The Apartment (1960) – Film Review

Director: Billy Wilder
Cast: Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray
Certificate: PG

By Sarah Morgan

So, where do you stand on the career of Billy Wilder?

Do you think his dramas, such as The Lost Weekend, Double Indemnity, Stalag 17 or Sunset Boulevard are his true masterpieces, or do comedies such as Some Like It Hot, Sabrina and The Seven Year Itch float your boat?

If you’re equally attracted to both, chances are you’re a huge fan of The Apartment, the master film-maker’s romantic comedy-drama from 1960, because it contains elements that will make you laugh, cry and feel rather warm and fuzzy in equal measure.

Having already enjoyed much success with the aforementioned Some Like It Hot, Wilder and his regular co-writer, IAL Diamond, decided they wanted to work with one of its stars, Jack Lemmon, again, and, inspired in part by Brief Encounter – particularly the section in which its central, adulterous characters are offered the use of a friend’s flat in which to conduct their affair – came up with The Apartment’s plot.

“Turning point”

Lemmon plays CC ‘Buddy’ Baxter, an ambitious clerk at a huge insurance company. In an attempt to ingratiate himself with his callous bosses, he lends them his home where they can carry out their extra-marital flings in private.

Buddy’s plan works. He suddenly finds himself being plucked from obscurity to be given a private office and all the perks it demands. However, what he doesn’t realise is that he’s falling in love with Fran Kubelik, the office’s lift operator – until, that is, she tries to take her own life in his apartment after their married boss, personal manager Jeff Sheldrake, ends their relationship.

Lonely, heartbroken Miss Kubelik’s act proves to be a turning point in all their lives. Sheldrake’s wife finds out about the fling and throws him out, leaving him free to pursue Miss Kubelik. Buddy, meanwhile, realises that success and money can’t buy him happiness, but only the object of his affections can make the decision that will finally end their misery…

Lemmon was a master at playing ordinary guys, the kind who were never he-men in the Burt Lancaster mould, but were socially awkward and struggled to achieve their goals. As a result, he’s perfect as Buddy; it’s impossible to imagine anyone else playing the part.

“Great chemistry”

Shirley MacLaine is also wonderful as the gamine Miss Kubelik, with whom Lemmon has great chemistry; little wonder Wilder reteamed the duo for Irma La Douce three years later.

The director had previously cast the usually charming light comedian Fred MacMurray against type in Double Indemnity, and he does it again here with equally brilliant results – his Sheldrake may be smooth-talking and seemingly affable, but he’s a real heel who doesn’t deserve either Miss Kubelik or the seemingly happy home life he shared with his wife and children.

The Apartment won five Oscars, including three for Wilder himself (Best Film, Director and Original Screenplay, shared with Diamond), and deservedly so. Sixty-five years on from its cinema release, it remains one of its makers best works in any genre.

Sarah Morgan( Writer )

Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

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FAQs – The Apartment (1960) 4K UHD Limited Edition

What is The Apartment about?

Ambitious clerk C.C. “Bud” Baxter lends his Manhattan flat to philandering bosses to climb the corporate ladder – until he falls for lift operator Fran Kubelik and must choose career or conscience.

Who made it and who stars?

Director – Billy Wilder; co-writer – I.A.L. Diamond. Cast – Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray.

Why is it considered a classic?

It blends sharp satire and tender romance – a near-perfect balance of Wilder’s drama and comedy – anchored by career-best turns from Lemmon and MacLaine.

How many Oscars did it win?

Five – including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

What is the UK certificate and runtime?

Certificate PG – runtime 120 minutes.

Is the film black-and-white?

Yes – it was shot and released in black-and-white in widescreen.

What are the key technical specs?

4K restoration from the original negative – 4K (2160p) UHD in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) – original lossless mono with optional 5.1 remix – English SDH subtitles – widescreen presentation.

What special features are included?

Audio commentary by Bruce Block – appreciations and video essays – archival interview The Writer Speaks: Billy Wilder – cast and crew features – trailer – reversible sleeve – collector’s booklet.

Does the edition include a booklet?

Yes – new writing by Neil Sinyard, Kat Ellinger, Travis Crawford and H. V. Hyche (in the limited edition).

How does this 4K look and sound?

The restoration delivers crisp, filmic black-and-white with stable grain – the mono track preserves period authenticity, with a tasteful optional 5.1.

Is it connected to Brief Encounter?

Partly – Wilder and Diamond drew inspiration from the idea of lovers borrowing a friend’s flat, which helped spark the film’s premise.

What themes might interest modern viewers?

Office politics, ethics, loneliness and compassion – all handled with Wilder’s wit and bite, making it timeless as well as romantic.