Released in 1980, The Last Married Couple in America is a comedy film directed by Gilbert Cates and starring Natalie Wood and George Segal. The two play Mari and Jeff Thompson, a couple who have been married for fifteen years. Their life together is far from broken — they have a family, a stable home, and genuine affection for each other. But the world around them is falling apart.
One by one, every married couple in their social circle is splitting up. Divorces and separations are happening all around them, and their newly single friends waste no time trying to pull Jeff and Mari in the same direction. Some friends make their case individually, others push both of them at once. The message is always the same: divorce is inevitable, and maybe even healthy.
The film makes a pointed argument through its story — that even a good marriage can be shaken when everyone around you insists it should end. Jeff and Mari don’t just ignore the pressure. They actually examine their relationship in light of what their friends are telling them. That honest self-reflection gives the movie more depth than a typical comedy of the era.
Their friends don’t just offer opinions — they actively place Jeff and Mari in compromising situations, testing the limits of their loyalty and trust. The film uses these moments for both laughs and genuine tension. It walks a fine line between farce and something more emotionally honest.
The on-screen chemistry between Natalie Wood and George Segal is one of the film’s strongest assets. Their scenes together feel natural and warm, giving the audience a real reason to root for the couple to stay together. Wood in particular brings a grounded quality to Mari that makes her more than just a comedic figure.
The supporting cast adds a great deal of energy to the film. Dom DeLuise and Marilyn Sokol both deliver standout performances, bringing humor and personality to their roles as friends caught up in the divorce trend sweeping through the group.
Among the film’s more memorable and lighthearted sequences is Natalie Wood roller skating — a scene that captures the breezy, fun-loving side of her character Mari. Roller skating was a major cultural phenomenon in 1980, and its inclusion in the film plants the story firmly in its era.
Wood looks completely at ease on skates, which is no surprise given her decades of experience in front of the camera. She had a natural ability to make physical moments feel effortless and charming, and this scene is no exception. It’s a brief but vivid snapshot of her screen presence.
Despite strong performances from its leads and a sharp comic premise, The Last Married Couple in America did not find much of an audience at the box office. The film arrived during a crowded season and failed to gain traction with mainstream moviegoers, leaving it largely overlooked despite its genuine merits.
