Barefoot in the Park
Directed by Gene Saks
Written by Neil Simon
1967/USA
IMDb link
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Ethel: I feel like we’ve died and gone to heaven – only we had to climb up.[/box]
Neil Simon comedy with two of America’s most beautiful people at their most beautiful.
Corie (Jane Fonda) is a sexy, fun-loving, free spirit. Paul (Robert Redford) is a straight-laced lawyer. This odd couple marries hoping love (and sex) will triumph over their differences. After a blissful honeymoon, Corie installs them in an apartment building where all the tenants are reported to be crazy. They must be as there is no elevator, little or no maintenance, and the tiniest of rooms. All must walk up five flights to reach the Bratter’s cozy hideaway.
Early on the Bratter’s meet their crazy upstairs attic neighbor Victor Velasco (Charles Boyer). He is an eccentric lothario that appeals to Corie’s sense of adventure. Corie’s mother Ethel (Mildred Natwick) is more a counterpart to Paul. Corie tries to play matchmaker. The one-liners and gags flow.
I played Mildred Natwick’s part long ago in an amateur production and have most of the dialogue memorized still. It’s a light, fun, entertaining film with some special performances.
Mildred Natwick was nominated by the Academy for Best Supporting Actress.
