The Apartment (1960)

Plot:  An ambitious worker lets Corporate Executives use his apartment for their adulterous affairs.
Stars: Jack Lemmon (C.C. Baxter), Shirley Maclaine (Fran),  Fred MacMurray (Jeff Sheldrake)

Best Quote:
Sylvia:   You mean you bring other girls up here?
Kirkeby: Certainly not.  I'm a happily married man

Labeled a “dirty fairy-tale” when released, The Apartment is a likable, somewhat sleazy and completely unrealistic look at corporate life.  “Dirty” because of the plot revolves around adultery and a man pimping out his apartment to Business Execs. A “fairy-tale” because our two lead characters (Fran and C.C. Baxter) behave in such inconsistent and absurd ways they’re not real people.  Fran goes from being in love with Sheldrake to committing suicide, to being OK, and then leaving Sheldrake for C.C. Baxter so fast it makes your head swim.

Meanwhile, C.C. pimps out his Apartment because he’s a good-hearted schnook (and for advancement) but then stops and gives it all up for Fran – even though he expects her to marry Sheldrake.  In between, despite being a man in his early 30s, he behaves like bashful schoolboy toward Fran – and never makes a move on her.

Wilder goes through these unrealistic gymnastics because our two leads – on the surface – are unsympathetic, amoral climbers.  Baxter wants promotions without earning them, and Fran wants a rich corporate executive, his family be damned.  And somehow our two love-birds need to be brought together for a happy ending.

Direction and Acting - Excellent
Acting-wise, everyone does well enough, although Lemmon is a little too old for the bashful schoolboy pose and overdoes the “hapless schnook” shtick.  Maclaine and MacMurray are the two standouts, playing their parts perfectly. Incredibly, Wilder wanted his friend, Paul Douglas, for Sheldrake.  Shirley MacLaine in love with Paul Douglas?  Talk about suspension of disbelief! The supporting cast is excellent and provides most of the comedy.  Wilder directs well, as usual. The use of the mirror is an excellent touch.

Summary
Wilder gives us cynicism - but with an unrealistic  happy face.  In Ace in the Hole, cynical Douglas “comes to Jesus” in the last 35 minutes. In the Apartment, Fran and C.C. Baxter absurdly turn down what they’ve been seeking the whole movie, because “Love conquers all.” Once you get past the bitter lemon icing, it’s the same old gooey fairy tale.