Watch The April Fools

The April Fools is a romantic comedy-drama film from 1969 starring legendary actors Jack Lemmon and Catherine Deneuve, along with Peter Lawford in a supporting role. Directed by Stuart Rosenberg and written by Hal Dresner, the movie is set in New York City on the 1st of April - famously known as April Fools' Day. Lemmon plays Howard Brubaker, a successful businessman who is unhappily married to his boss's daughter, Phyllis (played by Sally Kellerman). On the other hand, Deneuve plays his married French secretary, Catherine Gunther, with whom he starts a clandestine affair. The two characters lead separate lives until a chance encounter on the city streets on April Fools' Day leads to a series of unexpected events.

The story follows the two leads as they navigate their own personal crises alongside their romantic entanglement. Howard feels trapped in his marriage and consumed by his corporate job, whereas Catherine is struggling in her own marriage to her wealthy husband (played by Charles Boyer), who is emotionally distant and unloving.

As Howard and Catherine explore their desire for each other, their relationship is put to the test by various obstacles, including a nosy coworker (played by Myrna Loy), Phyllis' constant presence, and the disapproval of Catherine's socialite mother-in-law (played by Leah Baird). Through it all, the two characters try to find a way to be together without sacrificing their individuality and sense of self.

Aside from the central romance, the movie touches on themes of conformity, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a materialistic society. The film also boasts stunning on-location shots of New York City, capturing the beauty of the city in the late 60s.

Jack Lemmon's performance as Howard Brubaker is one of the highlights of the movie, showing off his range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic scenes. Catherine Deneuve, who was already a rising star in France, delivers a captivating performance as Catherine Gunther, showcasing her natural beauty, elegance, and poise.

The April Fools received mixed reviews upon its initial release, with critics praising the performances of the two leads but criticizing the story's slow pacing and lack of depth. However, it has since gained a cult following and is regarded as an underrated gem of the era, with many appreciating its realistic portrayal of adult relationships and sharp insights into the human condition.

Overall, The April Fools is a sweet and sentimental film about longing and connection in a world that can be cold and uncaring. It's a movie that will make you root for the characters as they face their challenges and chase their dreams, leaving you with a heartwarming and bittersweet feeling by the time the credits roll.

The April Fools is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 47.