The bitterness of A Foreign Affair is thus likely to linger after its laughs have passed.

As usual, it's more clever than meaningful, but this 1948 film is one of his most satisfactory in wit and pace.

This may not be Wilder at his best -- the story develops along fairly predictable lines, with Arthur switching her starchy uniform for a glistening evening gown -- but there are some precious set pieces.

While there are undeniable flourishes of Wilder's genius throughout, the film is more of an inconsistent, mixed bag than most of his great works.