The Prisoner of Second Avenue is a 1975 film directed by Melvin Frank. The film's plot is a dramatic comedy that follows the life of a man living in New York City and facing the challenges of urban life, including a stressful job, constant noise pollution, and existential crises. 

Plot

The story revolves around Mel Edison (played by Jack Lemmon) and his wife Edna (played by Anne Bancroft), a couple living in an apartment in New York City. Mel is a hardworking man with a stressful job, while Edna tries to support her husband and maintain some balance in their life.

The plot follows the difficulties that Mel encounters in his daily life in Manhattan. He deals with traffic chaos, constant noise pollution, and oppressive summer heat. Additionally, he loses his job, leading to financial strains and existential crises.

Mel begins to show signs of increasing stress and nervousness, while Edna tries to be a supportive presence. The couple must confront a series of challenges and comedic situations as they cope with the reality of life in the city.

Director: Melvin Frank

Writer: Neil Simon (based on his play)

Producers: Melvin Frank, Neil Simon

Music: Marvin Hamlisch

Main Cast:

• Jack Lemmon as Mel Edison
• Anne Bancroft as Edna Edison
• Gene Saks as Harry Edison
• Elizabeth Wilson as Pauline
• Florence Stanley as Pearl
• Maxine Stuart as Doreen
• Ed Peck as Officer Maloney

Major Awards: Anne Bancroft was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in the film.

Box Office Gross: The film achieved moderate success at the box office.

Critical Reception:  The film was praised for the performances of Lemmon and Bancroft but received mixed reviews for its portrayal of the theme of urban discomfort.

My opinion: The film seems to have two sides. In the first half the story flows and is interesting, the scenes follow each other with some regularity, and the plot is fairly believable and entertaining. From the middle of the film onward, the story turns grim, and so far so good, but not very believable, and the viewer is no longer engrossed in the unfolding of the film. The surprise ending comes suddenly and seems tacked on to end the film.

Too bad, because from a good screenwriter like Neil Simon one expected a more convincing story, and too bad also for the two very good leads Jack Lemmon and Anne Bancroft who act very well, but are immersed in non-believability.

Good music, cinematography, and direction but mediocre film.