The Seven Year Itch

"Lately you've begun to imagine in Cinemascope... with stereophonic sound."

Book publisher, Richard Sherman (Ewell) has a vivid imagination, which makes him good for publishing.  His wife, Helen (Keyes), and son decide to spend the summer in the country... leaving Richard alone in the hot city.  Unlike other husbands who are alone in the city, Richard plans to follow his wife's rules and avoid other women.

His plan starts well, and then he meets the new neighbor (Monroe).  She is a model, leasing the apartment above his for the summer to further her television career.  She is young and pretty and friendly, and Richard is enamored.  Meanwhile, at work, he is reading a book called "The Seven Year Itch" about the desire to have an affair after seven years of marriage.  Richard is in the seventh year of marriage, and is worried that he won't be able to resist his alluring upstairs neighbor.  With his imagination running wild, what will Richard choose?


Named on AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs list as one of America's Funniest Movies, this film is considered a must-see comedy.  And I have to say, it lives up to the hype.

Originally created as a stage show, the story was adapted (and watered down) for the screen.  The show, created by George Axelrod, was immensely popular and considered a hot commodity for Hollywood.  However, the Hollywood production codes required the producers / writers to change the script and temper the adultery theme.  In spite of all the changes, the film still manages to stand up over time.

Some aspects of the show did not translate as well to the screen.  In several scenes, Richard speaks his thoughts... something that was necessary for the stage, but could be translated better on the screen.  Tom Ewell reprises the role of Richard, which he originated on Broadway.  He is the perfect everyman living in a fantasy world.  Marilyn Monroe sells the naive but sexy unnamed Girl.  She is funny and owns the screen.  Monroe and Ewell have great chemistry and work well together.

A must-see comedy!

The Seven Year Itch (1955) 105 minutes
Director: Billy Wilder
Starring: Tom Ewell as Richard Sherman
Marilyn Monroe as The Girl
Evelyn Keyes as Helen Sherman
Sonny Tufts as Tom MacKenzie
Robert Strauss as Mr. Kruhulik