How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life (1968)

Film Overview
"How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life" is a funny film directed by Fielder Cook, released in 1968. The star-studded cast consists of Dean Martin, Stella Stevens, Eli Wallach, and Anne Jackson. The movie emphasizes the complexity of love, marital relationship, and often hilarious effects of misunderstandings.

Plot Development
Dean Martin plays the character of David Sloane, a successful lawyer and bachelor who ends up being consumed with saving his buddy's (Harry Hunter's) marriage. He ends up complicating his own life as he falls for the woman he wrongly assumes to be his friend's girlfriend. Harry, portrayed by Eli Wallach, whispers to David about an adulterous affair he's having.

Stimulated to prevent Harry's household from breaking down, David decides to seduce the supposed girlfriend out of his good friend's life. Nevertheless, David wrongly woos Carol Corman, a hard-working, wise, and charming staff member at Harry's workplace played by Stella Stevens, instead of Muriel Laszlo, the real mistress played by Anne Jackson.

Love Triangle And Its Complications
As the story unfolds, a complex love triangle types. David falls head over heels for Carol, misinterpreting her for Harry's girlfriend. Carol, flattered by David's wealthy and influential personality, reciprocates the feelings, uninformed of David's intention behind approaching her. Meanwhile, Muriel continues her relationship with Harry unconcerned to David's objectives.

David's plan to sidetrack Carol from Harry triggers a series of entertaining scenarios and misconceptions. The fun intensifies when David's efforts lead to an unforeseen proposal, and Carol, understanding the mix-up, chooses to play along and produce problems for David.

Climax And Conclusion
As the truth unfolds, it leads to more chaos and comedy. Both the males's psychological lives become more twisted as Harry's spouse starts presuming something is awry. Despite the confusion, David finds himself deeply in love with Carol, regardless of his original intent to simply sidetrack her.

In the climax, David implicates Harry of breaking up his relationship with Carol due to the misconception. Eventually, all misconceptions get cleared up, the reality about the real girlfriend emerges, and the relationships are protected.

The movie concludes on a happy note with David and Carol understanding their love for each other, regardless of the chaos and confusion that caused their relationship. Meanwhile, Harry learns the value of his marital relationship and ends his affair with Muriel.

Overall Impact
"How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life" provides an interesting blend of funny and romance. While highlighting the theme of misunderstandings and mistaken identities, the movie also discreetly highlights the destructive impacts of extramarital relations. The interesting cast and well-humored script produce a classic 1960s funny, even as it handles a delicate subject. Through humor, the film motivates the audience to delve into the elaborate intricacies of love and marriage and the significance of trust and interaction to prevent heartbreaking misunderstandings.

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