August 1st: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (Gene Saks, 1967)

A mismatched newlywed couple moves into an apartment in Greenwich Village, and quickly learn the honeymoon is over.

New York-born Neil Simon began his career writing for prominent radio and television shows, and had a hit with his first Broadway play, Come Blow Your Horn. Its follow-up Barefoot in the Park, based on his own marriage experience, was an even bigger success, nominated for several Tony awards and becoming one of the longest-running plays in Broadway history.

Unhappy with the film version of his first play, Simon decided to write the adaptation himself this time around. Despite the play's director Mike Nichols having won a Tony, the studio opted to go with the more experienced Gene Saks, who would be making his feature film debut behind the camera.

Reprising his stage role was Robert Redford, who had appeared in a handful of films but failed to gain much traction and was considering quitting his vocation. Various actresses were considered to play his co-star, including Natalie Wood (who turned it down), before it was offered to Jane Fonda, who despite her Hollywood pedigree was not yet taken seriously as an actor. Also returning from the Broadway cast were Mildred Gatwick and Herb Edelman, joined by French actor Charles Boyer for the film.

Behind the camera was veteran Joseph LaShelle (The Apartment, Laura), and the costumes were designed by 8-time Oscar-winner Edith Head. The film was shot partially on location in New York City, in notable spots such as the Plaza Hotel, 5th Avenue in Manhattan, Washington Square Park, and elsewhere in Greenwich Village.

Because of his experience doing the play so many times, Redford was able to advise Saks with the direction, particularly in terms of his interactions with Fonda.

The film opened to mostly positive reviews, and would become the first hit for Redford as one of the year's highest-grossing comedies. Him and Fonda both moved onto more high-profile, serious projects. Natwick received an Academy Award nomination for her performance, Simon one from the Writer's Guild, and Fonda from the BAFTAs.

Running time is approx. 105 minutes.