The Seven Year Itch

The Seven Year Itch is a 1955 American romantic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe as the enchanting and alluring woman next door, and Tom Ewell as Richard Sherman, a middle-aged publishing executive trying to rekindle his youth. The movie takes place in the 1950s, at a time when the idea of marriage and family life was becoming a norm for many Americans. The story begins with Richard Sherman, a publishing executive at a New York City publishing house, stuck in a loveless marriage with his wife, Helen (Evelyn Keyes). The couple's marriage is a conventional one, with a strong emphasis on social status and material possessions. As the summer approaches, the Shermans' annual holiday tradition is on the horizon, and Helen decides to take the children on a trip to Wyoming, leaving Richard alone in their apartment. The absence of his family provides an ideal opportunity for Richard to live a bachelor's life, free from the responsibilities and conventions that typically come with marriage. As he indulges in his newfound freedom, Richard becomes increasingly fascinated with his neighbor, the beautiful and charming The Girl Upstairs (Marilyn Monroe). The Girl Upstairs, whose name is not explicitly mentioned in the film, is a kind-hearted and gentle soul living in the apartment above Richard's. She is a bit ditzy, as described in the movie's overview, often appearing naive and innocent in her interactions with Richard. Their initial encounter begins when The Girl Upstairs accidentally falls on Richard's leg while standing on the sidewalk, which becomes an iconic scene in the movie. The two strike up a conversation, and their interactions become more frequent, with The Girl Upstairs often seeking Richard's advice and companionship. Richard, who has been feeling suffocated by the monotony of his married life, finds himself smitten with The Girl Upstairs and begins to enjoy her company. As Richard spends more time with The Girl Upstairs, he starts to reevaluate his priorities and question the stability of his marriage. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the conventions of married life, particularly the monotony of his daily routine. The Girl Upstairs, on the other hand, represents a sense of freedom and spontaneity that Richard has been longing for. Their relationship blossoms, and they find themselves spending more time together, often meeting for coffee, picnics, and strolls in the park. However, their budding relationship is not without its challenges. Richard's wife, Helen, is unaware of his extramarital affair and is due to return with the children soon. Richard knows that he cannot continue seeing The Girl Upstairs if he wants to maintain a sense of integrity and avoid the consequences of his actions. The tension between Richard and Helen grows as the film reaches its climax, with Richard trying to make a choice between his wife and his newfound love interest. The movie reaches its conclusion when Helen returns from her trip, and Richard is left to decide between his duties as a husband and his growing feelings for The Girl Upstairs. Ultimately, Richard makes a choice that will have far-reaching consequences for his personal life and relationships. While the ending may seem a bit unsatisfying for some viewers, it is a commentary on the societal expectations of the time, where men were expected to prioritize their family commitments over their personal desires. The Seven Year Itch is a timeless romantic comedy that explores themes of love, marriage, and freedom in a society that is rapidly changing. The film's portrayal of middle-class America in the 1950s provides a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural norms of the era. The performances of Tom Ewell and Marilyn Monroe are outstanding, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The movie's iconic scenes, such as the scene where Marilyn Monroe's dress blows up, have become synonymous with Hollywood's golden age.