The Happy Ending
Director: Richard Brooks
Actors: Jean Simmons, John Forsythe, Shirley Jones
PlotMary Wilson appears to live an ideal life with her successful husband, Fred, in suburban Denver. However, despite the outward semblance of domestic bliss, Mary feels trapped and unfulfilled in her life as a housewife. As she reflects on her life choices, including a romance during college and a stint as a flight attendant, she grows increasingly disillusioned. Her feelings of discontent are exacerbated by Fred's dismissive attitude and the superficial interactions of their social circle. Amidst the growing internal turmoil, Mary becomes addicted to tranquilizers and alcohol as a means to cope with her deep-seated unhappiness.
Fed up with the monotonous charade, Mary decides to take drastic action. She abruptly leaves her husband and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, hoping to find happiness and meaning in her life beyond the confines of her marriage and societal expectations. Her quest for personal fulfillment is fraught with challenges and difficult decisions, forcing her to confront her past and the choices that led her to her current state. This path of self-exploration brings Mary into various encounters and situations that challenge her perceptions of freedom, love, and self-worth.
Writers: Richard Brooks
Release Date: 22 May 1970
Runtime: 117 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
While 'The Happy Ending' showcases Jean Simmons' superb performance and features Legrand's moving score, it suffers from inconsistent video quality but is still recommended.
Read our review of The Happy Ending Blu-ray Limited Edition to 3000 to find out more