In 1969, writer-director Melville Shavelson created “My World…and Welcome to it,” based on the works of humorist James Thurber. Though the series won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, it was canceled after the first season. Not deterred, Shavelson and writer/producer Danny Arnold simply crafted their idea into a feature film, The War Between Men and Women. Jack Lemmon replaces William Windom in the leading role but lacks the real dry irony and genuine affection for put upon males everywhere. The War Between Men and Women just doesn’t quite work and isn’t all that funny.
Peter Wilson (Lemmon) is a popular cartoonist whose drawings depict women in disparaging ways. A middle-aged bachelor, he enjoys living alone. He detests women, children, and dogs. However, when his already terrible eyesight gets worse, a visit to his oculist’s office leads to a meeting with a charming, single woman named Terri Kozlenko (Barbara Harris), who is the mother of three kids, and owns a pregnant dog! Going against his better judgement, the two begin a whirlwind romance that results in marriage. Things are rocky from the start, when Terri’s ex-husband, a globe-trotting photojournalist (Jason Robards), turns up at their wedding looking to rekindle her affections. Meanwhile, Peter is gradually going blind due to a childhood injury. However, he refuses to tell Terri for fear that she will simply pity him.
Jack Lemmon is a wonderful actor, and does his best to be a curmudgeon, but comes off as more stressed out version of the beleaguered character he often played. Harris is enjoyable as his neurotic foil. The kids are solid too, Lisa Eilbacher plays the older daughter who is spending too much time with the wrong kind of guy, My World… and Welcome to It‘s Lisa Gerritsen as the youngest daughter, wise beyond her years, and The Bob Newhart Show‘s Moosie Drier as the young son who is afraid of everything.
Unfortunately, the writing is uneven and often feels like it was put together from the unused sitcom scripts. A mix of mock-Thurber cartoon sketches and dramatic stretches, the film actually works better during the more serious moments. A lot of the gags just seem to fall flat, and I found myself far more interested in the story of a husband dealing with the reality of impending blindness. While that’s a credit to the actors involved, that certainly was the point of this film. Sadly, The War Between Men and Women is probably best reserved for the Jack Lemmon completest.
Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, this is a pretty good transfer. Colors are accurate and detail is impressive given the films age. A few shots have some dirt and debris, but it’s nothing major.
The DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono track is also solid. While the track is nothing special, dialogue is clean and clear throughout.
There are no subtitles.
There are no extras.
