On this day, February 8, 1980, the comedy The Last Married Couple in America premiered in theaters. Directed by Gilbert Cates, the film starred George Segal and Natalie Wood as a happily married couple struggling to maintain their relationship in a world where divorce has become the norm.
This satirical look at marriage in the late 1970s follows Jeff and Mari Thompson, who begin to question their own relationship as they watch their friends' marriages crumble around them. The film balances humor with a sharp commentary on changing societal norms, commitment, and the pressures of modern relationships. It also features a strong supporting cast, including Richard Benjamin, Valerie Harper, and Dom DeLuise, adding to its comedic appeal.
While The Last Married Couple in America wasn’t a massive box office hit, earning $12.8 million, it remains a fascinating time capsule of late 70s and early 80s relationship dynamics. The film also holds significance as one of Natalie Wood’s final completed films before her tragic passing in 1981.
Fun fact: Natalie Wood reportedly considered this one of her favorite comedic roles, as it allowed her to showcase her lighter side in contrast to the dramatic roles she was best known for.
Trivia question: What was the last movie Natalie Wood completed before her untimely death in 1981?
This satirical look at marriage in the late 1970s follows Jeff and Mari Thompson, who begin to question their own relationship as they watch their friends' marriages crumble around them. The film balances humor with a sharp commentary on changing societal norms, commitment, and the pressures of modern relationships. It also features a strong supporting cast, including Richard Benjamin, Valerie Harper, and Dom DeLuise, adding to its comedic appeal.
While The Last Married Couple in America wasn’t a massive box office hit, earning $12.8 million, it remains a fascinating time capsule of late 70s and early 80s relationship dynamics. The film also holds significance as one of Natalie Wood’s final completed films before her tragic passing in 1981.
Fun fact: Natalie Wood reportedly considered this one of her favorite comedic roles, as it allowed her to showcase her lighter side in contrast to the dramatic roles she was best known for.
Trivia question: What was the last movie Natalie Wood completed before her untimely death in 1981?
