Watch Happy Anniversary & Goodbye

Happy Anniversary & Goodbye is a 1974 drama film starring Lucille Ball, Art Carney, and Nanette Fabray. Directed by Jack Donohue, the movie follows the story of a married couple, Sydney and Tim, who decide to separate after 23 years of marriage. The film explores the complex emotions and difficulties that come with a long-term relationship and the pain of saying goodbye.

The movie begins with Sydney and Tim celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary, and while they exchange presents and reminisce about the past, it's evident that their relationship has hit a rough patch. Sydney is an ambitious actress who has dedicated her life to her career, while Tim is a struggling writer who feels overshadowed by his wife's success. Despite their differences, they still love each other, but they're both unhappy with their life together.

One night, on their way home from a party, they get into an argument that leads to a moment of clarity for both of them. They realize that they're no longer happy together and decide to split up. The rest of the movie follows their journey as they come to terms with their decision and try to move on with their lives.

The standout performances in the movie come from Lucille Ball as Sydney and Art Carney as Tim. Both actors bring a depth of emotion and nuance to their characters, capturing the pain and sadness of a relationship coming to an end. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most affecting in the film.

Nanette Fabray also gives an excellent performance as Sydney's best friend, who tries to help her through the breakup. Her character serves as a voice of reason, offering advice and support to Sydney as she struggles to figure out what to do with her life.

The movie's pacing is slow and deliberate, reflecting the weightiness of the subject matter. However, the film never feels overly long, and the time is used effectively to explore the emotions of the characters and their relationships with each other.

One of the most significant themes in the film is the idea that sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships don't work out. Sydney and Tim are two people who genuinely love each other, but they're not meant to be together. The movie examines the pain that comes with this realization and the difficulty of walking away from something that's been a significant part of your life for so long.

Another emotional throughline in the movie is the idea of starting over. Both Sydney and Tim face the challenge of creating new lives for themselves after their breakup. They each explore new hobbies, new interests, and new relationships, and the film examines the ups and downs of this process.

Overall, Happy Anniversary & Goodbye is a powerful movie that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and letting go. It's a poignant portrayal of the pain of saying goodbye and the challenges of starting over, anchored by excellent performances from its lead actors. While it's a little slow-paced for some, the film ultimately provides a moving and relatable portrayal of love and loss.

Happy Anniversary & Goodbye is a 1974 comedy with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.