A Touch of Class

A Touch of Class

Year: 1973

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Melvin Frank

RomanceComedyRelationship comedyCrude humor and satireLaugh-out-loud relationship entanglements

Steve, a happily married American living in London, meets Vicki, an English divorcée, and they escape to Marbella for a week of passionate affairs. Returning to London, they try to create a ménage while Steve struggles with his devotion to his wife and children. As the arrangement deepens, Steve and Vicki realize they have fallen in love.

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Timeline & Setting – A Touch of Class (1973)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Touch of Class (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1970s

The narrative unfolds in the early 1970s, a period of evolving social mores and more relaxed attitudes toward romance. The action moves from the urban complexities of London to the sunny resorts of Málaga, reflecting a modern, adult take on love and fidelity. The era’s fashion, travel, and cross-cultural dating provide a backdrop for a farcical yet pointed exploration of romance.

Location

London, Málaga

The story begins in London, a bustling urban setting that frames the social dynamics of Vicki and Steve. The couple then travels to Málaga, a sun-soaked Mediterranean resort where the holiday atmosphere intensifies their affair. The contrast between the metropolitan city and the relaxed seaside environment highlights the tension between public propriety and private desire.

🌆 Urban 🏖️ Beach resort

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:43

Main Characters – A Touch of Class (1973)

Meet the key characters of A Touch of Class (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Vicki Allessio (Glenda Jackson)

A divorced British mother who seeks uncomplicated romance rather than deep emotional entanglement. She is pragmatic, witty, and capable of navigating social expectations while remaining true to her desires. Her evolving perspective anchors the film’s emotional core as she moves toward a new direction in life.

💃 Independent 💞 Romantic 🧭 Self-discovery

Steve Blackburn (George Segal)

An American husband who pursues an affair, balancing deception with a charm that masks his indecision. He displays self-interest and evasiveness, complicating both his marriage and the vacation romance. His clashes with Vicki and exposure of his own compromises propel the dramatic and comic turns of the story.

💼 Married 🧭 Indecisive

Walter Menkes (Paul Sorvino)

A movie producer and Steve’s friend who becomes entangled in the social circle of Vicki and Steve. He offers a worldly perspective and acts as a foil to Steve’s flustered attempts to manage the affair, introducing a layer of adult humor and practical wisdom.

🎬 Movie Mogul 💬 Witty

Patty Menkes (K Callan)

Walter’s wife, who unknowingly becomes part of the group’s dynamic and later tests the boundaries of the affair’s consequences. She embodies a friendly, social presence that occasionally sharpens the tension between couples.

🎭 Socialite 💬 Witty

Gloria Blackburn (Hildegard Neil)

Steve’s wife, whose unexpected appearance in Málaga disrupts the secret arrangement and forces a reappraisal of relationships among the group. Her presence heightens the stakes and pushes the characters toward reconciliation or confrontation.

💍 Spouse 🕊️ Observant

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:43

Major Themes – A Touch of Class (1973)

Explore the central themes of A Touch of Class (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Infidelity

A central tension in the film is the affair between a divorced British mother and an American married man. The story explores the thrills and complications of a love outside marriage, showing how desire clashes with loyalty and social expectations. The comedy arises from misunderstandings and evasions, but the emotional stakes reveal the vulnerability of both lovers.

🧭 Independence & Self-Discovery

Vicki’s pursuit of a casual, uncomplicated romance is both an act of independence and a journey of self-discovery. Through her choices and reactions, the film examines a woman redefining her life after divorce, balancing desire with a sense of personal boundaries. By the end, her path suggests growth beyond the affair.

🌍 Cross-Cultural & Social Dynamics

The meeting of British and American sensibilities, set against a European backdrop, highlights cross-cultural misunderstandings and social contrasts. The holiday setting shifts the power dynamics in relationships and introduces a mosaic of friends and spouses who comment on love, marriage, and fantasy. The interplay of class, gender roles, and public image fuels both humor and critique.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:43

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A Touch of Class Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Touch of Class, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Touch of Class Summary

A Touch of Class Timeline

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A Touch of Class Timeline

More About A Touch of Class

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