It's a case of money not buying happiness in the 1960s comic romp Wives and Lovers. Van Johnson and Janet Leigh are happily married and poor, until his latest novel becomes a hit and they move to a beautiful new home in the suburbs. Then it's cocktail parties and publicity and keeping up with the Joneses and drinking before noon and maladjusted children and unfaithful spouses. . .
While there is some post-Code naughtiness (like Shelley's comments of "musical beds" and "first wives' society"), the more memorable element is the realism of everyday family life. Their daughter makes regular remarks about her parents fighting all the time. She also has an eating problem and doesn't ever like her foods to touch the same plate. Neighbor Shelley feeds Janet martinis when she recognizes the slow decline into divorce. And Van criticizes Janet's outfit before a dinner party. She's wearing trousers, and he asks, "Is the bottom of your underwear supposed to show through?" pointing to her panty-lines. She changes into a spectacular floral halter dress, and while she waits for a compliment, he merely complains that they don't have enough vodka to satisfy their guests. And - in a terrible disaster, one of the party guests shows up wearing the same dress!
I liked seeing Van and Janet together as a married couple fifteen years after they were paired together in her debut movie, The Romance at Rosy Ridge. There were some laughs to be found, and some lessons, so unless you're totally against the cast, you'll probably enjoy it.
While there is some post-Code naughtiness (like Shelley's comments of "musical beds" and "first wives' society"), the more memorable element is the realism of everyday family life. Their daughter makes regular remarks about her parents fighting all the time. She also has an eating problem and doesn't ever like her foods to touch the same plate. Neighbor Shelley feeds Janet martinis when she recognizes the slow decline into divorce. And Van criticizes Janet's outfit before a dinner party. She's wearing trousers, and he asks, "Is the bottom of your underwear supposed to show through?" pointing to her panty-lines. She changes into a spectacular floral halter dress, and while she waits for a compliment, he merely complains that they don't have enough vodka to satisfy their guests. And - in a terrible disaster, one of the party guests shows up wearing the same dress!
I liked seeing Van and Janet together as a married couple fifteen years after they were paired together in her debut movie, The Romance at Rosy Ridge. There were some laughs to be found, and some lessons, so unless you're totally against the cast, you'll probably enjoy it.