It’s a decent movie, but Best Picture at the Oscars? Really… I found this film quite enjoyable, mostly because of its breezy tone and the humorous way it handles the predicament the main character gets himself into. The film actually took home the top prize at the Oscars that year, earning ten nominations and five awards (for Best Editing, Best Art Direction in Black and White, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and, as a final honor, Best Picture). Still, considering other films nominated that year, like “Spartacus” or “Psycho,” it’s hard to say if this one truly deserved the title of best film. The story revolves around a regular office worker at an insurance company who starts letting his apartment to several superiors so they can meet with their lovers. This situation leads to him gaining a poor reputation among his neighbors and landlady, plus he loses access to his own home when he wants it, constantly restricted by the arrangements he’s increasingly forced to maintain as he climbs the corporate ladder. Predictably, a complicated romance develops around halfway through, and everything wraps up happily, just like in most comedies. The acting is certainly a key factor in what makes this film work well. Jack Lemmon delivers a strong performance, perhaps even his finest, alongside his memorable role in “Some Like it Hot.” Fred McMurray also shines, portraying with conviction and charisma an unlikeable character – a married man of considerable importance at the company who’s having an affair and will exploit the ambition of a less experienced employee. While Sirley MacLaine's performance is fine as the protagonist’s romantic interest, the film doesn't offer much in the way of sympathetic female characters beyond that. The movie moves along nicely, and time seems to fly by if you allow yourself to get drawn into the plot. I believe the skillful editing and avoidance of slow or unnecessary scenes contributed significantly to this. The sets and costumes are well-done too, particularly the office set with its meticulous details, making for a film that’s good, though I do think there are better films out there.

Source on TMDB