Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Apartment is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Billy Wilder, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray. The film is set in 1950s New York City and explores themes of loneliness, ambition, and morality through the life of an insurance clerk who lets his superiors use his apartment for extramarital affairs.
The Story Unfolds
C.C. Baxter’s Dilemma
C.C. “Bud” Baxter (Jack Lemmon) is a lonely insurance clerk at Consolidated Life, a large company in Manhattan. To climb the corporate ladder, he allows senior executives to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs. This arrangement often leaves Baxter waiting outside in the cold, unable to go home.
Meeting Fran Kubelik
Baxter has a crush on Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), an elevator operator in his office building. Unbeknownst to Baxter, Fran is having an affair with Jeff D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), the company’s personnel director. Sheldrake also begins using Baxter’s apartment for his trysts with Fran.
The Climax and Resolution
Fran’s Despair
Fran discovers that Sheldrake has no intention of leaving his wife for her, leading her to attempt suicide in Baxter’s apartment. Baxter finds her just in time and nurses her back to health, showcasing his genuine care and affection for her. During this time, they develop a deep bond and understanding.
Baxter’s Moral Stand
As Baxter falls deeper in love with Fran, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the moral compromises he has made for career advancement. When Sheldrake demands the key to the apartment again, Baxter refuses, choosing his integrity over his job. This act of defiance results in Baxter quitting his job.
The Conclusion
Fran’s Realization
Realizing Baxter’s feelings for her and his willingness to sacrifice his career for his principles, Fran leaves Sheldrake and rushes to Baxter’s apartment. The film ends with Fran declaring her affection for Baxter, culminating in a heartfelt and hopeful conclusion.
Movie Ending
The film ends on a positive note with Baxter and Fran deciding to start a new chapter together, symbolizing Baxter’s redemption and Fran’s recognition of true love and respect.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Apartment.
Type of Movie
The Apartment is a romantic comedy-drama that combines elements of humor, romance, and social commentary.
Cast
- Jack Lemmon as C.C. “Bud” Baxter
- Shirley MacLaine as Fran Kubelik
- Fred MacMurray as Jeff D. Sheldrake
- Ray Walston as Joe Dobisch
- Jack Kruschen as Dr. Dreyfuss
- Naomi Stevens as Mrs. Dreyfuss
- Hope Holiday as Margie MacDougall
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Adolph Deutsch, whose music complements the film’s mix of comedy, romance, and drama.
Filming Locations
The Apartment was filmed primarily on sets built at The Samuel Goldwyn Studio in Hollywood, California. Some exterior shots were filmed on location in New York City to capture the urban atmosphere.
Awards and Nominations
The Apartment received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Won 5 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Billy Wilder), Best Original Screenplay (Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond), Best Art Direction (Black-and-White), and Best Film Editing. Nominated for Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), Best Actress (Shirley MacLaine), Best Supporting Actor (Jack Kruschen), Best Cinematography (Black-and-White), and Best Sound.
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), and Best Actress (Shirley MacLaine).
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film from any Source, Best Foreign Actor (Jack Lemmon), and Best Foreign Actress (Shirley MacLaine).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Billy Wilder was inspired by the brief scene in Brief Encounter (1945) where a character uses a friend’s apartment for an affair.
- Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine’s on-screen chemistry contributed significantly to the film’s success.
- The film was notable for addressing themes of infidelity and corporate ambition with a mix of humor and serious social commentary.
Inspirations and References
The film’s narrative and themes were inspired by the complexities of modern urban life, the loneliness experienced by individuals in a large city, and the moral compromises made for career advancement.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut closely follows Wilder’s vision, though some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While there are no direct novelizations, the film has been analyzed in various books and essays exploring its themes and impact. Wilder’s screenplay is also available in published form.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Baxter’s interactions with his bosses as they borrow his apartment.
- Fran’s suicide attempt and Baxter’s tender care for her.
- Baxter’s refusal to let Sheldrake use the apartment again.
- The final scene where Fran runs to Baxter’s apartment and they share a moment of mutual understanding and affection.
Iconic Quotes
- “Shut up and deal.” – Fran Kubelik
- “That’s the way it crumbles… cookie-wise.” – C.C. Baxter
- “The mirror… it’s broken.” – Fran Kubelik
- “Yes, I know. I like it that way. Makes me look the way I feel.” – C.C. Baxter
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s use of New York City settings and office environments captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s corporate world.
- The subtle details in Baxter’s apartment, such as the broken mirror, symbolize the characters’ emotional states.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $3 million, and it grossed over $25 million worldwide.
- The Apartment was one of the first major films to address the topic of adultery with a mix of comedy and drama.
- Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon’s performances are considered some of the best in their careers.
Why Watch?
The Apartment is a timeless classic that offers a perfect blend of humor, romance, and social commentary. Its exploration of human relationships, corporate ambition, and personal integrity makes it a compelling and thought-provoking film.
Director’s Other Movies
Billy Wilder also directed:
- Sunset Boulevard (1950)
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- Double Indemnity (1944)
- The Lost Weekend (1945)
- Sabrina (1954)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- It Happened One Night (1934)
- Roman Holiday (1953)
- Sunset Boulevard (1950)
- An Affair to Remember (1957)
