The Apartment
Directed by Billy WilderBud Baxter is a minor clerk in a huge New York insurance company, until he discovers a quick way to climb the corporate ladder. He lends out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. Although he often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits, one night he's left with a major problem to solve.
- flavo43December 3, 2025The Apartment is a timeless romantic comedy that blends humour with poignant social commentary. Directed by Billy Wilder, the film boasts a stellar cast led by Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, whose performances radiate charm and vulnerability. While the premise—an ambitious employee lending his apartment for his bosses’ extramarital affairs—was daring for its time, Wilder tackles the subject with wit and sophistication. Beneath the comedic surface lies a sharp critique of workplace politics and moral compromises, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking. The screenplay sparkles with clever dialogue, and the balance between light-hearted romance and darker undertones gives the film remarkable depth. Its exploration of loneliness and integrity remains relevant, ensuring its place as a classic. The Apartment is not just funny—it’s smart, stylish, and deeply human.
- Kevin WardJuly 3, 2025Seeing as Billy Wilder is a major blindspot for me, I went into this not really knowing what to expect. I assumed it would be a cute Rom-Com—and it certainly is that. But thematically, this story is much more about the transformation of C.C. “Buddy Boy” Baxter (Jack Lemmon), a corporate drone that’s continually pressed to sacrifice his morality in order to climb the corporate ladder. At first, Baxter is all too happy to turn a blind eye to the happenings in his apartment, but when he finds Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine) near death in his bed when returning home one night, he begins to realize that morality is what makes us human. Lemmon and MacLaine are adorable in this all-time classic.
- Lorenzo VerdeApril 23, 2025The essential beta-male mooophie, going back to the 1960s. The beta, CC Baxter (Jack Lemmon) lends out his apartment to philandering executives at the huge corporate insurance company he works for, with mostly unfulfilled hopes of climbing the corporate ladder in return for his generosity. Meanwhile Ms. Kubelick (Shirley MacLaine), who operates the executive elevator at the company--and is the amorous fantasy of most of the men--is in love with Baxter's boss (Fred MacMurray) who sees her as nothing more than a side chick. And these worlds collide--with Baxter's apartment as the crucible--in comical, sobering and ultimately bittersweet ways. Well-written. Well-acted. Timeless storytelling.
- Charles LondonApril 17, 2025An all-timer. Diirector and co-writer Billy Wilder's satirical masterpiece is funny, sharp, and rather naughty for 1960 (adultery-wise). It features engaging performances punctuated by Jack Lemmon's deftly comedic portayal of a lonely corporate ladder climber and cute-as-a-button Shirley MacLaine's captivating screen presence as a young vulnerable misstress. It's also interesting to see lovable TV dad and Disney actor, Fred MacMurray, take a dark turn as a manipulative wife-cheating womanizer. "The Apartment" is often listed among the best movies ever made. It's an absolute must for classic film buffs and definetly worth a view for anyone who likes a good romantic comedy well marbled with light and dark humor.
The Apartment Trivia
The Apartment was released on June 21, 1960.
The Apartment was directed by Billy Wilder.
The Apartment has a runtime of 2h 6m.
The Apartment was produced by Billy Wilder.
Bud Baxter is a minor clerk in a huge New York insurance company, until he discovers a quick way to climb the corporate ladder. He lends out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. Although he often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits, one night he's left with a major problem to solve.
The key characters in The Apartment are C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon), Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), Jeff D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray).
The Apartment is rated Approved.
The Apartment is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film.
The Apartment has an audience rating of 9.4 out of 10.
The Apartment had a budget of $3M.
The Apartment has made $25M at the box office.