Boys' Night Out 1962

As the daily commuter train makes its way from Greenwich, Connecticut, to New York City, three married men—George, Doug, and Howie—along with their divorcé friend, Fred, forge a bond of friendship. Their camaraderie is ignited by witnessing the antics of Mr. Bingham, who is famously unfaithful to his wife. In a lighthearted attempt to create their own escape, the group hatches a plan to rent an apartment in the city as a secret love nest. They set Fred on a humorous task to locate both an incredibly cheap place to stay and an alluring “companion” to accompany them.

Fred’s search brings him to Peter Bowers, who is eager to rent out his upscale apartment, notorious for being the site of a high-profile murder case. Serendipitously, a stunning blonde named Cathy responds to the ad. However, he discovers the apartment has already been claimed. Still, Fred convinces Cathy to take on the role of a beautiful “housekeeper” to meet his friends’ needs. Each man justifies his adventures in the city by claiming they’re enrolled in a course at The New School for Social Research to expand their minds.

Little do they know, Cathy is a sociology graduate student who is conducting research on the “adolescent fantasies of the adult suburban male.” Her skeptical professor, Dr. Prokosch, questions her approach, warning her about the complexities of her study. Unfazed, she boldly states, “This is what a nice girl has learned best.” Cathy cleverly records the men’s candid conversations during their meetings, causing them to inadvertently disclose their deepest yearnings and fears.

Cathy skillfully navigates the situation, fending off any romantic advances while allowing each man to feel as if they’ve had personal encounters with her. Howie seeks more taste than what his diet-conscious wife permits, Doug wishes to fix his belongings without facing his status-obsessed spouse’s judgment, and George craves the attention he lacks as his wife constantly interrupts him. Fred, however, feels a genuine connection with Cathy, resisting the urge to indulge in his friends’ tall tales.

As tensions build, the wives begin sensing that their husbands may be hiding something. Driven by suspicion, they consult Ethel, Fred’s astute mother, who offers them keen insights. Her advice leads them to hire Ernest Bohannon, a distinguished private investigator, to unveil the truth. The findings he presents stir a confrontation between the husbands and their wives, blending anxiety and indignation.

At first, the men categorically deny any foul play, feigning innocence to calm their spouses. Yet, the underlying truth about Cathy’s role in this turmoil starts to surface, leading to moments of shock that transform into a path towards reconciliation and understanding.

Ultimately, Fred and Cathy’s relationship blooms into a romantic connection, signaling the end of their previous escapades. The four couples, who once stood apart, now come together in unity, enriched by their experiences of trust, acceptance, and love.