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Marriage on the Rocks

Marriage on the Rocks (1965)

Sep 24, 1965 1h 49m Comedy Romance

Ad-agency president Dan Edwards goes to Mexico to celebrate his nineteenth wedding anniversary and winds up getting divorced by mistake, whereupon his wife Valerie marries his best friend Ernie Brewer by mistake.

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Directed by Jack Donohue

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jack Donohue
Writer
  • Cy Howard
Producer
  • William H. Daniels

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Thematic Analysis

Marriage on the Rocks represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Jack Donohue brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1965, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Marriage on the Rocks took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 33 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1965, when this film was released:
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Marriage on the Rocks shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps, which focuses more on action than character development, Marriage on the Rocks offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Belle Époque and Two Weeks Notice explore similar territory, Marriage on the Rocks stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 24, 1965
  • Runtime: 1h 49m