BAREFOOT

IN THE PARK

a film by Gene Saks released through Paramount Pictures in 1967

In this newlywed comedy, Robert Redford plays a staid attorney, and Jane Fonda plays his neurotic and nymphomaniacal wonder-bride.  The setup, with the run-down walk-up apartment, and the eccentric neighbor  courting the reserved mother, is good.  But the film's central conceit, that Corie would contemplate divorce after a mere week of marriage—and only because her husband has pressing work responsibilities and doesn't sentimentalize their bohemian quarters—barely convinces.  Ironically, if Paul was more annoying perhaps everything would gel.  Indeed, the tension derived from diametrically opposed personalities/viewpoints is a lynchpin of comedy.  But there's a problem when one party is too outlandish to engender any sympathy.  (And it's a little difficult to believe he knew nothing of her temperament, and if he did, why he would marry her.) 

Nevertheless, despite its glacial pace and leaden 'humor' (if they were ten stories up, not five, the universal windedness of the stair-climbers would make more sense), we're granted an idealized glimpse of carefree Greenwich Village living in the '60s.  Charles Boyer and Mildred Natwick show the youngsters what real acting is.  And we all have a chance, through this pleasant diversion, to consider what it takes to make real marriages work.

★★☆☆☆

Best for ages 16+

FEATURING

ROBERT REDFORD, JANE FONDA, CHARLES BOYER, AND MILDRED NATWICK

© 2025 Ian C. Bloom