Barefoot in the Park (1967)

A frantic 1960's romantic comedy that is still a vibrant look at a New York City that has all but vanished; however, the movie HAS shown signs of wear and tear of late. I like Redford but I don't get Fonda. She's all over the place; her nervousness bothers me. She handles the dramatic parts in the script fine, but displays a shrill, manic nature in performing the comedic elements. She's, ultimately, too over-the-top for my tastes. I wish the director would've simply yelled "CUT!" once or twice. Charles Boyer, on the other hand, is a godsend from above. Literally. He lives in the building's attic, one flight above the newlyweds. Boyer is fit--looking much younger than his stated age at the time--and his acting chops are sharpened to a razor-thin cut. The small, quirky (the radiator is skyward) N.Y.C. apartment set serves an important purpose: It's the unofficial arena for our trio of thespians to do battle. Joined (later) by Fonda's understanding mother and an agitated telephone repairman, Neil Simon's sly narrative is finally completed. Numerous public conveyances are used to provide color in this movie. The old cars, Checker Cabs, N.Y.C. buses and even the Staten Island Ferry, make classic appearances before the film's final fade out. The ferry takes the two couples--minus the phone guy--to sleepy Staten Island, so they can experience an authentic Albanian restaurant, complete with belly dancing and homemade brew. It's the highlight of the film.

Fmovies: Noted playwright Neil Simon has successfully adapted many of his plays onto film and this 1967 Paramount release ranks as one of his best film adaptations of all. Robert Redford reprises his stage role as a newly married man who along with his new bride (Jane Fonda) gets involved in many hilarious situations as Fonda attempts to help him be more "free-spirited." A 1960's comedy classic.

Master of Broadway comedy Neil Simon adapted his hit play about a conservative young lawyer and his off-the-wall bride for this warm 1960's film classic. Robert Redford is Paul Bratter, the "Mister Straight" lawyer. Jane Fonda is his new wife Corie, who dedicates her life to the pursuit of fun. As the ecstasy of the honeymoon at the Plaza gives way to setting up housekeeping and a home in a modest five-flight walk-up, the harmony of marriage turns into comical discord. The mother-in-law (Mildred Natwick) complains meekly. The middle-aged Lothario upstairs (Charles Boyer) flirts shamelessly. Joy turns to anguish...and the results are pure Neil Simon comedy at its best.

This is a great example of 1960's comic genius. Neil Simon would follow this one with 1968's The Odd Couple starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon.

My rating: 2 and a half stars

Barefoot in the Park fmovies. I got so excited that Robert Redford did a romantic comedy film with Jane Fonda. Barefoot in the Park was indeed very funny and very entertaining. The story was simple. All the matters with the characters slowly rise. We can see that Corie Bratter (Jane Fonda), from being lovely and cheerful goes arguing and hating his conservative, spoilsport husband Paul Bratter. It was really funny. Robert Redford amuses me the most. He had that accentuated aura that reminded me of "The Sting" and his role in "Butch Cassidy and Sudance Kid". Jane Fonda was particularly witty too in her character. The latest humorous movie I watched about her was "Monster in Law". It took me a little time recognize her character in Barefoot in the Park, because honestly I haven't watch too much yet of her old movies. I must admit however that the first part of the film wasn't too much captivating. It got me bored a little. But when I saw finally Corie arguing with Paul because of their differences and incompatible attitudes, it got me the extreme laughs ever. Truly this is one cute, comically entertaining film of the old times I've ever seen. Highly recommend it.

I happen to prefer 'The Odd Couple' and 'The Out-of-Towners' but 'Barefoot in the Park' is good too. Surprisingly, I didn't find it as dated as 'The Goodbye Girl' which I saw recently.

As in all Neil Simon scripts, you'll get the weird situations, the quirky characters and the good lines. (My favourite: "Who lives in 4D?" "A big cat with a can opener.")

True, the movie appears staged, and the 1960s sets are, well, 1960s sets. But who cares. Robert Redford and Jane Fonda were young and attractive. And Charles Boyer steals the show, if that's possible with a Neil Simon script.

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda are at their best in this fast-paced, movie version of Neil Simon's BAREFOOT IN THE PARK. They show you what happens when the honeymoon's over and "real life" begins. The interaction between Redford and Fonda is superb and flows smoothly, the acting is brilliant and shines brightly throughout the movie. It's like witnessing perfection. Even the supporting cast is marvelous with their humorous dialog and perfect timing. What I like best is the characters will have you laughing without even half trying. Everything is put together so splendidly. This is one of those movies where everything comes together: the actors, the writing, the scenery, the situation, and of course the performances.

In my opinion BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is a rare gem that should be seen by all.