The Happy Ending (1969)

In the heartland of Denver, we meet Mary Wilson, a woman whose sixteen year marriage to Fred hasn't lived up to the enchanting fairy tale she once dreamt of. A self-professed old movie enthusiast, Mary finds herself drowning in disappointment and disillusionment, resorting to a dangerous cocktail of alcohol and pills as her escape from the insipidity of everyday life. Despite Fred's assurances of love, Mary is seized by doubt, convinced that her husband's affections are as hollow as the life she's leading. Aware of Mary's fragile mental state, Fred enlists those close to her, including their housekeeper, Agnes, and Mary's own mother, to keep a vigilant eye on her. In the meantime, he curbs her discretionary spending, wary of her self-destructive tendencies. On the eve of their sixteenth anniversary, Mary, desperate for a respite from her suffocating existence, pawns a watch and impulsively boards a flight to the Bahamas, leaving behind a scheduled anniversary party. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Flo, an old college friend. With no money or plans, Mary finds herself under Flo's protective wing, along with Flo's travel companion, Sam. As she navigates the vibrant landscapes of the Bahamas, Mary finds herself drawn into a world far removed from her own - a world where Flo thrives as the mistress to a succession of wealthy married men. An encounter with a charming Italian, Franco, further shakes Mary's perspective, forcing her to evaluate her life choices. "The Happy Ending" is a poignant exploration of middle-age, showcasing its triumphs and failures through the eyes of the restless and disillusioned Mary Wilson. It paints a vivid picture of a generation that is taught to anticipate storybook finales, only to find themselves unfulfilled and endlessly searching for answers. A stellar supporting cast, including John Forsythe, Teresa Wright, Lloyd Bridges, Shirley Jones, Bobby Darin, Tina Louise, Dick Shawn, and Nanette Fabray, adds depth to this compelling drama. This is not just a tale of an American housewife on the run, but a story of a woman seeking something more profound than the mundane motions of life, a reality that exists beyond the realm of the uninspired and the routine.

The Happy Ending is a drama movie featuring Jean Simmons.

The Happy Ending is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, MGM Plus, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel and fuboTV.