I leave the key under the mat, in case you want to have an adventurous New Year´s Day in ‘The Apartment (1960).’ Billy Wilder´s timeless Five-Oscar-Winning drama tells the story of C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) and Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine). Let me introduce you to the owner of the place and some it´s visitors. Classic Movie Ratings wishes everyone a Happy New Year 2024!
An advertising poster of ‘The Apartment (1960)’ states: “Movie-wise, there has never been anything like ‘The Apartment’ love-wise, laugh-wise or otherwise-wise!” Of course, it´s exaggerated but there is also some truth in this statement. It´s a great movie with acting on the best level. The very idea that an employee makes his own apartment available to “higher-ranking” colleagues for secret dates, sex and parties in order to work his way up is unique. Keep in mind that this movie was released in 1960. A time, where topics like this, where often literally swept under the carpet. Or under the mat of Baxter´s famous refuge. There are so many iconic scenes and top-notch dialogues. A Must-See for every enthusiastic Classic Movie fan. Enjoy!
Jack Lemmon stated that he adapted some of Charlie Chaplin´s character traits for the role of insurance clerk C.C. Baxter.
Fran Kubelik works as an elevator girl. Shirley MacLaine said something, which also fits to her character in ‘The Apartment (1960):’ “Some people think I look like a sweet potato, but I consider myself a spud with a heart of gold.”
Head of personnel Jeff D. Sheldrake tramples on other people´s feelings. Fred MacMurray won’t let go of the insurance industry. He played sales man Walter Neff in ‘Double Indemnity (1944),’ which was also directed by Billy Wilder.
Dr. Dreyfuss (Jack Kruschen) is Baxter´s neighbour. An extract of his great lines: “I don’t know what you did to that girl in there – and don’t tell me – but it was bound to happen, the way you carry on. Live now, pay later. Diner’s Club! Why don’t you grow up, Baxter? Be a mensch! You know what that means?” In case somebody doesn´t know. ‘Mensch’ means ‘Human’ in German.
Joe Dobisch (Ray Walston) visits the apartment on a regular basis: “I got lucky! … Listen kid! I can´t pass this up! She looks like Marilyn Monroe!” Walston also played J.J. Singleton in ‘The Sting (1973).’
Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Billy Wilder on the set of ‘The Apartment (1960).’ In 1961, Wilder was the first person in history which received the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Billy Wilder directed many famous films. For example: ‘Sunset Boulevard (1950),’ ‘Sabrina (1955)’ and ‘Witness for the Prosecution (1958).’
Rating:
‘The Apartment (1960)’ reached the ‘Breathless Heights‘ on the ‘Rating Mountain:’
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