The Moon Is Blue

The battle of the sexes takes some comic turns in this tale which begins with a chance meeting atop the Empire State Building where Maggie McNamara (a young ingénue) picks up William Holden (ethical architect). This quickly becomes a triangle when Holden must joust for the ingénue’s affection with his upstairs neighbor David Niven (a middle-aged rogue). Sub-plot has Niven's daughter angry with Holden for not seducing her at the opportune time. Niven's a little disappointed with Holden, too, for not taking advantage of the situation. After all, it's what men are supposed to do isn't it? This is what Miss McNamara is most curious about. What men are supposed to do, and what women are expected to do and be. She's a very modern girl in her opinions and quite frank with her language. But in the end, despite her risqué attitude and frank talk, our ingénue proves to be an old-fashioned girl. Back on the observation deck at the Empire State Building for the final scene, orange blossoms and the Wedding March usher them to the fade-out. At its release in 1953 "The Moon is Blue" was something of a controversy. Hollywood's censors objected to its frankness in matters of sexual ethics and morality Preminger defied conventional Hollywood wisdom by releasing it without a rating.