Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

One Is a Lonely Number

One Is a Lonely Number (also known as Two Is a Happy Number) is a American drama film directed by that explores themes of , , and personal reinvention through the story of a rebuilding her life after her marriage ends. The film follows Aimee Brower (played by ), who faces an emotional crisis when her husband seeks a to pursue a younger , prompting her to join a and form new connections to combat her isolation. Released by on June 19, 1972, the movie runs for 97 minutes and features a supporting cast including as the leader of a divorced women's , as a sympathetic older man, Paul Jenkins as Aimee's ex-husband, as Howard Carpenter, and as her friend Madge Frazier. Written by and based on a story titled "The Good Humor Man" by Rebecca Morris, the screenplay emphasizes seriocomic elements of post-marital adjustment in urban . Produced by Stan Margulies with as executive producer, it was shot on location and highlights the era's shifting social norms around women's independence following separation. Critically, the film received mixed reception upon release, with an user rating of 6.1 out of 10 based on 517 votes and a 44% score on from fewer than 50 ratings. It has since been noted as a lesser-known work in Mel Stuart's filmography, which includes more prominent titles like (1971), and is occasionally praised for Van Devere's nuanced performance amid its exploration of emotional recovery. The movie earned a rating and became available for streaming in later years, contributing to niche interest in 1970s relationship dramas.

Plot and themes

Plot summary

Amy Brower, a young , is devastated when her husband James, a , announces he is leaving her after four years of marriage to be with a younger . In denial, Amy desperately attempts to reconcile, even confronting James's mistress in a tense encounter that forces her to face the reality of the betrayal. As she navigates the early stages of single life, Amy's friend Madge Frazier introduces her to the Marin County League, where she begins to explore support networks. Her first solo outing to a social event highlights her discomfort and , underscored by awkward interactions that emphasize her . She endures an uncomfortable encounter with an case worker named Cooke, who propositions her inappropriately while arranging a job for her, though she struggles with duties like off the high board. This leads to a brief with a married man, Howard Carpenter, which provides temporary distraction but ultimately deepens her emotional confusion. Throughout her journey, forms a supportive friendship with Gert Meredith, the leader of the divorced women's who has been married five times and candidly shares the practical and emotional challenges of life after , offering Amy glimpses into amid hardship. She also develops a bond with an older widower, Joseph Provo, a whose gentle companionship helps her process her grief without romantic pressure. A disastrous party encounter further tests Amy's limits, exposing her to superficial and reinforcing her sense of . In the climax, Amy confronts the full weight of her , symbolized by her decision to embrace rather than rush into another relationship, culminating in an optimistic outlook as she steps forward alone yet empowered.

Central themes

The film delves into the core theme of as a dual-edged experience—destructive in its initial but ultimately liberating through personal —as illustrated by Amy's progression from emotional despair following her to a newfound sense of . This journey underscores solitude's weight in the context of culture, where rising separation rates amplified individual struggles with and connection. Central to the narrative is the portrayal of evolving gender roles within and the complexities of post-divorce , reflecting second-wave feminism's emphasis on women's and amid societal expectations of domesticity. Amy's encounters, including misguided pursuits, highlight the tension between traditional dependencies and emerging autonomy, critiquing how —exemplified by her husband's affair with a —exposes academic and relational betrayals that perpetuate . The story employs a blend of humor and to temper potential , prioritizing themes of and growth over victimhood, as Amy forms supportive bonds that affirm human interconnectedness despite . Symbolically, the title draws from Harry Nilsson's song "One," popularized by , to emphasize the profound emotional toll of being alone while hinting at the potential for solitary strength.

Cast and characters

Lead performers

Trish Van Devere stars as Aimee Brower, a woman navigating and while seeking personal in . Paul Jenkins portrays James Brower, Aimee's estranged husband and a who leaves her for his student mistress. Monte Markham plays Howard Carpenter, a interest who represents a chance at fresh companionship amid Aimee's emotional recovery.

Supporting performers

Janet Leigh portrays Gert Meredith, a jaded five-times-divorced who leads the Marin County Divorcee's League and serves as a pragmatic to the Aimee's naivety by urging her to prioritize through and selective dating. As a cynical , Meredith provides through her blunt man-hating quips, such as declaring "men are shits," while offering grounded on post-divorce survival in 1970s America. Melvyn Douglas plays Joseph Provo, an elderly widowed who embodies mature companionship and highlights generational perspectives on as a supportive suitor figure to Aimee. Provo's kind, perceptive demeanor offers emotional solace during Aimee's isolation, contrasting the film's younger, more tumultuous relationships and underscoring themes of quiet resilience in . Jonathan Goldsmith, credited as Jonathan Lippe, appears as Sherman Cooke, an awkward and sleazy unemployment counselor whose failed romantic advances toward Aimee exemplify everyday dating mishaps and inject humor through his vulnerable ineptitude. Cooke's role adds relational foil by securing Aimee's position while exposing the pitfalls of professional boundaries in her journey toward self-sufficiency. Jane Elliott depicts Madge Frazier, the protagonist's husband's student mistress, whose presence underscores themes of betrayal and propels Aimee's emotional reckoning with infidelity. In ensemble party scenes, minor performers like Frazier and other social acquaintances contribute texture to the urban singles milieu, providing brief and commentary on fleeting connections.

Production

Development

The film One Is a Lonely Number originated from Rebecca Morris's short story "The Good Humor Man," published in The New Yorker on June 17, 1967, which explored the emotional aftermath of a marital breakup. David Seltzer adapted the story into a screenplay that prioritized the protagonist's internal struggles and realistic portrayal of solitude, transforming the concise narrative into a feature-length intimate drama. Director , fresh from helming the family-oriented (1971), selected this project as his follow-up to pivot toward a more personal, adult-oriented story centered on character introspection rather than spectacle. Producer Stan Margulies, Stuart's collaborator on , and executive producer of Wolper Pictures obtained financing from to mount the film as a low-budget, independent-style production, allowing for a focused exploration of emotional depth without expansive sets or effects. Pre-production advanced in early 1971, with the script locked in that year and preparations emphasizing period-accurate urban environments in to authentically frame the divorce-themed story. Casting emphasized performers capable of nuanced emotional work; was chosen for the central role of Aimee Brower, drawing on her rising profile after roles in films like (1971) and her demonstrated range in depicting quiet vulnerability.

Filming

Principal photography for One Is a Lonely Number commenced on October 11, 1971, and wrapped in November 1971, spanning approximately six weeks. The production took place primarily in the and areas, utilizing urban locations to reflect the film's themes of isolation and renewal. Specific San Francisco sites included the Pool Hall at 101 Linda Street, California Street, and the intersection of Fillmore and Vallejo Streets in Pacific Heights. Cinematographer Michel Hugo captured the film's intimate emotional dynamics through natural lighting and strategic close-ups, enhancing the raw authenticity of the characters' solitude. The faced a tight schedule owing to MGM's limited financial commitment, which restricted resources and resulted in few reshoots. To achieve naturalistic dialogue, the cast incorporated on-set , allowing for spontaneous interactions that deepened the performances. Following , composer created the original score during , infusing it with elements and a pervasive to mirror the protagonist's . During editing, considered retitling the film Two Is a Happy Number to emphasize its themes of emotional , though the original was ultimately retained.

Release

Theatrical distribution

One Is a Lonely Number was released theatrically by () on June 19, 1972, with an initial limited rollout in the United States, beginning in . The film premiered at smaller venues in major urban centers, including , as part of a targeted strategy for audiences interested in dramatic stories centered on women's experiences. Lead actress Trish Van Devere's performance earned a Golden Globe nomination. Marketing materials, such as one-sheet posters, prominently featured Van Devere in evocative poses, highlighting themes of and personal growth in modern womanhood to draw in viewers. also considered alternative titles like Two Is a Happy Number to enhance commercial appeal, though the original title was retained for the primary release. withdrew the film from theaters relatively quickly following underwhelming initial returns. Internationally, distribution was limited to select markets, including and , starting in 1972, with releases in Ireland on August 18, 1972, on December 8, 1972, and on January 29, 1973, often featuring localized subtitles. There was no widespread global theatrical rollout, restricting the film's visibility beyond these areas.

Home media

As of November 2025, One Is a Lonely Number is available for streaming, rental, or purchase on platforms such as and , but no official Blu-ray release has been produced. The has not entered the , protected by MGM's ongoing copyrights for post-1970 works, which extend protection for 95 years from publication under U.S. law. It has received occasional airings on (TCM) during the , often as part of programming spotlighting overlooked dramas. In the , fan-driven efforts led to the circulation of copies online, fostering renewed interest through discussions on platforms like , where users have shared reviews and recommendations.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its 1972 release, One Is a Lonely Number garnered mixed critical reception, with praise centered on its lead performance and direction alongside critiques of its pacing and tone. highlighted Trish Van Devere's starring role, asserting that "this picture should propel Miss Van Devere toward stardom" and marking it as a strong dramatic shift for director after his comedies. Reviewers commended the film's authentic portrayal of divorce-related trauma and the ensemble's effective chemistry, particularly in scenes depicting emotional vulnerability among supporting players like and . However, detractors found it slow-moving and overly melodramatic, with one assessment labeling it an "uninspiring slow moving contemporary women's drama" where subtlety is overshadowed by sentimental excess. Aggregate scores underscore this divide. On , the film scores 44% approval from 4 critic reviews as of the 2025 update. IMDb users rate it 6.1 out of 10 based on 517 ratings, reflecting modest appreciation for its character-driven narrative. logs show an average of 3.3 out of 5 from 229 users. Retrospective assessments in the have been kinder, positioning the film as a solid period piece on female post-divorce, though some persist in viewing it as dated and uninspiring. A analysis awarded it 7 out of 10, praising its focus on a woman's adjustment to amid social shifts. Van Devere's efforts earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – .

Accolades

At the 30th held in 1973, One Is a Lonely Number earned its sole major industry recognition when received a nomination for in a Motion Picture – Drama for portraying the protagonist Aimee Brower. ultimately lost the award to for her performance in The Emigrants. This nomination marked 's only Golden Globe nod across her career and highlighted her dramatic range in the film's lead role. The movie did not secure any other significant accolades, including submissions for or BAFTA Awards, attributable to its limited theatrical distribution and modest box-office performance. According to records, the film garnered just one nomination overall in major ceremonies. The Golden Globe recognition elevated Van Devere's visibility in the industry at the time, aligning with a period of active roles for her in the , though the film's subsequent obscurity precluded any retrospective awards or reevaluations.

References

  1. [1]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - IMDb
    Rating 6.1/10 (517) One Is a Lonely Number ... After her husband leaves, a woman struggles with solitude and clings to hope of reconciliation. Upon discovering his infidelity, she ...
  2. [2]
    One Is a Lonely Number | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 44% (4) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for One Is a Lonely Number on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!
  3. [3]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    One Is a Lonely Number ; Director · Mel Stuart ; Writers · Rebecca Morris · story "The Good Humor Man" ; Producers · David L. Wolper · executive producer ; Composer.
  4. [4]
    AFI|Catalog - American Film Institute
    Portions of One Is a Lonely Number were shot on location in and around San Francisco, according to HR production charts, Filmfacts and reviews. According to ...
  5. [5]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069044/fullcredits
  6. [6]
    One is a Lonely Number (1972) - Turner Classic Movies - TCM
    Aug 24, 2004 · Amy Brower is shocked when her college professor husband divorces her after falling in love with one of his students.Missing: plot summary
  7. [7]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - Plot - IMDb
    After her husband leaves, a woman struggles with solitude and clings to hope of reconciliation. Upon discovering his infidelity, she accepts the marriage's end ...
  8. [8]
    ONE IS A LONELY NUMBER - Dennis Schwartz Reviews
    ONE IS A LONELY NUMBER ... “An uninspiring slow moving contemporary women's soap opera drama about a single woman looking for a mate after her hubby suddenly ...
  9. [9]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - Every 70s Movie
    Oct 12, 2013 · ... (Monte Markham) at a party. While enjoying her new romance with Howard ... Director Mel Stuart shoots One Is a Lonely Number smoothly ...
  10. [10]
    The Good Humor Man | The New Yorker
    The Good Humor Man” by Rebecca Morris was published in the print edition of the June 17, 1967, issue of The New Yorker.Missing: short | Show results with:short
  11. [11]
    Mel Stuart: Director behind Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
    Aug 24, 2012 · In the equally serious One is a Lonely Number (1972), a young woman comes to terms with divorce from a man she later discovers was unfaithful.
  12. [12]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - Filming & production - IMDb
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972). Filming & production. One Is a Lonely Number. Jump to. Filming locations (4), Filming dates (2), Production dates (1). Edit ...Missing: principal | Show results with:principal
  13. [13]
    Filmed in Pacific Heights - the new fillmore
    Jan 5, 2016 · • One Is a Lonely Number (1972) at the intersection of Fillmore and Vallejo Streets. • The Princess Diaries (2001) 2601 Lyon Street and ...
  14. [14]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - Release info - IMDb
    Release date · United States. June 19, 1972(New York City, New York) · Ireland. August 18, 1972 · Finland. December 8, 1972 · Spain. January 29, 1973(Madrid).Missing: MGM distribution
  15. [15]
    https://www.movieposters.com/products/one-is-a-lonely-number-mpw-6243
  16. [16]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - FAQ - IMDb
    How much did One Is a Lonely Number earn at the US box office? $89,600. What is One Is a Lonely Number rated? PG. What ...Missing: distribution | Show results with:distribution
  17. [17]
    MGM/UA Home Video-graphy, 2 - Fimfiction
    Oct 12, 2017 · 377: One Is a Lonely Number (1972); 378: Flare Up (1969); 379: Dark of ... Often cited as the first letterboxed VHS release for years; however, ...
  18. [18]
    Watch One is a Lonely Number (1972) | Prime Video - Amazon.com
    Rating 4.2 (17) · 30-day returnsA heartbroken young woman struggles to come to terms with her husband's infidelity with his 19-year-old mistress.Missing: Blu- | Show results with:Blu-
  19. [19]
    Watch Rent or Buy One Is a Lonely Number Online - Vudu - Fandango
    $$9.99 Free delivery Free 30-day returnsLooking to watch rent or buy One Is a Lonely Number online? Purchase, rent, or stream this movie and more for free on Fandango at Home. Start streaming now.Missing: VHS DVD Blu- ray
  20. [20]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) directed by Mel Stuart - Letterboxd
    Rating 3.3 (229) One Is a Lonely Number. 1972. Directed by Mel Stuart. Synopsis. “When your husband walks out, there are three things you gotta do… get a job, get a lawyer, and ...
  21. [21]
    One Is a Lonely Number (1972) - Soundtracks - IMDb
    One Is a Lonely Number. Edit. Le Soleil, la Mer et les Bateaux. Music by Michel Legrand. Lyrics by Jean Dréjac. Performed by Michel Legrand · Contribute to this ...Missing: digital remastering 2020s score
  22. [22]
    One is a Lonely Number (1972) - Scopophilia
    May 19, 2019 · Amy (Trish Van Devere) is shocked to learn that her husband (Paul Jenkins) of 10 years wants to move out and get a divorce.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
  23. [23]
    One Is a Lonely Number - Golden Globes
    A young woman, after her husband leaves, struggles alone, hoping he'll return, but discovers her marriage is over and what's truly important in life.Missing: 1972 MGM
  24. [24]
    Golden Globes, USA (1973) - IMDb
    Trish Van Devere in Hollywood Vice Squad (1986). Trish Van Devere · One Is a Lonely Number · Tuesday Weld · Play It As It Lays · Joanne ...Missing: career impact