Director's Series: Billy Wilder's THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH (1955)

It was the film that made Marilyn Monroe an International SuperStar.

It was based on a hit Broadway comedy.

It was a biting satire of the battle of the sexes.

But the “suits” at 20th Century Fox and the “the censors” got in the way and Billy Wilder quickly grew bored and “banged out” THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH so he could move on to another project.

And, boy does that show.

Starring Tom Ewell (reprising his role from Broadway), THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH tells the tale of a NYC “everyman” who is home, alone, during a hot New York summer (while his wife and child summer in Upstate New York). Into his life comes a stunning new neighbor, stimulating his imagination.

It was the stuff of a titillating, “naughty” Broadway comedy, but the sensors (and the suits) made Director Billy Wilder tone down the “naughty bits”. They also would not let him cast a young, unknown actor by the name of Walter Matthau in the lead role, forcing him to cast a game Tom Ewell fresh from Broadway.

Both of these decisions (and Wilder’s eventual uninterest in his only 20th Century Fox project) leads THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH directly onto the center line - too naughty for conservative types and not naughty enough for those more liberal. With a lead turn by Ewell that is “fine”, but nothing special (which makes one pine for “what could have been” with Matthau).

What elevates this - and makes it worth your while - is the marvelously comedic (and sexy) turn that Marilyn Monroe gives. She exudes sexual playfulness while also imbuing her character with a naivete and innocence that is charming and satisfying.

Oh…and it also features the famed “Subway Tunnel wind blowing up Marilyn’s White Dress” scene.

And…that’s about it for this film. Not good, not bad, just…average…with a fun performance by Monroe.

Letter Grade: B

7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)