"The Facts of Life", focuses on life in a tightly knit upper middle class suburban community, and as Lucy's character of Kitty informs us everyone knows each other, socialises with each others and knows what is in store for them probably for the rest of their lives. Kitty is married to Jack Weaver (Don DeFore),a workaholic who really hasn't been spending the proper amount of time with his wife and children. Larry Gilbert (Bob Hope) is another "branch", of the extended social network in the community who is married to "perfect" wife Mary (Ruth Hussey). Even though the families socialise together and even vacation together every year Kitty always views Larry as a pain in the neck who delivers unfunny comedy sketches at the local club and really isn't someone she wants around alot of the time despite the families being friends. When the groups annual vacation time comes up they all plan to travel to Acapulco however through a series of circumstances Kitty and Larry find themselves not only "spouseless", on the holiday but thrown together as company for the entire vacation. Both circle each other carefully for the first few days trying not to be in each others way however on a planned fishing boat trip the two suddenly begin to realise the other is not the horror they had thought. A rapport begins in particular after they realise they went to the same school and know some of the same past students. Common ground develops into some genuine laughs between the two and then a true love blossoms between them. The time comes however for the two to face reality and return to the United States and their normal lives. Back at home the two try to avoid each other but both find the going tough as the find their marriages empty and the need for each other still strong. The two have an aborted attempt to stay in a motel over night together and then a diseasterous attempt at a weekend away which concludes in a equally horrendous air flight home,sours their thoughts of a life together. The two realise that their families do need them and that the "facts of life", for each are that what they had in Acapulco is something that isn't possible at the stage they are at in their lives. The conclusion sees the couple back with their respective spouses returning to the "normal", existence they had before they "discovered", each other.
Considered "racy", stuff for 1960's audiences "The Facts of Life", handles the issues of adultery and temptation in a surprisingly tasteful manner. The characters of Kitty and Larry never come across as unlikeable characters and it's a real credit to the playing of Lucille Ball and Bob Hope that this quite delicate subject matter is handled so well. Lucille Ball I feel really came of age as an actress here and her Kitty is a wonderful combination of someone wanting to be a free spirit but who is still troubled with a sound conscience about the reprecussions of what she feels tempted to do with Larry. Of course there are a number of very amusing scenes for Lucy to shine in, namely the hilarious drive in scene and the action on board the ship where she fights a giant marlin for hours which are sure to have you laughing at Lucy's supreme comedy talent. Being slightly older of course than when she had her golden comedy time as Lucy Ricardo also helps and she definately displays a new maturity with a serious character to work with. Lucille Ball and Bob Hope always combined well on screen and the pair did a number of highly successful comedy films together. However in alot of ways "The Facts of Life", is one of the more interesting as both are forced by the screenplay (written by writer/director Melvin Frank and Norman Panama) to actually stretch themselves as actors with real characters to work with that aren't all laughs and comedy high jinks.
One doesn't normally associate Lucy or Bob Hope with warm romantic stories with characters in a moral dilemma however this is what makes "The Facts of Life", recommended viewing and despite many saying Bob Hope in particular was miscast I personally feel it reveals much pleasing work by the comedian who has as always a magical chemistry with his leading lady. For more bittersweet moments than huge belly laughs try and view "The Facts of Life", soon it shows a pleasingly different Bob Hope and Lucille Ball that I believe you will find most appealing.
