Directed by:
Billy WilderCinematography:
Joseph LaShelleComposer:
Adolph DeutschCast:
Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston, Jack Kruschen, David Lewis, Hope Holiday, Joan Shawlee, Naomi Stevens, Johnny Seven, Joyce Jameson (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
By providing a perfect hideaway for philandering bosses, the ambitious young employee reaps a series of undeserved promotions. But when Bud lends the key to big boss J.D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), he not only advances his career, but his own love life as well. For Sheldrake's mistress is the lovely Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), elevator girl and angel of Bud's dreams. Convinced that he is the only man for Fran, Bud must make the most important executive decision of his career: lose the girl...or his job. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Videos (2)
Reviews (10)
An endearing, in many ways timeless film about a hard-pressed apartment that deservedly belongs to the hall of fame. The amazing character of Jack Lemmon, trapped in the snares of his job and head over heels in love with his supervisor's girlfriend, is amazing. Also amazing is Wilder's direction steeped in classic romance, witty, original but not too cloying – whether we are talking about the unique depiction of the American civil service as a stereotypical prison, where bigwigs with a name tag on their door bring their girlfriends to their apartments according to schedule, or the ending of the romantic plot, which, by today's standards, will certainly surprise everyone. However, I'm reluctant to give it a fifth star, after all, I have given this rating to many films (even romantic ones) that I simply enjoyed a lot more. When I become a professional nitpicker one day, the star promotion will surely not miss The Apartment :-) 85%
()
Any room in the student dorms could tell more interesting stories than this one about a cagey bastard who sucks up to his bosses by lending them a love nest for long winter evenings... But seriously, almost every other review mentioned Lemmon's civility. Which is interesting because I was annoyed by his utter incivility and overacting in an otherwise excellent film (especially the scene with the fever was deserving of chastisement). And it's even more obvious when confronted with the perfectly civil (ehem, ehem) and a charming performance from Shirley MacLaine. She just sits there all the time, while he runs around confusedly waving his arms like in a slapstick movie.
()
It’s well made, discreet, charming, and soaked in the nostalgia of black and white times. In addition, the film has the excellent central pairing of Lemmon-MacLaine, between whom things spark even without the red-book outbursts and overly cheap gestures. I don't know why, but I had the feeling that Wilder was making a visionary mockery of contemporary love comedies...
()
I’m not surprised by all the Oscar nominations. Because of its age, this film seems a bit old-school, like something from a bygone era, but it has a kind spirit that entertains effortlessly and doesn’t offend anyone in any way, which we are used to from today‘s comedies. It treats a classic, totally overused topic, but it’s conveyed in a cute, fun way. You can feel a bit of the drug-induced cheer of that era’s Hollywood, but it’s all very good-natured and inoffensive.
()
This film is evidence of the outstanding level of comedic production by American studios in the early 60s. It was a great opportunity for Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. A conversation film that will bring you joy even after several viewings. Overall impression: 90%.
()
Ads