The Prisoner of Second Avenue

The Prisoner of Second Avenue is a 1975 American black comedy film written by Neil Simon, directed and produced by Melvin Frank and starring Jack Lemmon and Anne Bancroft. Neil Simon adapted the screenplay from his 1971 Broadway play. Plot The story revolves around the escalating problems of a middle-aged couple living on Second Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Mel Edison has just lost his job after 22 years of faithful service, and now has to cope with being unemployed at middle age during an economic recession. The action occurs during an intense summer heat wave and a prolonged garbage strike, which exacerbates Edison's plight as he and his wife Edna deal with noisy and argumentative neighbors, loud sounds emanating from Manhattan streets up to their apartment, and even a broad-daylight burglary of their apartment. Mel can't find a job, so Edna goes back to work. Mel eventually suffers a nervous breakdown, and it is up to the loving care of his brother Harry, his sisters, and, mostly, Edna, to try to restore him to a new reality. Cast Jack Lemmon as Mel Edison Anne Bancroft as Edna Edison Gene Saks as Harry Edison Elizabeth Wilson as Pauline Florence Stanley as Pearl Maxine Stuart as Belle F. Murray Abraham as Taxi Driver John Ritter as Elevator Passenger (uncredited) Joe Turkel as Man Upstairs (uncredited)