Jean Simmons & John Forsythe in The Happy Ending 1969

The late 60's found the women's movement in full swing. Housewives everywhere were questioning the scope of their lives, exploring new possibilities, wondering what was possible for them out in the world. Mary Wilson (Jean Simmons) was one of those housewives. Disillusioned with her marriage and with nothing to occupy her time or challenge her intellect, she sinks into depression, drinking and acting out her frustrations in childish episodes of petulance and profligate spending. Her husband (John Forsythe) says he loves her, but doesn't take the time or effort to understand her. So, she runs away to Nassau, and on the way she meets an old college friend (Shirley Jones) who's tried it the other way - as a mistress to wealthy men.

This was one of the first films that took an honest look at the issues of the woman's movement, but it is also a beautiful portrait of relationships. It's told in flashbacks that illustrate the path Mary takes to get where she is, and it's full of poignant moments that are beautifully played by the stellar cast. And the cast is truly stellar! In addition to Simmons, Forsythe and Jones, look for Nanette Fabray, Bobby Darin (billed as Robert), Lloyd Bridges, Teresa Wright, Dick Shawn and Tina Louise. The film is most remembered for the hit song What are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? by Michel LeGrand and Alan & Marilyn Bergman, which was nominated for an Oscar and became a very popular standard. Look for a very young Erin Moran (Jonie from the series Happy Days) as the daughter in one of the flashback scenes.

This beautiful little film has been largely forgotten. It hasn't been released on DVD, but there was a VHS release in the late 90's. The scene above was uploaded to YouTube by JeanSimmonsFan. The poster above can be purchased at MoviePosterShop.com



Obscurity factor: 7 (not available on DVD, available on VHS and YouTube)

Sandra Dee & Bobby Darin in If A Man Answers 1962

For those of you who are fans of the Doris Day/Rock Hudson comedies, I have a treat for you. In 1962 Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin took a stab at the genre with this cute film. Free spirit Chantal Stacy (Sandra Dee) finds romance with photographer Eugene Wright (Bobby Darin), and after a whirlwind courtship, they're married. The course of love is never smooth in this genre, however, and Chantal soon finds herself neglected by her husband. So, advised by her French mother, she sets about to solve this using a series of deceptions and is, of course, eventually deceived herself. As in all these films, all is well in the end. The cast also includes a young Stefanie Powers and veteran Caesar Romero. The production values are top of the line with beautiful color photography and lush sets and costumes. It's a frothy bonbon, but a fun way to spend an evening.

I was completely unaware of this film until I stumbled across it on Netflix. It's been pretty much forgotten and is rarely seen on TV. There is a DVD of it available and you can find the trailer, uploaded to YouTube by bobbyfan64 above.

Obscurity factor: 5 (largely forgotten, rarely on TV, DVD available)