Watch Two for the Seesaw

Two for the Seesaw is a bittersweet romantic drama film from 1962, directed by Robert Wise and starring Robert Mitchum and Shirley MacLaine. The movie is based on a play written by William Gibson with the same name, which premiered on Broadway in 1958. The story follows Jerry Ryan (Robert Mitchum), a Nebraska lawyer who has just separated from his wife and moved to New York City to start a new life. Jerry is lonely and lost in the big city when he meets Gittel Mosca (Shirley MacLaine), a struggling dancer living in a rundown apartment in Greenwich Village. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, Jerry and Gittel develop a relationship that grows into a deep and complicated love.

Jerry is initially drawn to Gittel's vitality and spontaneity, seeing her as a refreshing change of pace from his stale life in Nebraska. He helps her with her financial problems and encourages her to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. But as they spend more time together, Jerry and Gittel's relationship becomes more and more complicated as they struggle with their own insecurities and past traumas.

Gittel, for her part, is a fierce and independent woman who has faced a difficult life full of disappointments and heartbreak. She is determined to survive on her own terms and is wary of relying on anyone, including Jerry. Her past relationships and experiences have left her with emotional scars that make it hard for her to trust Jerry or anyone else completely.

As Jerry and Gittel's relationship progresses, they face many obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. Jerry's ex-wife tries to win him back, and he struggles with whether to go back to his old life or stay with Gittel. Meanwhile, Gittel's former boyfriend, an Italian businessman named Frank Tauro (Edmon Ryan), reappears in her life, trying to win her back as well. Jerry and Gittel's own fears and doubts also prevent them from fully embracing each other, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Despite these challenges, Jerry and Gittel's relationship is a powerful and transformative one. They learn to open up to each other and face their own flaws and weaknesses, becoming stronger and more self-aware in the process. Their story is a poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and the universal desire to connect with another person.

The performances by Mitchum and MacLaine are both excellent, with Mitchum showcasing a more vulnerable and emotional side rarely seen in his other roles. MacLaine, known for her quirky and energetic performances, delivers a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of Gittel, a woman who is both tough and vulnerable at the same time.

The movie captures the atmosphere of 1960s New York City, with scenes shot on location in Greenwich Village and other iconic neighborhoods. The music, composed by Andre Previn, is also memorable and adds to the film's emotional impact.

Overall, Two for the Seesaw is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of love and human relationships in a nuanced and realistic way. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone who appreciates a good love story.

Two for the Seesaw is a 1962 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.