Summers are typically the time for research and writing. Part of my research includes watching and analyzing movies, something I’ve enjoyed doing ever since I was fifteen and had discovered my cinephilia. Chapter 2 of my book on the singlist tropes of American cinema is devoted to an abridged history of singlism in Hollywood. As of this writing, I’m exploring the 1950s and 1960s. Through scanning a series of books on the subject, I came across one called No Down Payment, which is a subtle yet scathing commentary on the suburban dream that had come to characterize post-World War II America. The movie revolves around three suburban couples. David and Jean are the young, idealistic pair hoping to form a family and partake in the American dream. But the other couples appear to living a nightmare. Troy is an angry drunk who neglects his wife, Leola, who wants to have children. Too bad Troy’s not a suitable father figure. Jerry, a gladhanding salesman, is a boisterous drunk who hits on the other guys’ wives. Even David and Jean have problems; David is an engineer at his core, but Jean wants him to become a salesman so they can make more money.
By the end, Troy’s latest rampage, during which he hits Leola, has resulted him in dying by getting pinned under his car. Leola drives off seemingly happily single, which ends the film.
One notable quote: “You think because you put a ring on a woman’s finger, you can hold her forever?” So many divorced (and married) women would appreciate it. So would many singles advocates who know how overprivileged marriage is. Anybody who’s about to get married should watch this film. Not necessarily to change their mind, but just to see that it has its dark side.