The Swinger

The Swinger, released in 1966, is a satirical romantic comedy film directed by George Sidney. The movie follows the life of Jean Harlow, a celebrated author known for her risqué romance novels. Jean's works are extremely popular, thanks to their explicit content, allowing her to live a comfortable lifestyle in Los Angeles. As Jean's writing career surges, she feels unfulfilled and starts to feel disconnected from her mundane life as a married woman. She begins to channel her heroine's adventures into her own, much to the dismay of her husband, Mark. Mark, played by Tony Franciosa, is a screenwriter struggling to break into the industry and feels emasculated by Jean's increasing independence and disregard for traditional marital values. In desperation to reignite some excitement in her life, Jean decides to write herself into her novel, creating a persona named 'Babette', a young, seductive, and carefree woman who lives by her own rules. As Jean embodies the spirit of Babette, she starts to live out her character's adventures in the glamorous world of 1960s Los Angeles. Jean's transformation into Babette begins to take a toll on her life. Her marriage to Mark begins to crumble as he can no longer control or connect with the reformed version of his wife. Mark becomes increasingly jealous and resentful, fearing that Jean has abandoned him for the freedom and excitement of her Babette persona. As Jean immerses herself further into her Babette alter ego, she starts to attract the wrong type of attention. Her flirtatious behavior in public leads to rumors of infidelity, causing gossip and speculation to spread among their friends and acquaintances. Mark, trying to put an end to the chaos, confronts Jean about her behavior, accusing her of being reckless and irresponsible. Jean attempts to rekindle her love for Mark, but the couple's communication breaks down further due to Jean's ongoing infatuation with Babette. Torn between her love for her husband and her desire for freedom, Jean is caught in a complicated web of emotions and deception. As the story unfolds, Jean must confront the consequences of her actions and face the reality of her marriage. The tension between Jean and Mark comes to a head during a dinner party, where Jean's antics cause chaos and embarrassment in front of their friends. The dinner party serves as the catalyst for Jean to realize the impact of her actions on those around her. In a final attempt to reconcile with Mark, Jean returns to her normal life, shedding her Babette persona. However, Jean's experiences have left her with a newfound appreciation for her independence and a fresh perspective on her marriage. Mark, acknowledging the flaws in his own behavior, attempts to reconnect with Jean on her terms. The Swinger ultimately ends with Jean reflecting on the lessons she has learned. She understands that her infatuation with Babette was a way to cope with the emptiness and disillusionment she felt in her life. The film concludes with Jean choosing to reconcile with Mark, not by reverting back to her old self, but by embracing her newfound independence and understanding the value of their marriage. The Swinger was a moderate box office success, praised for its witty script and the performances of its lead actors. The film also marked a significant departure from the traditional romantic comedy of the era, as it tackled themes of marriage, feminism, and personal freedom in a refreshingly open and honest manner. As a satirical commentary on the societal norms of the 1960s, The Swinger remains a thought-provoking and entertaining film that continues to resonate with audiences today.