Lemmon, who was fresh off hits like The Apartment, and Virna Lisi, whose striking beauty and talent had captured European audiences.

Critically, however, the film received mixed reviews. Some praised its witty script and sharp performances, while others criticized its portrayal of gender roles. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times famously wrote, “Never have I seen a movie, serious, comic or otherwise, that so frankly, deliberately, and grossly belittled and ridiculed wives.” Still, audiences flocked to theaters, drawn by the promise of Lemmon’s comedic genius and the allure of Lisi’s magnetic screen presence.

Impact and Legacy

Though How to Murder Your Wife may never have reached the same level of critical acclaim as other films of its generation, its resurgence proves that it still has an impact. The themes of bachelorhood, marriage, and societal expectations the film tackled continue to be talked about, perhaps even more in today’s times, concerning the changing face of gender roles.

Undeniably, such a rediscovery by social media speaks to the timeless greatness of great performances and memorable scenes. The chemistry between Lemmon and Lisi, combined with the wit in the script, has introduced a new generation to the charms of mid-20th-century cinema. For some, the scene has reawakened a longing for the elegance and theatricality of classic Hollywood.

A Moment Frozen in Time

And with audiences continuing to revisit the scene, analyzing its nuances, one thing becomes clear: How to Murder Your Wife has found new life in the digital era. Its mix of humor, charm, and controversy ensures it will be a subject of conversation for years to come. Whether one sees it as an artifact of bankrupt values or as a cinematic masterwork, the movie has secured its place in history-and in the ability to enthrall modern audiences well over half a century later.

It is a reminder of the magic of the movies and what one scene can do to spark a global conversation for those who have never seen that magical moment on a big screen themselves.