Watch Good Neighbor Sam

Good Neighbor Sam is a delightful comedy movie from 1964 starring Jack Lemmon, Romy Schneider, and Dorothy Provine. The movie revolves around Sam Bissel, an insurance salesman and a happy married man with two kids. Sam is a typical family man, always putting his family first and trying to juggle work and family life in the best way possible.

One day, Sam's life turns upside down when his next-door neighbor asks him to pretend to be her lover for a few days to prevent her husband from finding out about her extramarital affair. Sam, being the helpful neighbor that he is, agrees to help her. However, he soon finds himself caught in a web of lies and misunderstandings as more and more people get involved in his "affair."

Things get even more complicated when Sam's boss, the prudish and conservative Mr. Burke, invites him and his "mistress" to spend the weekend with him and his wife in their country house. Sam tries to wriggle out of the situation, but his tangle of lies and his well-meaning but clueless actions only make things worse.

Throughout the movie, Jack Lemmon steals the show as Sam Bissel, with his impeccable comic timing and his amazing ability to convey subtle emotions. He portrays Sam as a warm and charming man, always ready to help others but sometimes too naive for his own good. Romy Schneider is equally amazing as Sam's neighbor Janet Lagerlof, a gorgeous and alluring woman whose behavior is not always what it seems. Dorothy Provine also shines as Sam's loving but slightly neurotic wife, Minerva. The movie also features an incredible supporting cast, including Edward Andrews, Mike Connors, and Louis Nye, who all add their own unique flavor to the story.

One of the most interesting aspects of Good Neighbor Sam is how it tackles the issue of marital infidelity. Rather than simply condemning it or making light of it, the movie explores the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those involved. Sam, for instance, struggles with the moral implications of his actions, even though he is technically not cheating on his wife. Janet, on the other hand, is torn between her love for her husband and her attraction to other men.

The movie's humor is mostly derived from the misunderstandings that arise from Sam's situation. The audience is privy to the true nature of Sam's relationship with Janet, but the other characters are not, leading to hilarious situations where they misinterpret Sam's actions and try to make sense of the increasingly bizarre circumstances. The movie also features slapstick comedy, with Sam getting into one awkward situation after another.

Another highlight of Good Neighbor Sam is its visual style. The movie was shot in Technicolor, and the vibrant colors and beautiful set designs add to the overall feel-good atmosphere of the movie. The costumes are also noteworthy, with Romy Schneider's stylish outfits stealing the show.

Overall, Good Neighbor Sam is a charming and delightful comedy that is perfect for a lazy afternoon at home. It is a timeless classic that showcases the talents of its fantastic cast and crew. The movie's themes of love, morality, and human fallibility are still relevant today, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a good laugh and some heartwarming moments.

Good Neighbor Sam is a 1964 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.