Woodyanders Review of Single Room Furnished

Single Room Furnished (1966)

Jayne Mansfield's sad, haunting and underrated cinematic swan song

[8/10 · 24 October 2008]

This cheap and offbeat, yet astute and absorbing slice of everyday life drama centers on the forlorn and unfortunate plights of the down in the dumps occupants of a seedy urban apartment complex. Writer/director Matt Cimber displays real skill and sensitivity at capturing the underlying sense of despair, regret, and desperation that defines the common working class folks who just sort of quietly exist. The acting by a sturdy cast is truly exceptional. Jayne Mansfield in her final filmic farewell in particular shines in a complex and challenging part as a troubled lady with multiple personalities: she starts out as hopeful and innocent teenager Johnnie, then becomes dejected pregnant cocktail waitress Mae, and ultimately devolves into jaded, worn-out prostitute Eileen. The third story centering on Eileen offers the most poignant moments, with a memorably crazed turn by Walter Gregg as creepy stalker sailor Billy and a positively heart-wrenching climactic closing shot. However, Mansfield ain't the whole show. Special kudos are also in order for the adorable Dorothy Keller as sweet fisherwoman Flo and Fabian Dean as amiable big lug Charley; their scenes together are both highly affecting and beautifully acted. Moreover, there's fine supporting work from Billy McGreene as folksy superintendent Pop, Terri Messina as naive, impressionable teenager Maria, Martin Horsey as Johnnie's gawky, restless husband Frankie, and Bruno VeSota as one of Eileen's oddball customers. Laszlo Kovacs' appropriately plain cinematography and James Sheldon's moody, melancholy score are both up to par. Although a tad slow and clunky in spots, this film overall sizes up as a lovely and touching little sleeper.