"Hanky Panky" was a big box-office failure, perhaps because it was mismarketed (and mistitled) as a comedy. There are sporadic comedic moments, but the balance is tipped heavily in favor of the thriller aspect (in fact, there is a disturbingly violent fight scene between Richard Widmark and Kathleen Quinlan, in which he punches her brutally in the face). The material is pretty stale, but the film is crisply and skillfully directed by Sidney Poitier, who takes several pages out of the Alfred Hitchcock guidebook (the opening sequence, the chases in public places, the apartment gas murder, etc.), and is helped along by on-location shooting and a choice cast. The film should have been shorter, though. **1/2 out of 4.

The movie, Hanky Panky, is probably best enjoyed by those who are 30 and older and are a fan of Gene Wilder. I normally do enjoy seeing Gene Wilder, but this movie is not the typical Gene Wilder type movie. I expected this movie to have more comedic moments especially with a co-star like Gilda Radner. Although the movie does have its comedic moments, it is a bit too serious for a Gene Wilder flick. I was surprised to see Richard Widmark in such a movie. There is a bit of over-dramatized acting. The musical background is a bit over the top and could have been toned down. This is a good afternoon or late night movie. The pace of the movie is a bit slow at times. I should have rated the movie down a notch or two, but it does have Gene Wilder and Richard Widmark in it. Enjoy with popcorn or a sandwich.

'HANKY PANKY' Directed by Sidney Poitier,(To Sir With Love ) Is an only so-so comic outing with Gene Wilder, Minus 'Richard Pryor,RIP:( Instead wilder is cast with his real life wife, Gilda Radner,(Rip) Wilder plays innocent bystander, Micheal Jordon, who whilst in a taxi cab unwittingly becomes involved with a hysterical women, played by Kathleen Quinlan, Quinlan hand's some Government documents on to wilder who then becomes the target of Richard Widmark, in another trademark villainous role, as a shady government agent, Wilder And Radner, are hilariously pitted together with supreme comic situations, that culminates in a deadly showdown, with the villains,

Strained comedy/ thriller with Wilder and Radner trying too hard to inject energy into a lifeless script. Few laughs surface and that is a shame on the part of Wilder and Radner. Poitier directed.