After watching Spartacus from the AFI’s top 100 movies I was relieved to see that the next movie on the list was the romantic comedy-drama, The Apartment. I’ve always been a sucker for these. And how can you go wrong with Billy Wilder, Jack Lemmon, and Shirley MacLaine?
C. C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) lives and works in New York City. He has an ordinary job in an insurance company. Fortunately for him, he is rising in the company. His method of gaining the notice of his managers, though, is a bit different. He’s not being rewarded for his hard work, even if he is a dedicated employee. He doesn’t have family connections. He’s not in the mob. Folks, he has an apartment. It’s a nice apartment, but nothing spectacular.
This is not the actual neighborhood, but it will give you an idea:
Photo taken In Boston.
His apartment is in high demand by his four managers. They need a place to take their mistresses. The situation for Baxter isn’t ideal since he has to put in longer hours at the office and then roam around until his apartment is free. He has a lonely existence and his home doesn’t really belong to him. When the personnel director starts to question all of the fabulous reports about Baxter’s work performance he investigates.
This is when Baxter’s life gets interesting. Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray) wants in on the fun. He’s married, but that doesn’t stop him from having numerous affairs. His current mistress, Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), is the elevator operator in the building where Baxter works. Baxter has a crush on Miss Kubelik. What ensues is a love triangle.
Right from the start I enjoyed this film. The acting is great. Lemmon and MacLaine are perfect in their roles. I was a little put off by the AFI list since I didn’t enjoy Spartacus. But I have to give it to AFI, this movie is a treat to watch. It received 10 Academy Award nominations and won 5, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best writing. If you have not seen this flick and if you love witty movies I recommend it.
Up next is the Wild Bunch.
50 Year Project 
Great post and fantastic photo. Haven’t seen the film in ages but really want to now after reading this
Enjoy. I know I’ll watch it again in the future.
Great tip!
Hope you enjoy Mac!
I’m no prude, but I appreciate the innocence in old movies.
I know what you mean Frank. When people ask my to name my favorite movies they don’t know what I’m talking about since most of them are black and white.
I am a fan of Jack Lemmon and Shirley Maclain. Strange that I missed this one.
I hope you get a chance to see it. It’s pure delight.
I like Shirley Maclaines performance in that movie very much.
She’s awesome in it!
Beautiful photo
Thanks LG.
Great film! One of, if not the finest Billy Wilder movie.
I agree with you Andy. It’s brilliant!
Golden oldies are tops!
My favorite movies are black and white. Love the acting and story telling.
That’s one I would enjoy as wel, I’m sure.
I liked that photo. What a nice place to live.
Btw – I messed my scheduling up and posted on my event yesterday, not today. 🙂
I used to walk through that neighborhood every morning on my way to work and I loved it. I think you would enjoy this film. I loved the dialogue.
This sounds like a fun movie to watch, and I love Shirley Maclaine. I doubt our video store will have this, though… 🙂
I do hope you can track down a copy. I loved it!
I’ve stopped watching movies as my husband and I are addicted to TV series. Seems like our attention span can only hold up to 60 minutes long of viewing! Dear oh dear. This one does sound very lighthearted and nice.
Any suggestions for TV series?
Game of Thrones was a favorite (Seasons 1 and 2), my husband and I are currently finishing Season 8 of House, we have just finished watching the latest season of Criminal Minds as well. Quite a lot, really, to choose from, depending on what excites you. 🙂