Watch The Seven Year Itch
- Approved
- 1955
- 1 hr 45 min
-
7.1 (43,121)
The Seven Year Itch is a romantic comedy film from 1955 that stars the legendary icon Marilyn Monroe in the lead role. Directed by Billy Wilder, the movie is based on the stage play of the same name by George Axelrod. The movie revolves around Richard Sherman, a middle-aged publishing executive from New York City, who is left alone in his flat when his wife and son go on vacation during the summer. With his bachelor life disrupted by his familyâs departure, Richard finds himself struggling with a seven-year itch, finding it hard to resist the temptations of other women.
While Richard's wife is away, he develops a fascination with the blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroeâs character, who is simply referred to as "The Girl." She is a model who lives in the apartment above Richard's, and her carefree attitude and fun-loving spirit prove to be a temptation that Richard can't resist.
As The Girl becomes a frequent visitor to Richard's apartment, they both begin to feel a mutual attraction towards each other. However, Richard struggles to keep his desires in check, even as The Girlâs seductive nature continues to lure him.
Over the course of the film, the viewer is taken on an entertaining journey as Richard navigates his way through the complexities of his seven-year itch. The comedic tone of the film makes it a light-hearted and enjoyable watch for the audience.
The chemistry between Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell is one of the highlights of the movie. Monroeâs effervescent charm and Ewellâs impeccable comic timing make for a perfect match. Their on-screen chemistry is delightful to watch, with Monroe portraying a classic seductress while Ewell plays the slightly nerdy and slightly uptight character of Richard Sherman with ease.
The Seven Year Itch also features Evelyn Keyes in the role of Richard's wife, Helen Sherman. Her performance as Richardâs long-suffering but loving spouse is outstanding. Keyes brings a lot of depth to the character and her interactions with Ewellâs Richard are some of the film's most memorable moments.
The movie's standout scene is perhaps when Monroe's character stands above a subway grate, lifts up her skirt, and lets the air from a passing train blow it up. This unforgettable moment has since become one of the most iconic scenes in film history, cementing Monroe's status as a sex symbol.
In addition to the memorable performances, The Seven Year Itch is also famous for its witty dialogue and excellent screenplay. The film's themes of love, temptation, and infidelity are presented in a light and comedic manner that makes it all the more enjoyable to watch.
The movie's production design and cinematography are also well done, with the film's setting of 1950s New York City adding to its charm. The music, composed by Alfred Newman, adds to the film's playful tone and adds depth to certain emotional moments.
All in all, The Seven Year Itch is a delightful romantic comedy that showcases Marilyn Monroe at her best. Its iconic imagery, hilarious script, great performances, and a perfect balance of comedy and romance make it an enjoyable watch even after all these years.
The Seven Year Itch is a 1955 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.