The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Director:

Billy Wilder

Writers:

Billy Wilder (screenplay) &
George Axelrod (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

3 June 1955 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

It TICKLES and TANTALIZES! - The funniest comedy since laughter began!

Plot:

When his family goes away for the summer, a so far faithful husband is tempted by a beautiful neighbor (Marilyn Monroe).

Plot Keywords:

Legs | Nurse | Nameless Character | Potted Plant | Telephone Call

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 3 nominations

Cast

Marilyn Monroe	...	The Girl
Tom Ewell	...	Richard Sherman (as Tommy Ewell)
Evelyn Keyes	...	Helen Sherman
Sonny Tufts	...	Tom MacKenzie
Robert Strauss	...	Mr. Kruhulik (janitor)
Oskar Homolka	...	Dr. Brubaker (as Oscar Homolka)
Marguerite Chapman	...	Miss Morris (secretary)
Victor Moore	...	Plumber
Dolores Rosedale	...	Elaine (as Roxanne)
Donald MacBride	...	Mr. Brady
Carolyn Jones	...	Miss Finch (night nurse)

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

France:-12 (original rating) | USA:Unrated (video rating) | USA:Approved (PCA #17230) | Mexico:A (video re-rating) | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba) | Mexico:B (original rating) | Chile:Y7 (re-rating) (2001) | Spain:T | Singapore:PG | France:U | Canada:PG (Ontario) (video rating) (1998) | Canada:AA (Ontario) (1980s) | Argentina:16 (original rating) | Colombia:12 | Argentina:Atp (re-rating) (2002) | Canada:G (Nova Scotia/Quebec) | Canada:PG (video rating) | Spain:18 (original rating) | Australia:PG | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | UK:PG | West Germany:16 | UK:A (original rating)

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Charles K. Feldman Group

Trivia:

George Cukor was the original choice to direct the film. He turned down the project and eventually Billy Wilder, whose contract with Paramount ended in 1954 (his last film with that studio was Sabrina (1954)), took it.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Richard is talking on the phone, he moves to the porch during his phone call. At first, the cord of the phone is seen coming around the corner through the doorway, but later disappears and eventually reappears.

Quotes:

Dr. Brubaker: Until you are able to commit a simple act of terror, I strongly advise you to avoid anything as complex as murder.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "The O'Reilly Factor: (2008-02-19)" (2008)

Soundtrack:

Chopsticks

A Fabulously Funny, Fast-Paced Sex Farce From The Fifties...It's "Just Elegant!"

The 1955 comedy, "The Seven Year Itch," directed by Billy Wilder, is one of the most amusing sex farces ever filmed. Starring Tom Ewell and Marilyn Monroe, and based on George Axelrod's play, the film takes a humorous look at the problems of a typical middle-aged married man. Tom Ewell, and unassuming leading man with a flair and talent for comedy, is perfectly cast in this movie. Ewell plays the part of Richard Sherman, an average middled-aged man of the 50's...office worker, city inhabitant, with a loving wife and one son. He is left alone in the city for the entire summer while his family vacations in Maine. All is well until Mr. Sherman meets the beautiful blonde who rents the apartment above his for the summer. They soon get to know each other and become friends over champagne, potato chips, and a Rachmaninoff record. Their friendship causes Mr. Sherman to worry that his wife will find out about his relationship with the blonde bombshell. With his overactive imagination, Mr. Sherman dreams up numerous situations concerning this young woman, as well as his wife. Although his imagination causes Mr. Sherman much worry, it provides many of the film's most memorable and enjoyable scenes. Of course, the film is famous for the scene of Monroe standing over the subway grate, which has always been a classic movie scene. Monroe, although unnamed in the film, gives one of her best screen performances, which is "just elegant," as she says throughout the movie. She displays a talent for comedy as well as beauty, which should not be overlooked. Ewell's portrayal of Richard Sherman is delightful, hilarious, and perfect. His facial expressions and comedic timing contribute to the film's enjoyability. Along with these stars, the supporting cast is excellent as well. It includes such character actors as Robert Strauss (Mr. Kruhulik, the janitor), and Donald MacBride (Mr. Brady, Richard Sherman's boss). "The Seven Year Itch" is one of the ultimate 50's pop culture films. And since it was filmed in Cinemascope, it would be perfect to see on the big screen. Any fan of Monroe, Wilder, old movies, or 50's culture would enjoy this movie; I strongly recommend it. The comedy, timing, acting, and direction are flawless...and they all help to make "The Seven Year Itch" "just elegant!"