Barefoot in the Park (1967)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Young newlyweds moving into their first NYC apartment in the village, and a tiny 5th floor walk-up too. He a stuffy conservative, she a free-spirit played by the young Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. I lived in a tiny NYC apartment very similar to the one in this movie in my 20's, but that was back in the 90's and the rent was $1,025.00 and not the $125.00 that Paul and Corie are paying here. Seeing this 1960's version of my old apartment and of NYC was part of this films fun for me. Redford, Fonda, Boyer, and Natwick are all quite good here too, but Mildred Natwick is especially winning as Fonda's mother. Reading some of the other reviews I sense that Neil Simon's name being attached to a production brings with it quite a bit of baggage/expectations. My viewing did not suffer this association. Yes, some of it is dated but why does that always have to be such a detraction for so many viewers. I went into this film with no expectations and an open mind and found it genuinely enjoyable and all of its characters likable. Did I bust a gut laughing so hard? No, but I was pleasantly amused throughout.

it is the right word for a film who remains fresh decade by decade. for the story, off course. but, in special, for performances. or for the genius of Gene Saks to give the chance to the Neal Simon theater play to become a gem. sure, nothing surprising if you do not ignore than each actor does his the best , using, in smart way, old clichés for transforms the characters in seductive fireworks. Charles Boyer is the same from many other comedies but in this adaptation he could be defined as unique.Mildred Natwick has a great job and she is the good example for a small secret for the force of seduction of this film - the partner. Jane Fonda and Robert Redfort, Mildred Natwick and Charls Boyer are extraordinary for the science to build the roles as an embroidery made together. sure, this recipes is the base for each good performance. but in this case it is so obvious and seductive than it is honest to not ignore it.

The film Barefoot in the park interests me, because it describes a love affair, and because it has been recorded during the flourishing period of the counter culture movement. It is a time of rapid changes in the social position of women and in the (pre-)sexual habits. Lovers start calling Dr. Ruth. Indeed the film gives a sparking display of the new lifestyle, although the couple has just effected a traditional marriage. Apparently the institution still has a nice ring to it. The male character is rather boring, even in his profession (lawyer). He uses his personality for birth control. On the other hand, the female character certainly has the attitude of a hippie. And what else can you expect from Jane Fonda? Corie (Fonda) loves to break through conventions, rules and authority. Her favorite T-shirt is offensive in 19 states. Thus it is evident from the start that this marriage is forged in hell. Already in the second week Corie complains: "There are doers and watchers", and she is the doer of the two. She realizes her mistake, and wants a divorce. This would indeed have been the logical end, were it not that the narrative is supposed to be a comedy. Therefore her mother convinces her that in a good marriage both partners must give up some parts of their personality. They must support each other. Now Corie comes to the conclusion that she actually wants a sterling and caring husband, that is to say, a watcher. The marriage is saved. In its joyous end the film turns back to the spirit of the gay and conservative fifties, in the days before Doris Day was a virgin. The same can be said about the music, which is still classic. Electric guitar players are meant to deliver pizzas. The film is a recast of a theatrical play, and the melodrama is kept intact. The original theater script is also visible in the lack of dynamics in time and space, and the location of most scenes in just a few rooms. In conclusion, Barefoot is an amusing but not deep pastime (at least, I do not see it). It hovers somewhere between conservatism and revolution. If you ate pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry?

A wonderful film – gay, warm, witty, amusing, lively, delightfully original – right up to the halfway mark. Then the scenario starts to fall apart. Writer, Neil Simon, runs out of ideas, so he stages an unconvincing quarrel. As a result, Jane Fonda – and the audience – lose interest in the proceedings and the whole movie simply goes to pot. There are over a hundred good jokes in the first seventy-five minutes, but there hardy any at all in the last forty-five! Director Gene Saks is of no help. He is obviously one of those directors who believe that direction should be inconspicuous – which it sure is! Fortunately, Joseph La Shelle's Technicolor photography is always pleasing. Much of the film – including the scene at the Plaza Hotel – was obviously shot on location, and that at least is a plus!