Watch The Happy Ending

The Happy Ending is a 1969 American drama film that explores the complexities of marriage and the pursuit of happiness. The movie directed by Richard Brooks follows the life of Mary Wilson (Jean Simmons), a bored and disillusioned housewife who contemplates cheating on her husband, Fred (John Forsythe). Mary has been married to Fred for nearly twenty years, and they have two children together. However, their marriage has lost its spark, and Mary is no longer satisfied with their life together. She begins to question whether there is more to life than just being a housewife, and she considers having an affair with her old flame, Joey (Bobby Darin).

As Mary grapples with her feelings, the movie delves into her life and the lives of those around her. We see her daughter, Marge (Tina Louise), struggle with her own relationship and her father's infidelity. We also see Fred's struggle with alcoholism and Mary's parents' unhappy marriage.

Despite the film's subject matter, The Happy Ending manages to avoid becoming too heavy-handed or melodramatic. Instead, it presents a realistic and nuanced portrayal of marriage and its challenges. The characters are complex and flawed, and the movie explores their motivations and desires with compassion and insight.

Jean Simmons delivers a standout performance as Mary, portraying her with a mix of vulnerability, frustration, and determination. John Forsythe is also excellent as Fred, bringing depth and nuance to his portrayal of a man struggling with his own demons. Shirley Jones delivers a memorable supporting turn as Flo, Mary's loyal and free-spirited best friend.

The Happy Ending also boasts an impressive soundtrack, with songs by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The film's theme song, "The Look of Love," became one of Bacharach's most famous compositions and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The score adds to the movie's overall mood and enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, The Happy Ending is a well-crafted and impactful drama that examines the human condition with depth and sensitivity. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of love, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Happy Ending is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.