The Seven Year Itch
The Seven Year Itch

Movie spotlight

The Seven Year Itch

1955
Movie
105 min
English

When his family goes away for summer vacation, a hitherto faithful publishing executive with an overactive imagination is tempted by an attractive new neighbor.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic67/100
Google Users85%
Director: Billy WilderGenres: Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

While his wife and son are away on vacation during a sweltering summer, Richard Sherman, a married advertising executive, begins to develop a crush on his new, attractive upstairs neighbor. As he grapples with temptation and his own fantasies, he experiences a series of comical and embarrassing situations. The film explores the anxieties and humor associated with marital fidelity and mid-life desires.

Critical Reception

The Seven Year Itch was a critical and commercial success, largely praised for its witty script, Billy Wilder's skillful direction, and Marilyn Monroe's iconic performance. Tom Ewell also received accolades for his portrayal of the beleaguered husband. The film is considered a classic romantic comedy and a showcase for Monroe's star power.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sophisticated humor and Monroe's captivating presence.

  • Tom Ewell's performance as the conflicted husband is a standout.

  • Billy Wilder's direction is lauded for balancing comedy and pathos.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's humor, Marilyn Monroe's iconic performance, and the classic romantic comedy elements. Many appreciate its timeless portrayal of marital temptation and fantasy.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for one Academy Award (Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture). Marilyn Monroe won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where Marilyn Monroe's white dress billows up over a subway grate was filmed on location in New York City, and it took multiple takes because the wind kept blowing her dress up too high, much to the delight of the crowd that gathered to watch.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Tom Ewell is the happily married "Richard" whose family have gone away for a few weeks leaving him all alone with his manuscript and soft drinks that sound like gut-rot in a bottle! His wife "Helen" always calls him at 10pm so he must stay ...

Nutshell

Nutshell

A funny film, though not Wilder's best, possibly due to the limits forced here by the censor board. Monroe is at her peak here, and Tom Ewell reprises his role well from the broadway stage.

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