Don't kid yourself, this hilarious 60s satire on American divorces still strikes a note today. A film that should be remade, especially with all the wild divorce and settlement stories out of contemporary Hollywood. 10 Stars.
Ace producer and writer Norman Lear (ALL IN THE FAMILY) I have a hunch --and stick with me on this -- wrote the screenplay with Dick Van Dyke's famous tv show and tv marriage (with Mary Tyler Moore) --in reverse! What would happen had Rob and Laura went through an ugly divorce? Interesting stuff.
Lear makes a few modifications, pairing Van Dyke with Debbie Reynolds instead, and just as hilarious.
The poor guy slowly goes down the drain thanks to alimony payments. And being single again is lousy!
What a dynamic cast, and with some surprises. The second couple, in question is Jason Robards and Jean Simmons, also look for Van Johnson and character actor Joe Flynn in a hilarious role as Lionel. Spot on guest star is famous Hollywood hypnotist Pat Collins, playing herself, and doing one of her cool nightclub acts. Pat, who managed a club in Hollywood, is something to see. Best remembered for guesting on Lucille Ball's tv show in the 60s.
Not to miss comedian Shelley Berman, beautiful Lee Grant and so many other familiar faces. Fun to spot the actors. Oscar nominated for Best Original Screenplay, and rightly so. An obvious take-off on the campy Oscar winning 1962 international comedy, DIVORCE -- ITALIAN STYLE!
Outstanding entertainment, a salute to the late great Norma Lear. Thanks so much to TCM for rerunning this oldie but goodie, and the 60s cars and styles are spot on for all us old timers.
Always on dvd and remastered color blu ray.
Ace producer and writer Norman Lear (ALL IN THE FAMILY) I have a hunch --and stick with me on this -- wrote the screenplay with Dick Van Dyke's famous tv show and tv marriage (with Mary Tyler Moore) --in reverse! What would happen had Rob and Laura went through an ugly divorce? Interesting stuff.
Lear makes a few modifications, pairing Van Dyke with Debbie Reynolds instead, and just as hilarious.
The poor guy slowly goes down the drain thanks to alimony payments. And being single again is lousy!
What a dynamic cast, and with some surprises. The second couple, in question is Jason Robards and Jean Simmons, also look for Van Johnson and character actor Joe Flynn in a hilarious role as Lionel. Spot on guest star is famous Hollywood hypnotist Pat Collins, playing herself, and doing one of her cool nightclub acts. Pat, who managed a club in Hollywood, is something to see. Best remembered for guesting on Lucille Ball's tv show in the 60s.
Not to miss comedian Shelley Berman, beautiful Lee Grant and so many other familiar faces. Fun to spot the actors. Oscar nominated for Best Original Screenplay, and rightly so. An obvious take-off on the campy Oscar winning 1962 international comedy, DIVORCE -- ITALIAN STYLE!
Outstanding entertainment, a salute to the late great Norma Lear. Thanks so much to TCM for rerunning this oldie but goodie, and the 60s cars and styles are spot on for all us old timers.
Always on dvd and remastered color blu ray.