A rather sordid premise to a well-written and well-made film, even if the 1960s style acting is a bit overdone in places. Shirley MacLaine is excellent as the young and attractive elevator operator, Fran; Jack Lemmon is also good as the kind but very ambitious CC Baxter, who lends his New York apartment out to management at his office for extra-marital trysts.

Most of the discussion of what goes on is couched in euphemisms, and there's no nudity or anything explicit, which is probably why the rating is only PG. But it's not at all appropriate for children or younger teens, in my view. However, for older teens or adults who like black-and-white films of this era, with some satire and light-hearted moments as well as some very tense ones, it has a good pace, and won several Oscars.

Longer review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-apartment-jack-lemmon.html ( )

1840

Lemmon and MacLaine are sparkling--especially MacLaine who has a unique presence--in a classic story that still holds up after all these years. It has probably been 40 years since I saw this the first time, so I was able to enjoy it as a new film. Lots of familar supporting actors, including Otis Campbell as Santa Claus. Wilder's films are exceptional. There may have never been a better director. ( )

A suck-up lets his married bosses use his apartment to entertain women.

Not a bad movie, but all the awards it got are baffling to me. Maybe it has more depth and craftsmanship than your typical romantic comedy of the time, but best picture? Inherit the Wind, Psycho and Spartacus weren't even nominated.

Concept: D
Story: B
Characters: D
Dialog: A
Pacing: D
Cinematography: B
Special effects/design: A
Acting: A
Music: B

Enjoyment: C plus

GPA: 2.6/4 ( )

Region 1 (NTSC) ( )