The Seven Year Itch [1955] (REGION 1) (NTSC) [DVD] [US Import]

The 1955 comedy, "The Seven Year Itch," directed by Billy Wilder, is one of the most amusing sex farces ever filmed. Starring Tom Ewell and Marilyn Monroe, and based on George Axelrod's play, the film takes a humorous look at the problems of a typical middle-aged married man. Tom Ewell, and unassuming leading man with a flair and talent for comedy, is perfectly cast in this movie. Ewell plays the part of Richard Sherman, an average middled-aged man of the 50's...office worker, city inhabitant, with a loving wife and one son. He is left alone in the city for the entire summer while his family vacations in Maine. All is well until Mr. Sherman meets the beautiful blonde who rents the apartment above his for the summer. They soon get to know each other and become friends over champagne, potato chips, and a Rachmaninoff record. Their friendship causes Mr. Sherman to worry that his wife will find out about his relationship with the blonde bombshell. With his overactive imagination, Mr. Sherman dreams up numerous situations concerning this young woman, as well as his wife. Although his imagination causes Mr. Sherman much worry, it provides many of the film's most memorable and enjoyable scenes. Of course, the film is famous for the scene of Monroe standing over the subway grate, which has always been a classic movie scene. Monroe, although unnamed in the film, gives one of her best screen performances, which is "just elegant," as she says throughout the movie. She displays a talent for comedy as well as beauty, which should not be overlooked. Ewell's portrayal of Richard Sherman is delightful, hilarious, and perfect. His facial expressions and comedic timing contribute to the film's enjoyability. Along with these stars, the supporting cast is excellent as well. It includes such character actors as Robert Strauss (Mr. Kruhulik, the janitor), and Donald MacBride (Mr. Brady, Richard Sherman's boss). "The Seven Year Itch" is one of the ultimate 50's pop culture films. And since it was filmed in Cinemascope, it would be perfect to see on the big screen. Any fan of Monroe, Wilder, old movies, or 50's culture would enjoy this movie; I strongly recommend it. The comedy, timing, acting, and direction are flawless...and they all help to make "The Seven Year Itch" "just elegant!"

This is my favourite marilyn monroe movie,it may not be laugh out loud funnier than "some like it hot" but the performance by monroe is more subtle .It is about a working writer(tom ewell) who ships his wife and son("only a little one ,hardly counts") off to the coast for summer while he stays in the heat of the city.When he arrives back at his apartment he discovers a beautiful young lady has moved into the apartment above.A lot of mishaps and misunderstandings ensue,i especially love the piano moments.Don`t want to spoil it ,so i won`t say anymore than to mention a great performance by tom ewell as the writer.The extras are, on disc one, a commentary by billy wilder biographer kevin lally,on disc two :"backstory:the seven year itch"(23:25),"legend of marilyn monroe"(48:23)(although it says on the tin 90mins),"marilyn:the final days"(112:28)and deleted scenes(3:21),which are really extended outtakes,a 30 second newsreel,restoration comparison and gallery.It is slightly disappointing that only the backstory tv episode deals with the movie itself ,a little talking heads featurette would have been nice .That said there is quite a bit on the discs so i suppose i shouldn`t complain.Well worth upgrading from the single disc.

[Fact] if your name is Richard Sherman (Tom Ewell) and your wife of seven years has gone to Florida for the summer, you will fall victim to the "The Seven Year Itch."

This film is based on a play by George Axelrod, who also wrote “Goodbye Charlie” and directed “Lord Love A Duck” .

The director Billy Wilder also directed “The Apartment” and “Sabrina” (1954).

As with Shakespeare, this movie is a classic, many scenes and lines have been immortalized and parodied. And I am not too sure that Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto was not used to remind us of "A Brief Encounter".

The basic story line is ever since the time of Native Americans, in the summertime wives and children go south for the summer to escape the excessive heat. This leaves a residual of working husbands and sprinkling of single women or to be more precise, Tom Ewell and Marilyn Monroe. Tom has a great imagination and we see many of the scenes through his imagination. As the two accidentally meet and start to converse, Richard Sherman's (Tom) imagination only gets more exotic.

I am not going to quote the movie lines or scenes as if you have previously viewed this movie, then you know them by hart. If you are new to this movie, you need to have the characters deliver them. I will say one of my favorites is when Mr. Kruhulik, the janitor, comes to clean the rugs; he gets an eyeful, and then makes a logical assumption.

The movie is quite fun aside from being a classic and you may see yourself in it as well.