Barefoot in the Park (1967)

This is by far one of my favorite older movies. I just watched this recently after a lousy day and I found myself laughing and in a much better mood after. Aside from the fact that there's just something adorably fun and comical about this movie that greatly improves your mood, it also gives the viewer some helpful insights. It accurately portrays what it's like when you first marry and move in with someone. You drive each other crazy! That's exactly what happens as this couple begin their life together and learn of each other's idiosyncrasies. Add to this the fact that they live at the top of a five story walk up (how awful!) and that the building is inhabited by "colorful" inhabitants and you've got yourself one hell of a living situation. I also like the fact that the movie portrays that love, no matter what your age, is not an impossibility. And that relationships are all about give and take. Great lesson to remember packaged into a fun movie. Plus Redford and Fonda make the most adorable couple! I highly recommend this for those planning to marry, newlyweds and those like myself who have been married many years and can see themselves and their spouse as newlyweds while watching and find it more than a bit comical!

This is certainly one of Robert Redford's most animated acting roles which helped propel him to the A-list of 'movie stars.' Based on the Neil Simon hit Broadway play which Redford starred during its initial 1963-1964 theatre season and why he received star billing in the movie version over Jane Fonda who was a bigger box office draw at the time.BAREFOOT IN THE PARK represents one of the last sparkling celluloid moments of the sophisticated yet frothy screwball comedies which began in the 1930's through visionary directors like Howard Hawks and Leo McCarey. Director Gene Saks, together with Neil Simon's timeless screen treatment, quite seamlessly place their skills in motion here to reproduce the spirit of fun and mirth to the time worn plot of two newlyweds venturing forth on the rocky road of matrimony.The on screen antics between Redford, portraying a young, stuffy lawyer on his way up (that's five flights of stairs up, not counting the outside stoop to that sparse, tiny apartment) and Miss Fonda as a carefree spirit can best be described by her flustered comment to her new hubby; "Here I am trying to get you all hot and bothered and you're summing up for the jury."The wit and parry between Redford and Fonda parlayed through Neil Simon's sparkling dialogue makes for competitive verbal sparring which moves this contemporary classic along at a sprightly place. In fact, Redford's role here as a fastidious, button down attorney (right down to the functional topcoat and scarf) in this movie was so effective, he was almost turned down for the role of "Sundance'' in that certain other 'western' flick.Bolstered by a stellar supporting cast, perpetual screen romantic Charles Boyer adds neighborly spice to the proceedings. Mildred Natwick, fresh from the Broadway run, is delightful as the endearing mother-in-law and Herb Edelman, also recreating his stage role as a telephone line installer, has the best exit line. Neil Hefti's score provides a light, breezy musical quilt to snuggle up to.With New York City's Washington Square Park and the stately Plaza Hotel served as a relaxing backdrop, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is just a Hansom Cab away.

There are no prettier people in all of show business than Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. For God's sake, they are in their seventies and they still put it out there. They were at the height of their splendor when this Neil Simon comedy was made. Redford plays the dull, committed young lawyer, whose life is directed toward his work. Jane is the anything-goes free spirit who wants adventure. Both are a bit hard to take. Everyone loves the Jane character until you've been around one too long. Sometimes we would like to have people hold it back a bit. The couple has a very romantic honeymoon and then move into an ancient New York apartment. It's on the fifth floor with no elevator, and much of the comedy comes from the enormous trek just to get upstairs. Simon throws in a group of quirky neighbors who start to teach the young couple how life really is.

I could hardly believe this was a Neil Simon screenplay, after watching just the Out of Towners, a total screamer, I found BITP absolutely charming! Although Redford's character is supposedly a stuffed shirt, he was so comical and spontaneous I could not fathom when he lost this ability in later productions.Fonda's portrayal of a light hearted lover was a perfect foil to her family, neighbors, and friends. It was an interesting aspect that she always lit up when referencing their five day love nest Honeymoon at the Plaza. I think I could crank it up to 14 if I had the scratch.The only annoying part was the constant singing of that Sharma song, how is that funny or moving the plot along after a few bars? I had to turn the sound off it was that offensive.High recommend for light comedy, young Redford and Fonda, 60's Village New York and that initial glow of romance.