Marriage on the Rocks

Marriage on the Rocks

Year: 1965

Runtime: 109 mins

Language: English

Director: Jack Donohue

RomanceComedy

Ad‑agency president Dan Edwards travels to Mexico for his nineteenth wedding anniversary, but a mix‑up finalizes his divorce by mistake. In a further blunder, his wife Valerie ends up marrying Dan’s best friend Ernie Brewer due to mistaken paperwork. Chaos and comedy follow as the trio tries to untangle the legal fiasco.

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Timeline & Setting – Marriage on the Rocks (1965)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Marriage on the Rocks (1965). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Mexico

The film uses Mexico as a bright vacation backdrop, known for its sunlit beaches and festive resorts. The plot centers on a second honeymoon that spirals into divorce and remarriage in a place famous for quickie ceremonies. The resort atmosphere and its proprietor Miguel Santos set the stage for the comedic misadventures that follow.

🇲🇽 Mexico 🗺️ Travel 💖 Beach Romance

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:57

Main Characters – Marriage on the Rocks (1965)

Meet the key characters of Marriage on the Rocks (1965), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Sinatra as Dan Edwards

Dan Edwards is a successful advertising executive whose workaholic nature strains his marriage. He spends more time at the agency than at home, dulling the spark in his relationship. His attempt to salvage the marriage leads to a remarriage plan and a sequence of chaotic misunderstandings.

💼 Workaholic 💔 Marriage 💬 Dialogue

Deborah Kerr as Valerie Edwards

Valerie is frustrated by Dan's neglect and pushes for divorce. She seeks independence during a Mexico trip and tests the boundaries of her marriage. Her assertive, romantic nature drives the plot and leads to dramatic turns in the relationship.

💍 Marriage ⭐ Determined 🌟 Romantic

Dean Martin as Ernie Brewer

Ernie is Dan's laid-back, charismatic friend and business partner. He provides a counterbalance to Dan's seriousness and offers easygoing wisdom. Valerie ends up married to Ernie by mistake, creating a chaotic twist, and Ernie is later put in charge of the business, changing his own outlook.

🕺 Entertainer 🤝 Friend 💬 Advisor

Cesar Romero as Miguel Santos

Miguel Santos is the resort proprietor in Mexico who oversees the quickie wedding ceremonies. He embodies the lively local business environment that makes the entangled relationships and surprise marriages possible.

🏖️ Resort Owner 💼 Entrepreneur 🎭 Comedy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:57

Major Themes – Marriage on the Rocks (1965)

Explore the central themes of Marriage on the Rocks (1965), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💍 Marriage and Commitment

Marriage is the central engine of the plot as Dan's neglect pushes Valerie toward separation. The couple's attempt at a second honeymoon becomes a test of devotion and clever maneuvering. Through farcical twists, the film questions what true commitment requires beyond social rituals.

🎭 Romantic Comedy

The story hinges on comedic misunderstandings and witty exchanges between a work-focused husband, his laid-back friend, and the wife who seeks change. Valerie's decisions drive the farce, including an unintended remarriage that reshapes all relationships. The tone blends romance with light, screwball humor.

🏖️ Vacation and Escape

Mexico is portrayed as a glamorous escape that exposes the fragility of marriage and the lure of freedom. The phrase 'land of quickie marriages and divorces' frames the tone of carefree yet chaotic vacation life. The setting amplifies the stakes and speeds up the romantic turn of events.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:57

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Marriage on the Rocks Summary

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Marriage on the Rocks Summary

Marriage on the Rocks Timeline

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Marriage on the Rocks Timeline

More About Marriage on the Rocks

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Marriage on the Rocks (1965) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Marriage on the Rocks (1965) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Marriage on the Rocks (1965) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow