Days before Christmas, in a St. Louis, Missouri hospital, Korean War veteran Jim Hutton (as George Haverstick) is tended by sexy night nurse Jane Fonda (as Isabel Crane). He has "the shakes" and she gives him relaxing rub-downs. When Mr. Hutton is released, Ms. Fonda weeps. She has been fired for fainting at the sight of blood. Hutton quits his job and marries Ms. Fonda. The bickering couple heads to Miami for a honeymoon, but Fonda is worried about Hutton having no job. Wondering if he's made a mistake, Hutton decides to contact war buddy Anthony "Tony" Franciosa (as Ralph Bates). This may not help Hutton and Fonda save their new marriage – we learn Mr. Franciosa is headed for a divorce. The future of marriage hangs in the balance...
This is an adaptation of a uniquely more comic Tennessee Williams play. From stage and TV, director George Roy Hill made it his first feature film. While considered comic, the more serious aspects are interesting. Hutton's character is unable to perform sexually for Fonda, although she squeezes an arousing figure into the tightest clothing possible. Maybe it's the shrill southern accent we hear when she's upset. Fonda's telephone scene is especially unnerving. Given mostly to Hutton and Fonda, the comedy isn't that funny. The dramatics work better. The first time Mr. Hill grabs you is when Mr. Franciosa tosses his son's stiffed animal into a fire, fearing it could turn the boy into a "sissy." As Franciosa's formerly "homely" wife, Lois Nettleton impresses.
****** Period of Adjustment (10/31/62) George Roy Hill ~ Anthony Franciosa, Jane Fonda, Jim Hutton, Lois Nettleton
This is an adaptation of a uniquely more comic Tennessee Williams play. From stage and TV, director George Roy Hill made it his first feature film. While considered comic, the more serious aspects are interesting. Hutton's character is unable to perform sexually for Fonda, although she squeezes an arousing figure into the tightest clothing possible. Maybe it's the shrill southern accent we hear when she's upset. Fonda's telephone scene is especially unnerving. Given mostly to Hutton and Fonda, the comedy isn't that funny. The dramatics work better. The first time Mr. Hill grabs you is when Mr. Franciosa tosses his son's stiffed animal into a fire, fearing it could turn the boy into a "sissy." As Franciosa's formerly "homely" wife, Lois Nettleton impresses.
****** Period of Adjustment (10/31/62) George Roy Hill ~ Anthony Franciosa, Jane Fonda, Jim Hutton, Lois Nettleton