The Seven Year Itch

     During a summer heat wave in New York City, a man sends his wife and child up to Maine to escape the sweltering heat.  Enjoying his carefree bachelor freedom, he's still trying to be good- no drinking, no smoking, no women.  But he soon finds himself in over his head as a certain blonde moves in upstairs...

     Universally known for the forever iconic image of Marilyn Monroe standing above a subway grating with her skirt billowing up- but "The Seven Year Itch" offers much more than that.  It's actually a bubbling sex comedy chock full of hidden innuendos and clever jokes.  Quite daring for its time (it's amusing to pick out the lines that you just know flew right past the censors...), Billy Wilder's "The Seven Year Itch" is pure comedic gold.

      This is one of Marilyn's greatest performances, I think.  It's classic Marilyn-she's breathlessly enthralling, and her work in this movie is proof that she could act.  Her comedic timing is impeccable and she manages to be sexy and  hilarious at the same time.  And Tom Ewell is pitch perfect as Richard Sherman- your typical businessman of the 50's.  The chemistry between Monroe and Ewell is irresistible and they play off each other well.  Another great time capsule of the fab 50's, and not only one of the greatest comedies to come out of the 50's, but of all time. Most comedies today pale in comparison to something of this caliber.  Essential viewing of any classic film fan.