Movies-TV

You were having army maneuvers maybe?

Capturing the world of corporate politics, love, loneliness and city life The Apartment hooks ones soul. Christmas in a lonely city - the raging debilitating fever and the yearning for someone so close and yet so far away. Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine sum up the emotions of the corporate cog - lambs running with wolves. Never a wasted frame, excellent photography and score, with winning lines delivered by a cast of character actors. Capturing a time and a place precisely because it wasn't trying - this movie IS NYC in those years before teenagers affected the way adults lived, worked and dressed.

Shut Up and Deal

The Apartment first bowled me over when I was 17--when I fell in love with the Shirley McLaine character, Fran Kubelick. One of the triumphs of this film is that it manages to be a very moving love story, very funny comedy and very dark satire without diluting its emotional, comic or intellectual impact. I think it's one of the best films ever made, and certainly my personal favourite.

Fred MacMurray's screen persona exuded avuncular reassurance. By exposing his character, in The Apartment, as a ruthless, manipulative liar, director Billy Wilder neatly exposes the corruption at the heart of the seeming benevolence of corporate America in 1950s.

The Apartment is about ordinary people trying to act decently in the urban, corporate jungle-"the people who get took" up against "the takers". Of course it is the takers (Mr Dobisch, Mr Kirkeby and their Bronx floozies) who provide the laughs. I guess it goes to the heart of human nature. Good people are not entertaining. Greed, lust and other sins are inherently entertaining, even sympathetic. Hence the attraction of Walter Matthau. It is one of the quiet triumphs of The Apartment that Lemmon and McLaine manage to make goodness so gently and attractively comic in contrast to the harsh, vaudeville of Kirkeby, Dobisch, the switchboard operator, et al. In counterpoint to all this, is a wonderful chorus of "old country" Jewish common-sense and decency, represented by Lemmon's next-door neighbours Dr and Mrs Dreyfuss. They urge Lemmon to be a "mensch ("you know what that means? a human being") in opposition to the cynical values of corporate America.

And the film offers one of the best closing lines in any movie, ever ("Miss Kubelick I absolutely adore you." "Shut up and deal!"). Chokes me up every time. An odd, 1970s companion piece to The Apartment is the sweetly insane Can She Bake A Cherry Pie starring the weirdly attractive Karen Black (Fran Kubelick after a nervous breakdown?). It is another comedy about lonely misfits finding love in New York City. It was memorably described by Time Out as the "damn nicest film since Astaire stopped dancing".

A great human story

I am not a Jack Lemmon fan. His eternal "shnookness" is like nails on the blackboard to me. I am not a Shirley MacLaine fan. Her whimsical charm usually goes over my head, and is interpreted more often than not as flakiness (an unspeakable crime). That being said, I loved them both in this movie.

Jack's shnookness works beautifully here. He is a loser; that is apparent. But he is not only a loser. He is actually quite human. He's a very lonely man who has an enormous romanticism about him, but also a streak of the capitalistic swine too. He knows what he is doing all along (even though he protests that the situation is beyond his control, don't believe it), and yet he is willing to get punched in the eye over a situation that is not entirely his fault. This is what makes him human in my eyes: an equal mix of good and evil, where the good and evil aren't necessarily absolutes.

Shirley MacLaine's charm here is that she is... well... charming. The key for me in any romantic comedy (and I know that this is more than a romantic comedy, but the term serves my purposes here) is that I have to - along with the male lead - fall in love with the woman too. And I did. Miss Kubelik is witty and adorable, and obviously quite vulnerable. And she is human too. Even with all her brains and street smarts, she still manages to get hooked by a married man. And hurt, too. I can easily see why a (self-proclaimed) upstanding man like Baxter would fall in love with her, warts and all. He so wants to be her knight in shining army that it hurts.

For a movie that contains so many dark moments (adultery, drunkenness, an attempted suicide, and, worst of all, insurance), it is a surprisingly uplifting movie. What would happen if two fundamentally flawed people, caught up in a situation that is larger and than both of them and quite destructive, fell in love? Could they overcome? I certainly hope so. "Shut up and deal," she says. And all is forgiven.

A Billy Wilder Classic

This is one of the greatest comedy-dramas of all time. Jack Lemmon and Shirley McLain have a wonderful chemistry throughout the film, and they give realistic performances. The storyline involves many poignant, heartfelt moments. In this film, Wilder achieves an expert balance between the comedic elements of his earlier films (such as "The Major and the Minor," and his screenplay for "Ninotcka") with the heavier characteristics of his noir films (notably "Double Indemnity"). The result is a polished piece that alternately breaks your heart and makes you laugh. The film also features Fred MacMurray as a cad, going against his normal typecasting. With this cast, this director, and this screenplay, the film is a must-see.

Shut Up and Watch

I usually get dragged into Shirley MacLaine movies kicking and screaming; that supposedly elfin charm of hers usually eludes me. Because of this, I neglected to watch "The Apartment" for years. All I can say about that now is, "Pardon me, Shirl, my mistake." This movie is a Wilder masterpiece and an absolute delight. One of the best things about it is that it shouldn't be funny; nearly everyone in it is a lying, abusive, double-crossing lecher with a heart of solid tin. There's adultery, alcoholism, and a suicide attempt, too. None of this would be remotely funny in lesser hands than Wilder's, let alone heart-warming, but the director manages this impossible feat handily. It helps that the central character, C.C. Baxter, is brought to life by Jack Lemmon; Lemmon's performance is one of the rare times in film you forget you're watching a star and genuinely believe in the character. Fred McMurray plays against type- amazingly well- as the slimy boss C.C. Baxter must please. Shirley MacLaine is, for once, the heartbreaking gamine she's cracked up to be. The supporting cast is terrific- Jack Kruschen is great as C.C. Baxter's next-door neighbor, a doctor. Joan Shawlee is her usual howlingly funny self as a floozy telephone operator, and Edie Adams gives herself over completely to an unsparing portrait of a scheming secretary. For my money, the best bit in the film is when C.C. Baxter, who has a cold, has been summoned to the boss' office for a talk that takes a VERY surprising turn. The sniffling, sneezing Baxter forgets he's holding his nose spray, and reflexively squeezes a six-foot stream of the stuff across the office. The film is richly detailled, with sets that blend seamlessly with the real New York City locations used. I spotted one inside joke in the movie- C.C. Baxter gets his first real promotion and, therefore, his first real office at the company. Of course, Baxter's name is on his door; the door of the next office says that T.W. Plews is the occupant. The name is actually that of Tom "Limey" Plews, prop master for this movie and hundreds more. This is one of the greats, and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. There is one glitch in the video transfer you should know about; the original theatrical trailer is included on it, and the print of the trailer is absolutely terrible. Fortunately, the film itself is just fine. BUY this one, don't rent it- you'll want to see it again and again!

Chalk up another Masterpice from the 'Wilder-Lemmon' Team!

Billy Wilder and Jack Lemmon have done it again, they have created another instant american comedy classic. Almost perfect performances by Shirley Maclaine and Jack Lemmon make it unique, Fred McMurray also helps out. The perfect blend between comedy, drama and romance. Billy wilder shows us that he does possess 'the magic'. This is a Must-See for everyone. From a scale of 1-10 I give this movie a 9!

Not the best movie ever made but by far my favorite

The Apartment is so great i don't even know how many times i have watched it. Jack Lemmon is superb and Shirley Maclaine is beautiful and charming as ever.

As a kid (21) before i saw this movie i cuoldnt get myself to watch old movies, but this movie broke the ice for me and now i am a "classics" addict. whenever i need to convince a friend that old movies can be great, i show them The Apartment, and a convert is made every time

Flat Out Fantastic

This is not only one of the best romantic comedies ever made, it's one of the best films ever made, period. The screenplay structure is airtight and impeccable (expect nothing less from Billy Wilder), but the most interesting thing to me about it is that, even though the movie works as an essentially dialogue driven film, Wilder never neglects his duties as a visual artist. Every composition in this film is as beautiful as the dialogue is punchy. So much so that to watch this film without the letterbox would be a crime. Billy Wilder is a cinematic genius and The Apartment works as yet another piece of proof to that fact.

Still very funny and moving after all these years

An all-time great, guaranteed to warm the heart and bring a smile to your face while making you shed a tear or two in the process. Every man can see a bit of himself in C.C.Baxter and his helpless but noble love for a slightly mixed-up woman. Every woman knows what it's like to have a not very enjoyable affair with a cynic. Perfect for watching at Christmas time.

"Shut up and deal!"

Lemmon succeeds in business by REALLY trying as he lends out his apartment to his superiors for their trysts. A minor plot point fails in that Lemmon never lets on to the doctor what he's doing. If there's anyone who's seen it all its a NYC doctor who makes house calls. The fact that the Doc never is allowed to know what Lemmon is doing just doesnt make sense. Though he wouldn't approve of what Jack's is pulling it would in an odd way make him more of a MENSCH to the MD. Also the film's last line beats the last line of SOME LIKE IT HOT by a mile for meaning and humor.

A must for any movie lovers library.

"The Apartment" is a classic example of how movies were made years ago. A great script,a great director and acting not seen in the movies of today. No special effects, no fancy soundtrack and no profanity; the very things that make or break the films of today. Jack Lemmom and Shirley MacLaine are superb and Fred MacMurray is perfect as the womanizing executive. The BEST PICTURE of 1960 is a must see by anybody who loves movies of the past.

Great comedy

'The Apartment' is a wonderful comedy and worth seeing. Jack Lemmon is wonderful in this role. I only saw it once, and am dying to see it again. It's light spirit and easy tone make it definatly better than most newer comedies.

Very Good

The Apartment, directed by Billy Wilder is a classic piece of American cinema. This is a superb comedy-drama. The Jack Lemmon character (C.C. Bud Baxter) tries to excel up the corporate ladder by loaning his apartment key to various executive, but his plan starts to backfire. Wonderful script. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER REVIEWS.

A classic comedy with a scathing undercurrent

This movie is so entertaining and funny, you almost forget the incredibly cynical view it presents of corporate life, infidelity, ambition,and love. Ironically, its that very cynicism that makes the comedy so biting and memorable. Jack Lemmon has never been better and anyone who's ever worked in an office will recognize some if not all of the characters.

A classic - one of Wilder's best

One of the best with a particularly famous scene of an intoxicated Lemon blithering, not as a stuttering drunk, but as a man incapable of articulating his true feelings. Through his comical efforts you finally grasp the soul of the character. Fred MacMurry also stars as the lecherous boss--a stark contrast from the typical MacMurry role (My Three Sons, Absent Minded Professor, etc.) and he plays it magnificently. Shirley MacLaine's performance also rings true as the object of both mens' affection. A must see.

A truly excellent romantic comedy.

To set this straight i would like to say that in addition to this wonderful movie, i also regard It's a Wonderful Life, The Philadelphia Story and My Fair Lady as other movies that i thoroughly enjoyed. I love romantic comedies, with their simple plots, witty scripts and feel good endings.

i feel that romantic comedies are sometime the hardest movies to pull off. most of the time a romantic comedy comes off as corny or sacharine. however when a truly great romantic comedy is seen everything seems plausible however implausible they may be! In The Apartment the script is simple, the comedic timing is spot on, the dialogue is great and the characters are engaging. Jack Lemmon's acting is truly wonderful and Shirley Temple is suprisingly gentle - something that i would have never expected of the old hag.

i recommend this movie to anyone who loves to be immersed in a world with a constant smile on their face. what is so amazing about this movie is its sheer ability to please on countless occassions. unlike most comedies, the Apartment does not age with time and the film continues to be a good watch after the third time (this is my measure of a good romantic comedy). The Apartment is a truly excellent romantic comedy worth being rated as one of the top 100 movies by AFI.

Very Nice

The Apartment is a charming movie. It's full of laughs and even tears. It is confusing though. Why do people want Lemmon's apartment? This is a wonderful movie, despite its confusing plot.

A Wonderful Classic!

I watched this movie recently on VHS and I loved it! Jack Lemmon gave a geniune feel as C.C. Baxter; Shirley McLaine was great as Fran Kulblick (She should've won an Oscar for her "crying" portrayal in the movie); and I was surprised about Fred McMurray on how he portrayed his character, J.D. Sheldrake, as a villian so well. All three, plus Joan Shawlee and Ray Walston, made this movie so entertaining to watch. I also enjoyed seeing the time capsule parts in this movie (i.e. the steno equipments) and the part where C.C. Baxter met Mrs. McDougall in the bar ("What is Castro?" "The man from Havana with the crazy beard"). This movie is NOT one to miss! :) You will enjoy it as much as I did!

Definitely worth the rent!!

They just don't make movies like this any more. It's perfect in every way from the acting of the late great Jack Lemmon, to the writing/direction of Billy Wilder. Everything adds up to an immensely enjoyable movie, worthy of multiple viewings.
Lemmon stars as C.C. Baxter, a worker drone employed by the nation's largest insurance corporation. In hopes of climbing the corporate ladder, C.C. lends his cozy little apartment to his bosses for entertaining their mistresses. Baxter's life as a bachelor seems empty, until doors begin to open up for him at work, and he begins pursuing lovely elevator operator Fran (Shirley MacLaine), who just happens to be the ex-mistress of his boss (Fred MacMurray) who would like to rekindle the romance with her himself. Baxter must decide what is more important: success or the woman he has fallen in love with.
The movie features some hilarious situations, including Baxter's nosy neighbors, who think he's a real playboy judging by all the racket coming from his apartment every night. Again, the acting is splendid all around, from Lemmon to the beautiful MacLaine. You'll be hard pressed to find a movie as charming as this one. In beautiful black and white.

Classical Gas!

If you've never seen this one...you're missing one of the great classics! Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are perfectly cast in this comedy set in New York around 1960. To climb the corporate ladder, Lemmon's character is letting his bosses "use" his apartment for extra-curicular activities. It's interesting to see how things have changed...(and how some things never change)!

P.S. You'll never look at a tennis racket the same way!!!