Barefoot In The Park (1967)

A newlywed but insecure bride (Jane Fonda), who is a rather spontaneous free spirit, becomes irritated with her conservative "stuffed shirt" groom (Robert Redford). Something's got to give or the marriage will be over before it begins. Based on the smash Broadway romantic comedy by Neil Simon and directed by Gene Saks (MAME). The film holds up very well principally due to its expert cast who make the material seem better than it is. Oh, I suppose it was all very adorable in 1967 but today it comes across as a well written episode of a TV sitcom. Fonda's needy and demanding bride has lost some of her charm since the evolution of the feminist movement but Fonda is a terrific comedienne and her fastidious comic timing goes a long way in covering up the cracks. Redford is likable and relaxed but it's Mildred Natwick (in an Oscar nominated performance) recreating her stage role as the mother of the bride whose expert playing steals the picture. Director Saks doesn't have much to do except stay out of his actors' way, it's all about Simon's line up of quips anyway. And kudos to the art and set direction team, that teeny walk up apartment is a charmer. With Charles Boyer, Doris Roberts, Mabel Albertson, Herbert Edelman and Ted Hartley.