The Story of A Guide for the Married Man: A Cynical Take on Nuptial Bliss
A Guide for the Married Man plunges viewers into the delightfully mischievous mind of Paul Manning, a seemingly content husband who takes it upon himself to educate his naive friend, Robert Morse, on the intricate art of marital infidelity. The film isn't about if a man will stray, but how he can do so without detection, turning what could be a serious subject into a lighthearted, often absurd, comedy. Paul, portrayed with characteristic deadpan brilliance by Walter Matthau, shares a series of cautionary tales and tactical advice, drawing from a roster of celebrity "experts" who illustrate the do's and don'ts for the man with a roving eye. It’s a premise that, even today, feels both audacious and incredibly dated, but that's part of its charm. The official tagline, "Fourteen Famous Swingers give you the do's and don't's for the man with the roving eye and the urge to stray!", perfectly encapsulates the film's cheeky spirit and its parade of recognizable faces.
Behind the Making of A Guide for the Married Man: Star Power and a Musical Touch
This 1967 American bedroom-farce comedy was directed by none other than the legendary Gene Kelly, a surprising turn for the man primarily known for his iconic musicals. Kelly, however, brings a certain theatricality and precise comedic timing to the proceedings, ensuring the film never descends into mere slapstick. Starring alongside Walter Matthau are the elegant Inger Stevens as his unsuspecting wife and Robert Morse as the impressionable protégé, both perfectly cast for their roles. The film, a 20th Century Fox production, runs a concise 89 minutes, keeping the comedic lessons brisk and engaging. But what truly sets A Guide for the Married Man apart is its incredible roster of cameo appearances. Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Terry-Thomas, Jayne Mansfield (in her final film role), Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Joey Bishop, Art Carney, and Wally Cox all pop up, often in brief, memorable vignettes illustrating Paul's various lessons. It’s a who's who of 1960s entertainment, a real treat for classic film buffs. The title song, an earworm performed by The Turtles, was composed by the incomparable John Williams with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse – an unexpected, yet delightful, musical touch that adds to the film's distinct flavor.
Why A Guide for the Married Man Still Resonates: A Farce with a Wink
A Guide for the Married Man works precisely because it doesn't take itself too seriously. It’s a farce through and through, using the taboo subject of infidelity as a springboard for elaborate comedic scenarios rather than a deep exploration of morality. Walter Matthau, as Paul, is the anchor, delivering his cynical wisdom with an almost academic detachment that's just hilarious. His performance is a masterclass in understated comedy, making the absurd feel perfectly logical within the film's world. Robert Morse, meanwhile, perfectly embodies the wide-eyed innocent, absorbing Paul's dubious advice with increasing alarm and fascination. The strength of the film lies in its episodic structure, with each cameo illustrating a different facet of Paul's "guide." Honestly, it's the parade of stars, each given a moment to shine in their brief, often wordless, appearances, that makes this film so endlessly rewatchable. One particular sequence, where Paul demonstrates the "art of the alibi" using a meticulously planned fake business trip, complete with a detailed itinerary and a plausible excuse for every potential pitfall, showcases the film's commitment to its outlandish premise. According to a contemporary review in The Hollywood Reporter, the film was lauded as "a clever, if morally ambiguous, romp that leverages its star power for maximum comedic effect," a sentiment that holds up well. Despite its relatively modest IMDb rating of 5.942/10, many viewers, including us at Movie OTT, find its unique blend of star power and cheeky humor quite endearing.
Where to Stream A Guide for the Married Man Online
For those eager to revisit this charmingly retro comedy or discover it for the first time, A Guide for the Married Man is readily available across major OTT services. It's one of those delightful films that pops up frequently on various platforms, making it relatively easy to find. While specific availability can change, you'll often find it listed on subscription services or available for rent and purchase through digital storefronts. To see all current options, simply refer to the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page. Movie OTT keeps track of its streaming home, ensuring you don't have to hunt endlessly to enjoy Walter Matthau's dubious guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is A Guide for the Married Man about?
A: A Guide for the Married Man is a 1967 comedy about Paul Manning, who teaches his friend Robert Morse various strategies and cautionary tales on how to cheat on one's wife without being caught. It's a farcical look at infidelity, presented through a series of comedic vignettes.
Q: Who directed A Guide for the Married Man?
A: The film was directed by the legendary Gene Kelly. While more famous for his work in musicals, Kelly brought his keen eye for staging and comedic timing to this bedroom farce.
Q: When was A Guide for the Married Man released?
A: A Guide for the Married Man premiered in 1967. It captures a specific era of American comedy, replete with a star-studded cast typical of the period.
Q: How long is A Guide for the Married Man?
A: The film has a runtime of 89 minutes. It's a brisk and efficient comedy, ensuring the gags and lessons flow quickly without overstaying their welcome.
Final Thoughts on A Guide for the Married Man: A Nostalgic Laugh
A Guide for the Married Man is a curious cinematic artifact. It's not a film that attempts deep social commentary, but rather a playful, even audacious, comedy that thrives on the charisma of its lead and the sheer star power of its cameos. If you're in the mood for a lighthearted, slightly scandalous peek into 1960s marital anxieties — or perhaps just want to see some truly iconic performers in unexpected roles — this film is a solid choice. It's definitely a product of its time. But its ability to amuse, even decades later, speaks volumes about its enduring comedic spirit. We think it's worth a watch, and you can always check Movie OTT for its latest streaming whereabouts.
