The 1955 film "The Seven Year Itch" is one of my favorite older films. Even though it came out long before I was born, the movie captured my attention because of two simple words: Marilyn Monroe. She is at her funny, sexy best in this comedy co-written and directed by the great Billy Wilder. And of course there is the famous blowing-up-the-dress-on-the-subway-grate scene.

But there is more to this film that just Monroe and her famous legs. The movie also stars Tom Ewell as neurotic publishing executive Richard Sherman, and it is the chemistry between these two characters that really makes this movie stand out.

THE PLOT
We first meet Richard Sherman as he is preparing to send his wife and son away to the coast of Maine to get them out of the heat of Manhattan. Sherman, seeing the way that many of these men are acting while their wives are away, vows to stay on the straight and narrow: no smoking, no drinking and home in bed early every night.

Enter Monroe's character (which has no scripted name), a TV actress who is renting the apartment upstairs from the Sherman's for the summer. Sherman invites her down for a drink (just to be neighborly), and immediately begins to fantasize about her in a very G-rated way (remember this is 1955). Since her apartment has no air conditioning, Monroe keeps finding ways to get invited back to the apartment, in spite of Sherman's constant vowing never to have her back again and thus avoid temptation.

During one of these visits, Sherman actually makes a pass at her - which turns out very differently in real life than it does in his fantasies. After leaning over to kiss her while they are on the piano bench (they are playing "chopsticks") he knocks both of them onto the floor. Sherman is mortified and wracked with guilt, in spite of Monroe's character's assurances that "this kind of thing happens to me all the time".

Much of the comedy in this film is in the form of Sherman's fantasies as they relate to Monroe and other women in his office. He also imagines that his wife has found out about his attempted pass at Monroe's character and is heading back from Maine to take her revenge. Today, Sherman's character might be seen as delusional and needing some sort of medication or therapy. But it these delusions that really make the film funny and touching.

The filming of this movie coincided with the very height of Marilyn Monroe's popularity. The shooting of the famous subway scene required a huge police presence to keep back the crowds, and the ensuing ruckus caused by the scene when the movie came out firmly established her as the definitive 1950s film sex symbol. But it was her sweet vulnerability in this role that really makes this movie appealing to me.

By 1955 standards, the relationship between Richard Sherman and Monroe's character was probably considered pretty racy: they even share a kiss after going to the movies together (which is also when the famous subway scene occurs). Ultimately, of course, Monroe helps Sherman realize that what he really wants to do is spend the summer in Maine with his family, and she sends him on his way. It seems corny by today's standards, but at least everyone goes home happy.

SUMMARY
This is a movie that works for me on several different levels. Since I too am blessed with as Richard Sherman calls it "an appalling imagination", I am easily able to identify with this character and his quirkiness. However, it is the gentle and appealing character played by Marilyn Monroe that really gives the movie its heart.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older