edwagreen
Kim Novak again proved what a miserable actress she could be. Other than "Jeanne Eagles" and "The Eddy Duchin Story," Miss Novak just couldn't act.Kirk Douglas looked tired in this film. Is it any wonder, "Spartacus" was the same year!The story is typical suburbia infidelity among the rich. The real surprise here is Walter Matthau, who finds out about the Douglas-Novak affair and attempts to illicit sex from the latter. Matthau was excellent here as a cad.Other acting kudos should go to Ernie Kovacs as a chain-smoking novelist who understands about the philosophy of life. Barbara Rush has her moments as the neglected wife of Douglas.We don't know where this film is going. As an architect in the film, Douglas's character needed to build more.
MartinHafer
This film stars Kirk Douglas and Kim Novak, so you'd think the film would be a little more compelling. Well, it really isn't--it's just pretty boring though the acting certainly isn't bad. Part of the problem is the script--it just isn't all that good. Also, your point of view may make this even less attractive. I'm a pretty old-fashioned guy and I thought that the film glorified and excused adultery, so I was put off right away. However, some can no doubt look past this. But, even if you do, it doesn't make the film terribly interesting or inspiring. It's a time-passer and that's really about it. So, you CAN watch it if you'd like but I wouldn't rush to do so.
cotaboy1
I echo the sentiment of the other reviewer. This is so much more than a soap opera...I caught this movie on the late show about 20 years ago and if recall correctly, was going through the end of a relationship at the time. The movie struck a chord, though frankly I'm not sure why I received it's message so deeply. This is my favorite Kirk Douglas movie by far. Kirk is not known for subtlety but he's great here.I typically judge movies by their ring of truth, and this one has it in spades.A must see...
bdplaid
If viewed from the morality of the period, this is actually quite a good movie. It attempted to tell a story about and comment on American family life, particularly on repressed desires and wedded relationships in the suburbs just before the "swinging 60's" exploded. Hearing Walter Matthau sum up his marital role as merely being considered "furniture in his own home" speaks volumes about what this film is about. Kim Novak is the sexy wife and mother to one family. Living down the manicured street is Kirk Douglas, the virile husband and dad in another - both living their lives against the backdrop of 1950's-60's morality. You do the math...Is it worthy of awards? No. Is the conflict entertaining? You bet! Definitely worth a look to those who like films from this era.
AD
