BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (1967)

Directed by: Gene Saks
Written by: Neil Simon
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Starring: Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Charles Boyer
Rated: G

About the film:
Newlyweds find that their new life together has its ups and downs as they adjust to his work schedule as a new attorney, her flightiness, and a fifth floor walkup apartment that leaves them both breathless.

Movie Quote:
“There are watchers in this world and there are doers. And the watchers sit around watching the doers do.”
Corie Bratter (Jane Fonda) in Barefoot in the Park (1967)

Bible Quote:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22 (NIV)

Commentary:
Corie’s observation was made out of frustration over her belief that she married a “fuddy-duddy” – someone unwilling to embrace new experiences. But her quote goes beyond mere frustration. It also echoes an exhortation which God repeats to us throughout His Word.

A doer of the Word is one who will take action on the truth he is taught. As we apply the knowledge of God that we’ve been given, we will see God’s promises come to pass in our lives. If we fail to act upon the knowledge that we have been given, not only do we risk losing that knowledge completely, we can deceive ourselves into thinking that it doesn’t matter.

It does matter. It matters a great deal. In the spiritual competition, we do not have the option of being a spectator. To give it a sports analogy, we can either play on the team, or we will be the ball that’s being kicked, batted or tossed around. Either way, we are personally involved in the game and to think that we are not is a deception of the highest order.

Throughout the Bible, God exhorts us to act; to move; to participate in this life according to His will. To become a Christian requires an act of believing. Even our lifestyle is called a Christian “walk,” which implies movement. There is no taste of victory in being a watcher or hearer only. To win, we must do.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Is there any discipline that does not require us to practice? What can we practice to become better Christians?
2. What mistakes do Corie and Paul make that threatens their relationship? How might they strengthen their marriage bond?