The High Cost of Loving (1958)

Director:

José Ferrer

Writers:

Alford Van Ronkel (story) and
Milo O. Frank Jr. (story) ...

Release Date:

20 July 1959 (Sweden)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Middle-aged middle-manager Jim Fry, with the same company for fifteen years, is in a comfortable rut...

Plot Keywords:

Middle Management | White Collar

Cast

José Ferrer	...	Jim 'Jimbo' Fry
Gena Rowlands	...	Jenny Fry
Joanne Gilbert	...	Syd Heyward
Jim Backus	...	Paul Mason
Bobby Troup	...	Steve Heyward
Philip Ober	...	Herb Zorn
Edward Platt	...	Eli Cave
Charles Watts	...	Boylin, Executive
Werner Klemperer	...	Joseph Jessup

Runtime:

87 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Finland:S | Sweden:Btl

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

Author Alford Van Ronkel appears in an uncredited bit as a cigar salesman.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Green Acres: The High Cost of Loving (#6.11)" (1970)

A remarkable piece of fluff

Although this film is a little light-hearted comedy, it is well worth seeing, for many remarkable features. One is the sheer talent of everyone involved!

Mel Ferrer, who directed and acted as its main star, has far more legendary talent in both areas than this film shows. Gena Rowlands is a fabulous actress and although this is her first film, you can already see the fine acting talent she was about to become.

Rather fascinating to see is Richard Deacon, who has played in so many films and sitcoms I've lost count, in the role of the obstetrician, and Nancy Kulp, who was deeply loved as the gawky bank secretary in "The Beverley Hillbillies", and Ed Platt, who was legendary as "the Chief" in "Get Smart".

The story itself revolves around a misunderstanding. Jim Fry, played by Ferrer, believes that he is about to get the sack, when in fact he is actually about to be promoted. A series of events worsens his fears with each passing day, and he very nearly causes a catastrophe. Although this film is obviously limited in its scope and storyline, seeing all these wonderful and deeply loved actors all together in this one film transforms this little piece of fluff into a genuinely remarkable experience, which no lover of films and TV sitcoms should miss!

The best parts of the film, in my opinion, occur in the parts of the film when Ferrer and Rowlands are together. They play a very sweet couple who, after nine years of marriage, have their morning routine worked out so well it's a symphony of timing and choreography. Several other subsequent films have tried to mirror this routine but no-one has yet achieved the perfection of this original one.

This film gets a thoroughly deserved 9 out of 10 from me. It doesn't get a higher score only because of the limitations in its scope.