MovieChat Forums > I Dream of Jeannie (1965) Discussion > a metaphor for co-habiting couples?

a metaphor for co-habiting couples?

posted 10 years ago by marielapenn
7 replies | jump to latest

the way the show actually plays now seems to me to be a pretty straight metaphor for a couple living together unmarried. they weren't allowed to show any sex, but very often the show is open about the fact that Tony and Jeannie are indeed a couple (she's even referred to as his girlfriend several times), and in reality everyone knows when you live with someone that's what you're doing.

i think that was a way to kind of get around the censors and play into the new social mores of the late 60's, when more people were starting to live together openly, even though the older generation still frowned on it. for example, they could never have done that premise even five years before it debuted

[–] hack-stone 10 years ago

Just because people live together, it does not mean that they are having sex. I share a bed with my wife, and it is damn near impossible to get her to play Jeannie and Maj Nelson.

[–] flapdoodle64 10 years ago

Yeah, it's a show about co-habitation.

Also, it's a male fantasy...

To have a beautiful, dumb woman love you and live with you without being married and to call you 'master.'

Juvenile as well.

[–] Huskie_Jon 9 years ago

Also, it's a male fantasy...

To have a beautiful, dumb woman love you and live with you without being married and to call you 'master.'

Juvenile as well.

Keep in mind that Jeannie has often used her powers to punish Tony too. And talk about having crazy in-laws,..

_______________
A dope trailer is no place for a kitty.

[–] Diamond97 8 years ago

Also, it's a male fantasy...

To have a beautiful, dumb woman love you and live with you without being married and to call you 'master.'

Jeannie was not "dumb." She was innocent and naïve, but not "dumb." And she called Tony "master" in name only. It was pretty clear that Jeannie wore the pants in the Nelson house. Not "dumb" at all.

[–] Navaros 8 years ago

Also, it's a male fantasy...

LOL, no it's not! If it were, then it would be the worst fantasy ever. The Major never has Jeannie do anything good for him, therefore even if he is her master, then it's no more than a useless title that means nothing.

[–] Navaros 8 years ago

everyone knows when you live with someone that's what you're doing.

That statement is projecting modern liberal anti-values onto a wholesome show that doesn't contain those anti-values. No, the Major and Jeannie are not fornicators.

[–] deem_bastille 8 years ago

and in reality everyone knows when you live with someone that's what you're doing.

what reality are you living in? Was the professor having an affair with the nanny? Was Alice sleeping with MR brady? Was Police chief Kanisky doing the deed with Nell in Gimmie a break?

we could go on and on... imagine Mr Drummond having sexy times with Adelaide Brubaker????? myeyesmyeyes!

Oh God. Fortune vomits on my eiderdown once more.