A Guide for the Married Man (DVD, 2005)

A Guide for the Married Man (1967) is a good comedy written by Frank Tarloff and directed well by Gene Kelly. Walter Matthau plays a married man and father who is considering having an affair, regardless of the fact that he loves his wonderfully caring wife (Inger Stevens). He is counselled by his friend (Roger Morse), who has had affairs and knows the specific practices to follow to avoid detection and to protect his wife.

Throughout the first hour of the film, Morse coaches Matthau on the do's and don't's of having a successful affair, covering any situation which, even in the most extreme conditions, may arise. His teachings are accompanied by cleverly humorous illustrations acted out by many celebrities in cameo roles. Among the cameo performers are Lucille Ball, Carl Reiner, Ben Blue, Jack Benny, Joey Bishop, Phil Silvers, Jayne Mansfield, Art Carney, Louis Nye, and Sid Caesar.

After finishing his lessons, Morse takes Matthau on a dry run of his plan, and then Matthau is left alone to execute his affair with a client who has recently gotten divorced. Matthau's ultimate course of action is predictable, but it is nevertheless carried out in a funny manner and with a surprising twist.

Matthau is excellent, and his facial expressions are hilarious. Morse is very good, as well, and the cameo performers add their own panache. Kelly proves himself a highly capable director who uses effective camera placement and good pacing to keep the viewers entertained.

A Guide for the Married Man suffers a bit from being very much a product of its time, but the humor and fine performances by Morse, Matthau, and the supporting cast make this an enjoyable film.

My husband has wanted this DVD for some time. It was the right price. I received it promptly. It was a great surprise for Christmas.

The movie is not available in europe as DVD, the movie seems telling the funny part of affairs and their consequences:)
No more great movies are being shot ... few

This is one of the funniest and clever movies ever. It has an all-star cast in one hysterical situation after another. This movie is not to be missed!