The War Between Men and Women

The War Between Men and Women

Year: 1972

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Melville Shavelson

ComedyDramaRomance

A sarcastic, near‑sighted cartoonist who shuns commitment and prides himself on anti‑feminist, dog‑hating sentiments unexpectedly falls for a resilient single mother of three. She becomes the only woman willing to tolerate his relentless sarcasm and controversial views, leading to an unlikely, comedic clash of ideals.

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Timeline & Setting – The War Between Men and Women (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The War Between Men and Women (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

early 1970s

The film unfolds in a contemporary 1970s New York setting, reflecting the era's urban life and evolving gender dynamics. The pace and social context emphasize a period of shifting expectations in relationships and careers. Visuals of city life and everyday venues ground the narrative in its historical moment.

Location

Manhattan, New York

Manhattan serves as the bustling urban backdrop for Peter's solitary life as a near-sighted cartoonist. The city’s offices, studios, clinics, and streets frame shifting relationships, deadlines, and the pressure of ambition. The dense urban setting mirrors the crowded inner world Peter must navigate to find connection and meaning. Specific locations like Terri's home, Peter's old studio, and the doctor's office anchor the story in a recognizable metropolis.

🏙️ Urban landscape 👥 City life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family dynamics

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:37

Main Characters – The War Between Men and Women (1972)

Meet the key characters of The War Between Men and Women (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Peter Wilson (Jack Lemmon)

Peter is a sardonic, near-sighted cartoonist who prizes independence and casual relationships. His deteriorating vision threatens his career and forces him to confront his misanthropy. As the story unfolds, he must relearn trust and open up to love and family. His journey culminates in a renewed commitment to Terri and her children.

🎨 Artist 😒 Cynical 💔 Jaded

Terri Kozlenko (Barbara Harris)

Terri is striking and incredibly strong-willed, a single mother of three who challenges Peter's preconceived notions about women and relationships. She makes it clear that she will not pity him, even as she cares deeply for him. Her presence catalyzes Peter's emotional growth and his reconnection with the children. She embodies resilience and compassion within a complicated family dynamic.

💪 Strong-willed 👩‍👧‍👦 Single mother 💖 Compassionate

Stephen Kozlenko (Jason Robards)

Terri's ex-husband, Stephen often appears in the children's lives, influencing the family dynamic more through presence than partnership. His involvement adds tension and serves as a catalyst for the evolving relationships within Terri's blended family. His actions and eventual fate impact Linda's emotional trajectory.

💼 Ex-husband 🧭 Complex ⚡ Complicated

Caroline Kozlenko (Lisa Eilbacher)

Caroline is one of Terri's children, navigating the changing family dynamics with quiet resilience. She observes the adult world with a child's curiosity and offers a bridge between Terri and Peter. Her presence helps anchor the family’s emotional journey.

👧 Child 🧭 Observant

Linda Kozlenko (Lisa Gerritsen)

Linda, another of Terri's children, begins to show signs of a worsening stammer after Stephen's death. Terri pushes Linda to seek help, and Peter helps by giving her an imaginative tour of his new book. Linda's growth becomes a key indicator of the family's healing process.

👧 Daughter 🗣️ Speech challenged 💪 Resilient

David Kozlenko (Moosie Drier)

David is one of Terri's children and part of the trio raising Peter's exposure to family life. He contributes to the warmth and challenges of blended-family dynamics, offering moments of childlike honesty amidst adult turmoil.

🧒 Child 🎈 Playful

Howard Mann (Herb Edelman)

Howard is Peter's boss, a practical enforcer of standards who critiques Peter's work as his eyesight declines. His pressure amplifies Peter's fear of failure but also motivates him to regain his craft and prove his resilience.

💼 Boss 🗣️ Critic

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:37

Major Themes – The War Between Men and Women (1972)

Explore the central themes of The War Between Men and Women (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love and Second Chances

Peter and Terri's relationship moves from initial friction to a fragile, growing bond. Peter's cynicism softens as he allows vulnerability and commitment to enter his life. Misunderstandings test their trust, but forgiveness and perseverance push them toward reconciliation. The ending affirms that love can redeem even guarded hearts and create a renewed family.

🤝 Forgiveness

Pride and miscommunication threaten the fragile bond between Peter and Terri. Terri asserts she never pitied Peter, challenging his sense of self-worth. Stephen's presence and eventual death ripple through the family, forcing new responsibilities and empathy. Their eventual reconciliation demonstrates that understanding can heal deep wounds.

🎨 Art and Renewal

Peter channels his life experiences into a new book, The Last Flower, signaling a path of artistic renewal. Partial restoration of his vision allows him to reconnect with his craft and passion. The studio, the act of creation, and the narrative itself become catalysts for personal and familial healing. The story links creative rebirth with emotional growth and renewed purpose.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:37

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The War Between Men and Women Summary

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