Plaza Suite 1971
Directed by
Arthur Hiller
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
In this cinematic masterpiece, a captivating trilogy of stories unfolds within the opulent Suite 719 at New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. Each of the three acts presents a new ensemble of characters, yet all share a profound emotional journey against the backdrop of luxury.
The first act, “Visitor From Mamaroneck,” tells the tale of Sam and Karen Nash, whose initial romantic getaway has devolved into a battleground for their deteriorating marriage. With a sense of desperation, Karen attempts to ignite their fading passion, but her efforts lead to a catastrophic escalation, culminating in a heated confrontation about betrayal. The act ends on a poignant note as Sam departs, leaving Karen to grapple with the stark reality of their lost innocence.
Transitioning to the second act, “Visitor From Hollywood,” we encounter movie mogul Jesse Kiplinger, played by Walter Matthau, who finds himself face-to-face with his former lover, suburban housewife Muriel Tate, portrayed by Lee Grant. Though Muriel’s visit appears to be a friendly reunion, Jesse has ulterior motives as he doggedly pursues her, intent on reigniting the ambiguous connection they once shared.
The narrative culminates in the third act, “Visitor From Forest Hills,” which centers around Roy and Norma Hubley, effectively brought to life by Maureen Stapleton and Barbara Harris. As their daughter Mimsey’s wedding day approaches, the anticipation builds. However, Mimsey is overwhelmed by anxiety and locks herself in the suite’s bathroom, obstinately refusing to come out. Her frantic parents devise various plans to persuade her to emerge, yet the impending wedding looms, leaving the audience in breathless suspense over the eventual resolution of the day’s events.
Timeline
Arrival at Suite 719
The story begins as Sam and Karen Nash check into the opulent Suite 719 at the Plaza Hotel for what was meant to be a romantic getaway. However, the luxurious setting soon becomes the backdrop for their unraveling marriage, highlighting the contrast between elegance and emotional turmoil.
Initial Romantic Tensions
In the early moments of their stay, Sam and Karen attempt to rekindle their romance. Despite the grandeur of their surroundings, their interactions are fraught with tension, revealing cracks in their relationship as they struggle to connect.
Karen's Desperate Attempts
As the evening unfolds, Karen makes desperate attempts to reignite the passion that once defined their relationship. Her efforts, however, lead to frustration and a deeper sense of isolation as Sam remains emotionally distant.
Heated Confrontation
The situation escalates into a heated confrontation between Sam and Karen. They delve into their grievances, and the harsh realities of betrayal and disillusionment come to the forefront, resulting in an emotionally charged argument.
Sam's Departure
Following the intense confrontation, Sam makes the painful decision to leave the suite. Karen is left to grapple with the weight of their failing marriage, symbolizing the departure from their once-invigorating love.
Introduction of Jesse and Muriel
The scene changes, introducing movie mogul Jesse Kiplinger and his former lover, Muriel Tate. Their meeting suggests a nostalgic reunion, but underlying tension hints at complex emotions and unresolved feelings from their past.
Jesse's Pursuit
Jesse's intent becomes clearer as he relentlessly pursues Muriel, seeking to rekindle their once-ambiguous relationship. Despite Muriel's initial friendliness, Jesse's advances introduce a layer of deceit and desperation.
Uncomfortable Reunion
Their reunion takes on an uncomfortable tone as past emotions bleed into the present. Muriel grapples with her feelings, creating a palpable tension between her desire to reconnect and the complexities of her current life.
Preparations for the Wedding
The focus shifts to Roy and Norma Hubley as the anticipation builds for their daughter Mimsey’s wedding day. The suite becomes a central hive of activity, filled with excited plans and nervous energy.
Mimsey's Anxiety
As the wedding day approaches, Mimsey succumbs to overwhelming anxiety and locks herself in the suite's bathroom. Her decision creates chaos as her parents scramble to find ways to coax her out, highlighting the emotional strain.
Desperate Measures by Parents
Roy and Norma, frantic and worried, come up with various schemes to encourage Mimsey to leave the bathroom. Their desperation showcases the profound emotional stakes of the wedding, reflecting their deep love for their daughter.
Climactic Wedding Tension
As time passes, the tension builds towards the pivotal moment of the wedding. The audience is left in suspense, pondering whether Mimsey will overcome her fears and emerge for the ceremony.
Resolution of Mimsey's Dilemma
In a dramatic turn of events, Mimsey finally confronts her fears and emerges from the bathroom. This resolution provides a cathartic release for her parents and encapsulates the emotional journey of the characters in the suite.
Shared Emotional Journeys
Across the three acts, the intertwining stories reveal shared themes of love, loss, and the complexity of human relationships. Each character's emotional journey serves as a poignant reflection of the others, creating a unified narrative despite the distinct storylines.
Final Reflections
As the events in Suite 719 come to a close, the characters reflect on their experiences, the ebbs and flows of love, and the moments of vulnerability. Their stories underline the importance of communication and understanding in navigating the intricacies of relationships.
Characters
Sam Nash (Walter Matthau)
Sam Nash is a man struggling to rekindle his relationship with his wife, Karen. Overwhelmed by the crumbling foundation of their marriage, he embodies the conflict between hope and despair, ultimately making difficult choices that impact both him and Karen. His character illustrates the tension between love and frustration.
Karen Nash (Lee Grant)
Karen Nash is depicted as a passionate yet desperate woman trying to salvage her failing marriage. Her emotional journey reflects the challenges of maintaining love in the face of betrayal and disappointment. Throughout her struggles, Karen exemplifies resilience and the desire for connection.
Jesse Kiplinger (Walter Matthau)
Jesse Kiplinger is a seasoned movie mogul whose charm masks his ulterior motives in rekindling a past romance. His relentless pursuit of Muriel reveals deeper themes of regret and desire, showcasing how unchecked ambition can cloud judgment and affect relationships.
Muriel Tate (Lee Grant)
Muriel Tate is a suburban housewife caught off guard by her encounter with Jesse. Her character grapples with the complications of her past and present, reflecting the complexities faced by many women when confronted with romantic entanglements. Muriel's journey reveals the balancing act between loyalty and longing.
Norma Hubley (Maureen Stapleton)
Norma Hubley is a devoted mother faced with the challenges of supporting her anxious daughter on her wedding day. Her determination to help Mimsey, despite the chaos, showcases her nurturing nature and the lengths parents will go to for their children. Norma embodies strength and compassion under pressure.
Mimsey Hubley (Barbara Harris)
Mimsey Hubley is the nervous bride-to-be whose anxiety escalates into a dramatic standoff in the bathroom. Her character personifies the intense pressure of traditional expectations surrounding weddings, providing a relatable portrayal of modern anxieties associated with such life-changing events.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the societal norms and relationship dynamics of a modern audience. The themes of love, betrayal, and anxiety resonate with issues that are prevalent in today’s society.
Location
New York City, Plaza Hotel, Suite 719
The Plaza Hotel is a historic luxury hotel located at the southeastern corner of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue in New York City. Known for its opulence and elegance, the hotel has been a significant landmark and has hosted many distinguished guests throughout its history. Suite 719, where the film's events unfold, serves as a microcosm of diverse emotional narratives against the backdrop of this prestigious location.
Themes
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Love and Betrayal
Throughout the movie, love is portrayed in its many forms, oscillating between passion and heartbreak. The narrative explores the complexities of relationships, the choices that lead to estrangement, and the struggle to reclaim lost affection. Each act reveals how characters navigate the devastating impact of betrayal on their emotional well-being.
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Anxiety and Pressure
Anxiety manifests prominently in the film, particularly through the character of Mimsey, who faces overwhelming pressure on her wedding day. The movie delves into how external expectations can create internal turmoil, leading to dramatic responses. This theme highlights the challenges individuals face when trying to meet societal and familial standards.
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