Following the popular and critical success of his gender-bending farce Some Like It Hot (1959), Wilder reteamed with screenwriter I. A. L. Diamond for this darker comedy set in the world of nine-to-five corporate New York. Jack Lemmon was again on hand, this time as lonely office bottom-runger C.C. Baxter, who goes after promotion by allowing his seniors the use of his apartment for their extramarital liaisons. Meanwhile, he hopes to catch the eye of the sassy elevator girl, Fran Kubelik (Shirley Maclaine).

Deliriously funny, The Apartment is also shot through with Wilder’s customary wit and cynicism, creating a bleak vision of estrangement in the modern working city. Celebrated art director Alexander Trauner designed the cavernous open-plan office. The film won five Academy Awards, including best picture and best director.

The Apartment has been proposed by several members over the past few years:

Barbara: 'This 64 year old, gorgeous, sweet , funny, romantic, often dark, though beautifully acted Christmas film deservedly won 5 oscars - including best picture. It would be such a treat to watch this festive masterpiece on the big screen in December, in which ultimately love triumphs over loneliness and sadness – and fills human hearts with hope and joy. This is a truly great film.'

Jacqueline: 'The Apartment is a brilliantly written, melancholy film set at Christmas time with the two lead actors at the top of their game. I never tire of watching it and this is the perfect time of year to do so.

Giselle: 'The Apartment with Jack Lemon and Shirley MacLaine. Was surprised to see it’s set at Christmas time, I’d love to see it again, it’s been such an age. And what better place than at the Garden Cinema!'

Cast:
Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray