How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life

How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life is a 1968 comedy film that explores the gracefully amusing side of friendship, love, betrayal, and mistaken identities. Noted for its lively dialogues and rib-tickling banter, the film entertains with its impressive star cast featuring the stellar Dean Martin, the vivacious Stella Stevens, and the versatile Eli Wallach.

Dean Martin, well-known for his charm and subtle humor, plays the character of David Sloane, an eminent New York bachelor and attorney. Known amongst his friends for his commitment-free lifestyle, David prides himself on his expertise in understanding female behavior without falling into the trappings of marriage. Presenting a character that's both charmingly flawed and affably funny, Martin paints a picture of a man who's up for a hilarious journey of misunderstandings and romantic misadventures.

The plot gets rolling when David encounters his best friend Harry's new mistress and decides to teach the latter the sanctity of marriage. However, a case of mistaken identity complicates things when David mistakenly woos Carol Corman (Stella Stevens), thinking she’s Harry’s mistress. But in reality, Carol is actually a hard-working assistant working for Harry, and Muriel Laszlo (Anne Jackson), Harry's actual mistress, is left untouched by the bachelor's plan. David’s only intentions are to distract Harry's mistress, thus “saving” his friend's marriage. If only things were that simple!

Stella Stevens, playing the character of Carol Corman, brings a refreshing charisma on screen. She's seen as a fiercely independent woman who, in spite of her love problems, takes life in good stride. Her chemistry with Martin captivates and leaves the viewers in stitches. Switches between being the wronged woman to the subtly mischievous participant in the comedy of errors, she leaves an imprint which culminates in an interesting plot twist.

Eli Wallach, playing the part of Harry Hunter, is David's best friend and a married man having an affair. Wallach does a fantastic job, creating a character that’s despicably unfaithful and yet weirdly relatable. In spite of engaging in an extramarital affair, Harry is caught in a farcical situation that makes his life spiral down in the most amusing manner.

Director Fielder Cook, who is best known for executing engaging comedy plots, does an incredible job with this movie. Cook, along with the scriptwriters, manages to blend romance, comedy, and social satire in an amusingly cohesive narrative. With all the misunderstandings and the infiltration of David's bachelor life by love, the story unwinds not as a manual on "How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life" but as a hilarious testament to how complicated yet amusing love and relationships can be.

Throughout the film, the ensemble cast including Anne Jackson, Betty Field, and Jack Albertson create an engaging comedic tableau, causing uproarious laughter with every scene. Though surrounded by deceptions and confusion, this group of quite unconventional friends enlightens viewers about the complications of modern relationships while ensuring the humor never drops throughout their crazy adventures.

The film portrays the late 60s era, filled with sleek fashion, bustling streets, and an evolving outlook on love and relationships. The music score, composed by the duo Michel Legrand and Hal Shaper, complements the film's mood and era. Their compositions contribute to the playful and humorous ambience of the film.

How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life makes for an entertaining romantic comedy that's rich in slapstick humor and involves a lot of running around. It's a film with an engaging narrative that leaves the audience highly amused, offering its own witty take on love, marriage, friendships, and the ensuing complications. A delightful combination of light-hearted comedy, vibrant performances, and an intriguing plot, make this film a memorable romp into the world of romantic misadventures. It's a vintage treat perfect for those who relish classic comedies adorned with an exceptional cast, sparkling dialogues, and poignant hilarity.