HotToastyRag Everyone knows Robert Redford's acting style is perfect for the camera, rather than the theater. He's subtle; the slight raise of his eyebrow means volumes. That being said, would you be surprised to find out he originated the lead role in Barefoot in the Park on Broadway? I was.In Neil Simon's romantic comedy, newlyweds Robert Redford and Jane Fonda ride out some early speedbumps in their marriage. Bob is an uptight lawyer, and Jane is a free spirit. Their arguments are legendary, and chances are you've seen a clip in a romantic film montage. Robert Redford's "I have a case in court in the morning" line has become a household phrase in my family.While this is a pretty famous romantic classic, I actually really didn't like it the first time I saw it. Jane Fonda is absolutely adorable beyond belief; this is definitely one her cutest roles. But Robert Redford was too convincing in his role, and I couldn't stand him! I realize now that my hatred of him was a compliment to his acting, but at the time, I couldn't separate how much I hated his character from his acting ability. It wasn't until I watched The Great Gatsby that I fell in love with him.

dbonk-92544 This is certainly one of Robert Redford's most animated acting roles which helped propel him to the A-list of 'movie stars.' Based on the Neil Simon hit Broadway play which Redford starred during its initial 1963-1964 theatre season and why he received star billing in the movie version over Jane Fonda who was a bigger box office draw at the time.BAREFOOT IN THE PARK represents one of the last sparkling celluloid moments of the sophisticated yet frothy screwball comedies which began in the 1930's through visionary directors like Howard Hawks and Leo McCarey. Director Gene Saks, together with Neil Simon's timeless screen treatment, quite seamlessly place their skills in motion here to reproduce the spirit of fun and mirth to the time worn plot of two newlyweds venturing forth on the rocky road of matrimony.The on screen antics between Redford, portraying a young, stuffy lawyer on his way up (that's five flights of stairs up, not counting the outside stoop to that sparse, tiny apartment) and Miss Fonda as a carefree spirit can best be described by her flustered comment to her new hubby; "Here I am trying to get you all hot and bothered and you're summing up for the jury."The wit and parry between Redford and Fonda parlayed through Neil Simon's sparkling dialogue makes for competitive verbal sparring which moves this contemporary classic along at a sprightly place. In fact, Redford's role here as a fastidious, button down attorney (right down to the functional topcoat and scarf) in this movie was so effective, he was almost turned down for the role of "Sundance'' in that certain other 'western' flick.Bolstered by a stellar supporting cast, perpetual screen romantic Charles Boyer adds neighborly spice to the proceedings. Mildred Natwick, fresh from the Broadway run, is delightful as the endearing mother-in-law and Herb Edelman, also recreating his stage role as a telephone line installer, has the best exit line. Neil Hefti's score provides a light, breezy musical quilt to snuggle up to.With New York City's Washington Square Park and the stately Plaza Hotel served as a relaxing backdrop, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is just a Hansom Cab away.

Hitchcoc There are no prettier people in all of show business than Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. For God's sake, they are in their seventies and they still put it out there. They were at the height of their splendor when this Neil Simon comedy was made. Redford plays the dull, committed young lawyer, whose life is directed toward his work. Jane is the anything-goes free spirit who wants adventure. Both are a bit hard to take. Everyone loves the Jane character until you've been around one too long. Sometimes we would like to have people hold it back a bit. The couple has a very romantic honeymoon and then move into an ancient New York apartment. It's on the fifth floor with no elevator, and much of the comedy comes from the enormous trek just to get upstairs. Simon throws in a group of quirky neighbors who start to teach the young couple how life really is.

Ana_Banana This film was a riot for me when I first saw it many years ago (well, not that many, darling). Seriously, I was very young then and now it looks dated, theatrical and (should I say it?) a bit forced. Many silly situations in the film would have been so easily avoided or explained, and most characters behave the same childish and exaggerated way, always complaining about something and with oh so much humor...And now for the good part: the acting is brilliant (let aside the exaggerations in the script), first of all that of Jane Fonda and Charles Boyer. I rarely wish for a remake of a classic, but this one deserves it to gain a more realistic feel. How about Amy Adams (who even looks a bit like Jane Fonda)? Or Jim Carrey as Victor?