In the bustling heart of New York City, C.C. Baxter, a diligent but underappreciated insurance clerk at Consolidated Life, discovers an unconventional path to career advancement. By lending his modest apartment to his superiors for their extramarital affairs, Baxter gains favor and climbs the corporate ladder, but at the cost of his personal life and dignity. The apartment, a cozy but unremarkable space in a converted brownstone, becomes a revolving door for secret rendezvous, leaving Baxter to navigate awkward encounters with neighbors and a growing sense of isolation. As the holiday season approaches, Baxter's routine is upended when he develops feelings for Fran Kubelik, the charming elevator operator in his building, who is unwittingly drawn into the web of deceit.

Fran, a kind-hearted and optimistic young woman, is entangled in a tumultuous affair with Jeff Sheldrake, a married executive and one of Baxter's superiors. Sheldrake uses Baxter's apartment for their meetings, promising Fran a future together while stringing her along. Baxter, ever the loyal employee, facilitates these arrangements, but his growing affection for Fran and the chaos they cause in his life force him to confront the moral compromises he's made. Meanwhile, Fran's relationship with Sheldrake deteriorates, leading to emotional turmoil and a desperate act that reveals the depth of her pain. Baxter, caught in the crossfire, must decide whether to continue enabling others or stand up for himself and those he cares about.

As the story unfolds, Baxter's interactions with his nosy landlady, eccentric neighbors, and scheming colleagues highlight the absurdity and loneliness of urban life. The narrative balances sharp humor with poignant moments, exploring themes of integrity, loneliness, and the search for genuine connection in a corporate world. Baxter's journey from a pushover to a man of principle is catalyzed by Fran's crisis, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities. Fran, in turn, grapples with her own poor choices in love, finding unexpected support in Baxter's quiet kindness. The film culminates in a heartfelt resolution during the New Year's Eve festivities, where relationships are tested, and true emotions surface.

Throughout, the screenplay weaves in elements of comedy through Baxter's mishaps and the farcical situations arising from his apartment-sharing scheme, contrasted with the dramatic undertones of infidelity and personal growth. The setting, primarily within the confines of the apartment and the insurance office, amplifies the intimacy and claustrophobia of the characters' lives, making their internal conflicts feel immediate and relatable. By the end, Baxter and Fran both emerge transformed, hinting at a possible new beginning built on honesty and mutual respect. This blend of wit, romance, and social commentary creates a timeless tale that resonates with anyone who has felt overlooked or compromised in the pursuit of success.

• The scene opens with Bud's voice-over narration as he humorously shares facts about New York City's population in 1959 while typing at his desk in an insurance company. He highlights the size and achievements of Consolidated Life of New York, setting a light-hearted tone and establishing his character as detail-oriented. The scene transitions to an exterior shot of the company's imposing building on a rainy day, emphasizing the corporate environment. Bud's witty commentary continues, drawing the audience into his world without any conflict.
• In Scene 2, Bud Baxter, a 30-year-old employee at Consolidated Life, narrates his mundane life working in the Ordinary Policy Department. As he stays late at the sterile office, the clock strikes 5:20 PM, signaling the end of the workday for his colleagues, leaving him alone. Bud walks home in the rain, reflecting on his cozy yet problematic apartment, which he struggles to access freely. The scene captures his isolation and the monotony of corporate life, ending with him standing outside his apartment building, hinting at deeper personal issues.
• In a dimly lit apartment filled with remnants of a recent gathering, Mr. Kirkeby anxiously urges Sylvia to get ready to leave, but she playfully resists, dancing and insisting on another martini. Their light-hearted banter reveals a conflict between Kirkeby's urgency and Sylvia's reluctance, culminating in her questioning the ownership of the apartment, which Kirkeby dismissively attributes to an unimportant colleague.
• In this comedic evening scene, Bud paces outside a brownstone, engaging in a brief conversation with Mrs. Lieberman, who comments on the weather and Bud's situation. Inside, Kirkeby and Sylvia share a flirtatious exchange as they prepare to leave the apartment, with Kirkeby trying to maintain discretion while Sylvia playfully talks about infidelity. The scene builds tension around their secretive activities, ending with Kirkeby urging Sylvia to quiet down as they descend the stairs.
• In this scene, Bud hides in the shadows to avoid being seen by Kirkeby and Sylvia as they leave the brownstone. Their conversation reveals Sylvia's Bronx residence and Kirkeby's denial of infidelity. After they depart, Bud retrieves his mail and has a brief, awkward exchange with Mrs. Dreyfuss, who expresses concern about noise in his apartment. Bud fabricates a story about losing his key to deflect her suspicions before entering his apartment to escape further interaction.
• In this scene, Bud returns to his messy apartment after a cocktail party, expressing frustration over guests overstaying their welcome. He awkwardly interacts with Mr. Kirkeby, who stops by to retrieve his wife's galoshes and casually reminds Bud of his debts while mentioning a potential promotion for Bud. After Kirkeby leaves, Bud prepares a frozen dinner and drinks a leftover martini, all while cleaning up the remnants of the party. The scene captures Bud's quiet frustration and resignation as he deals with the aftermath of the evening.
• In this humorous scene, Bud encounters Dr. David Dreyfuss on the second floor landing of their apartment building. After Bud exits with a wastebasket full of empty liquor bottles, Dreyfuss playfully teases him about his drinking habits and social life, suggesting he has 'cast-iron kidneys' and should consider donating his body to science. Bud, feeling uncomfortable with the probing comments, tries to deflect and end the conversation, ultimately retreating into his apartment as Dreyfuss continues his light-hearted jests.
• In this scene, Bud returns home in the evening, prepares and eats dinner while dealing with frustrating television commercials. After completing his bedtime routine, which includes brushing his teeth and reading Playboy, he is interrupted by a phone call, groggily identifying himself as Baxter.
• In a Manhattan bar phone booth, Joe Dobisch pressures Bud Baxter to lend his apartment for a brief encounter with a blonde woman, claiming she resembles Marilyn Monroe. Despite Bud's initial reluctance due to fatigue and a sleeping pill, Dobisch threatens his work efficiency rating, forcing Bud to comply. He hurriedly prepares his apartment, leaving a note for neighbors to keep the noise down before exiting, highlighting the absurdity of corporate demands intruding on personal life.
• Bud sleep-walks out of a brownstone house at night, hiding in the areaway as Mr. Dobisch and a blonde woman arrive in a cab. They engage in a flirtatious conversation about entering the house, with the blonde expressing concern about disturbing Dobisch's mother, which he dismisses. Bud, feeling uncomfortable after overhearing their exchange, shuffles away down the street, ending the scene.
• In this night scene, Dobisch tricks a blonde woman into entering Bud's apartment, claiming it belongs to his mother. Despite her suspicions, she unlocks the door, and they enter as Dobisch shuts it behind them. Meanwhile, Dr. Dreyfuss, annoyed by the noise from Bud's apartment, comments to his wife before retreating inside. The scene shifts to Bud, who is alone in Central Park, dressed in a raincoat and slippers, shivering on a damp bench. He eventually falls asleep as the wind swirls leaves around him, highlighting his isolation and exhaustion.
• On a gray November morning, Bud enters the lobby of a large insurance building, bundled up due to a bad cold. He joins a crowd waiting for the express elevators, exchanging brief greetings with Mr. Kirkeby and the cheerful elevator operator, Fran Kubelik, who greets passengers by name. The scene captures the routine hustle of office life, with Bud's discomfort contrasted by Fran's charm, culminating in her playful announcement as the elevator doors close.
• In a crowded elevator, Bud compliments Fran on her new haircut, leading to a humorous exchange about colds and statistics. As they banter, Mr. Kirkeby inappropriately slaps Fran's behind, which she playfully rebuffs. The scene is light-hearted and flirtatious, concluding with Fran announcing the next floor as the doors close.
• In this scene, Kirkeby expresses his frustration over elevator operator Kubelik's lack of interest in him, while Bud defends her as a respectable woman. After their humorous exchange, Kirkeby leaves for his office, and Bud prepares for the workday, meticulously organizing his desk and medications. As the office fills with employees, Bud demonstrates his conscientious nature by immediately starting work and making a secretive phone call to Mr. Dobisch, introducing himself as Baxter.
• In this light-hearted scene, Dobisch juggles a phone call with Bud while shaving, discussing a key mix-up that left Bud locked out of his apartment. After a humorous exchange, Bud discreetly swaps keys with a messenger and checks his temperature, hinting at personal tension as he prepares to make a call regarding a scheduled meeting.
• In scene 16, set in a corporate environment, Mr. Vanderhof is in his glass-enclosed office dictating a letter when he receives a phone call from Bud, who cancels their planned birthday meeting due to a fabricated illness. Vanderhof, disappointed, suggests a Turkish bath, but Bud insists on staying in bed. They tentatively reschedule for the following Wednesday. Bud then calls Mr. Eichelberger to discuss rescheduling a business meeting, agreeing on Friday after noting a calendar conflict. The scene highlights Bud's busy schedule management and the light-hearted, comedic tone of corporate interactions.
• In scene 17, Kirkeby is in his office dictating business statistics when he receives a call from Bud requesting to switch their plans from Friday to Thursday. After tentatively agreeing, he calls Sylvia, a switchboard operator and his date from the previous night, to propose the same change. Initially hesitant due to a conflicting TV show, Sylvia is persuaded by Kirkeby to watch it together at his apartment. The scene concludes with Kirkeby confirming the schedule change with Bud, blending professional duties with light-hearted personal interactions.
• In scene 18, Bud is busy at his desk making phone calls to confirm dates when his colleague Moffett informs him that Mr. Sheldrake's secretary has been trying to reach him. Bud, surprised, quickly prepares to head upstairs, engaging in a light-hearted bet with Moffett about whether he is being promoted or fired. As he rushes to the elevator, he encounters Fran Kubelik, the elevator operator, and makes a flirtatious comment before entering her elevator. The scene captures Bud's anxious yet confident demeanor amid the office's casual atmosphere.
• In this light-hearted scene set in an elevator, Fran and Bud engage in playful banter as they ascend to the 27th floor. Bud boasts about his work efficiency and hints at a promotion, while Fran teasingly compares him to Mr. Kirkeby and comments on his unusual elevator behavior. Their flirtatious exchange continues with Bud inviting Fran to lunch, showcasing their witty dynamic. The scene concludes with Fran announcing their arrival at floor 27.
• In the luxurious foyer of the 27th floor, Bud steps out of the elevator, feeling nervous about his upcoming meeting. Fran, still in the elevator, encourages him and helps him with his appearance by placing a carnation in his buttonhole. Bud shares a fond memory of noticing Fran's flowers when she worked on the elevator, hinting at their growing connection. As the elevator buzzer sounds insistently, Fran wishes Bud good luck and reminds him to wipe his nose. Bud quickly composes himself and enters the office of J. D. Sheldrake, Director of Personnel.
• In this tense scene, Bud enters Sheldrake's office, where he is confronted by Sheldrake about a key-sharing arrangement among executives. Sheldrake praises Bud's work but questions his popularity and suspects misconduct related to an apartment key. Bud explains the innocent origins of the situation, using a nasal spray due to his apparent health issue. The scene ends abruptly as Sheldrake receives a phone call from his secretary, Miss Olsen.
• In Sheldrake's office, Miss Olsen eavesdrops on a phone call with Sheldrake's wife while Sheldrake deceives her about his evening plans. He manipulates Bud into giving him the key to Bud's apartment in exchange for tickets to 'The Music Man' and promises of career advancement. Despite Bud's initial reluctance and awkward attempts to leave, he ultimately complies, handing over the key and address before leaving with the tickets, highlighting the tense and manipulative nature of their interaction.
• In the lobby of an insurance building, Bud waits expectantly for Fran, wearing a raincoat and a carnation. As female employees exit, Bud overhears Sylvia lamenting a disappointing date, which stings him. When Fran finally appears, Bud invites her to see The Music Man and grab dinner, but she declines due to a prior commitment with a man she no longer cares for. Despite Bud's attempts to persuade her, Fran remains polite but firm in her refusal. The scene ends with them exiting together, leaving Bud's hopes unfulfilled.
• In this playful evening scene, Bud and Fran leave an insurance building, where Bud excitedly invites Fran to a theatre show and suggests they go dancing afterward. Despite Bud's enthusiasm, Fran is taken aback when she learns he has accessed her personal information from her insurance file. They share a light-hearted exchange, with Fran humorously cautioning Bud about sharing sensitive details. As they part ways, Bud watches Fran walk away with a grin, oblivious to his own antics of mistakenly spraying anti-histamine on his carnation.
• In this scene, Fran rushes to the dimly-lit Chinese restaurant 'The Rickshaw' to meet Sheldrake, who is anxious about being seen. Their conversation is filled with emotional tension as they discuss their past affair and the pain of separation. Fran, sporting a new haircut, sarcastically addresses Sheldrake's attempts to reconcile, while he pleads for her to return to him. Despite the familiarity of their meeting, Fran insists on leaving for another date, highlighting her struggle with lingering feelings and resentment. The scene ends with a cut to Bud, who is anxiously waiting for Fran outside the Majestic Theatre.
• In a bustling Chinese restaurant, Fran and Sheldrake share drinks and reflect on their complicated relationship, with Fran expressing skepticism about Sheldrake's intentions to divorce his wife. Despite her guardedness, she admits her love for him, leading to a moment of vulnerability. Their intimate conversation is interrupted by the arrival of other patrons, including the disapproving Miss Olsen. As they decide to leave, Sheldrake tips the piano player, and they share a kiss in a cab, heading to Bud's apartment, highlighting the emotional tension and romance of their affair.
• The scene begins with Bud Baxter waiting alone outside the Majestic Theatre, reflecting on his loneliness. It transitions to a close-up of his desk calendar, revealing Mr. Sheldrake's exclusive use of Bud's apartment on specific dates, hinting at underlying tensions. Inside the insurance building, Bud clears out his desk on a gloomy December morning, receiving a reluctant dollar from his colleague Moffett. He then confidently identifies himself to a sign painter, who opens the door to his new office, marking a bittersweet moment of achievement amidst the somber atmosphere.
• In scene 28, Bud Baxter arrives at his new office, where he is initially pleased with his promotion. However, he is quickly confronted by Kirkeby, Dobisch, Eichelberger, and Vanderhof, who demand continued access to his apartment, which they previously helped him use to curry favor with superiors. Despite Bud's attempts to deflect their threats, the confrontation escalates until Sheldrake, a higher executive, enters and praises Bud, causing the men to back down. Alone with Sheldrake, Bud learns about his extramarital affair and agrees to provide a key to the apartment for Sheldrake's use, marking a shift in their professional dynamic. The scene concludes with Bud scheduling Sheldrake's future visits on his calendar.
• In Scene 29, the switchboard operators joyfully abandon their posts to join a lively Christmas party on the 19th floor, where employees engage in festive activities and dancing. Bud, slightly intoxicated, reconciles with Fran after a past misunderstanding, but the mood shifts when Miss Olsen confronts Fran about Mr. Sheldrake's infidelity, leaving Fran distressed. The scene concludes with Bud and Fran seeking privacy in his office as the party continues around them.
• In this scene, Bud tries to impress Fran with a new bowler hat and his connections at work, but she remains distant and preoccupied with her own troubles. As Bud seeks her validation and suggests a date, Fran declines, hinting at personal issues related to Christmas. The mood shifts when Bud realizes Fran's compact mirror holds significance, leading to his emotional distress. After a phone call with Sheldrake, Bud exits the office feeling hurt, ignoring a lively Christmas party and his colleague Kirkeby, setting the stage for unresolved tensions.
• In a crowded bar on Christmas Eve in the 1960s, Bud Baxter sits alone, brooding over his drink while festive patrons celebrate around him. Despite attempts from a Santa Claus to engage him and Margie MacDougall's persistent efforts to connect, Bud remains emotionally distant. Their brief conversation reveals their shared loneliness, contrasting sharply with the holiday cheer surrounding them, as they ultimately sit in silence, contemplating their isolation.
• On Christmas Eve in Bud's apartment, Fran is found crying on the couch while Sheldrake paces nervously, trying to console her about his delayed divorce. Their conversation turns bitter as Fran sarcastically references his past affairs, and Sheldrake defensively claims he has changed. They exchange gifts awkwardly, with Fran rejecting his monetary gift before he insists she take it. Tension escalates when Fran makes a cutting remark about their arrangement, prompting Sheldrake to leave abruptly. Alone, Fran plays a record, sobs, and contemplates a vial of sleeping pills, hinting at a potential suicide attempt as the scene fades.
• In a deserted bar on Columbus Avenue, a drunken Santa Claus is urged by the bartender to leave as the bar closes for the night. Meanwhile, Bud and Margie MacDougall dance closely to blues music, ignoring the bartender's insistence that they go home. After the bartender turns off the music and lights, Bud and Margie reluctantly decide to leave together, with Bud sarcastically suggesting they head to his place. The scene ends with them exiting the bar as the bartender holds the door open.
• In scene 34, Bud and Margie walk to his brownstone apartment at night. As they ascend the steps, Margie tries to discuss her friend Mickey in jail, but Bud declines to see his picture. Their conversation turns playful and flirtatious, with Margie probing about Bud's love life, leading to Bud's sarcastic self-introduction. The scene ends with Bud opening the door to his apartment, inviting Margie inside.
• In this tense scene, Bud and Margie enter Bud's apartment, where playful flirtation quickly turns to panic when Bud discovers Fran unconscious on the bed from an apparent overdose of sleeping pills. After a frantic attempt to wake her, Bud rushes to seek help from Dr. Dreyfuss, leaving Margie confused and unaware of the unfolding crisis.
• In this tense scene, Bud rushes home to find Margie waiting for him, but he abruptly ends their encounter and forces her to leave as Dr. Dreyfuss arrives to treat Fran, who is unconscious from a sleeping pill overdose. Bud assists the doctor in reviving Fran, hiding a suicide note he discovers, while Dr. Dreyfuss employs various medical techniques to keep Fran conscious. The scene culminates with Bud and Dr. Dreyfuss walking Fran around the apartment, emphasizing the urgency of her situation.
• At dawn, Dr. Dreyfuss tends to Fran after her suicide attempt, while Bud anxiously pleads with him not to report it. Dr. Dreyfuss decides against an official report but reprimands Bud for his irresponsibility, warning of future risks. After Dr. Dreyfuss leaves, Bud tenderly cares for Fran, turning on her electric blanket and watching over her as the scene fades out.
• In a brownstone house, Mrs. Lieberman confronts Bud about the loud noises from his apartment the previous night, accusing him of disturbing her sleep. Bud, looking disheveled and apologetic, assures her it won't happen again, but she warns him about the house's respectability before leaving. Afterward, Bud quietly observes Fran asleep in the bedroom and attempts to make a phone call to Mr. J.D. Sheldrake.
• On Christmas Day, Sheldrake enjoys playful moments with his sons, Tommy and Jeff Jr., as they play with a Cape Canaveral toy set. However, the festive atmosphere shifts when Sheldrake receives a phone call from Baxter, who reveals a crisis involving Sheldrake's mistress, Fran, who has overdosed. Sheldrake, caught between family and his secret life, lies to his wife about the nature of the call, claiming it's work-related, while trying to maintain his composure. The scene captures the tension between familial joy and personal turmoil.
• In this scene, Bud speaks with Mr. Sheldrake, assuring him that he has managed the situation with Fran, who wakes up in Bud's bedroom suffering from a hangover. As Bud helps Fran, she expresses shame and regret over her actions, including a past suicide attempt. Despite her initial resistance, Bud insists she stay and rest, offering her comfort and care. He discreetly removes harmful items from his bathroom to ensure her safety. The scene concludes with Bud realizing they are out of coffee and heading out to get some.
• In this scene, Bud approaches Mrs. Dreyfuss to borrow some food items, but is met with her scornful accusations regarding his treatment of a girl he dated. Despite Bud's attempts to defend himself, Mrs. Dreyfuss dismisses him and refuses to help, ultimately slamming the door in his face. The confrontation leaves Bud feeling rejected and the issue unresolved.
• Fran shakily enters Bud's apartment, attempting to call her sister to explain her absence, but Bud intervenes to prevent her from revealing details about her night with Sheldrake. They rehearse a cover story, and Fran expresses her emotional turmoil over Sheldrake, admitting her love for him despite his deceit. Mrs. Dreyfuss arrives with food, mistakenly thinking Bud is involved with Fran, and offers her blunt advice. After she leaves, Fran and Bud discuss a $100 envelope from Sheldrake, and Bud encourages Fran to avoid impulsive actions like writing to Mrs. Sheldrake. As they play gin rummy, Fran reflects on her pattern of failed relationships, and eventually, she falls asleep while Bud tucks her in and prepares to shave.
• In this comedic and tense scene, Bud is caught off guard when Kirkeby and Sylvia arrive at his apartment, disrupting his attempt to keep Fran's presence a secret. As Bud tries to block their entry and insists they leave, Kirkeby, initially oblivious, pushes past him with a champagne bucket, reminding Bud of a prior reservation. The situation escalates when Kirkeby notices Fran's dress caught in the bedroom door, leading to a humorous realization about Bud's circumstances. Despite Kirkeby's newfound understanding, Bud remains adamant that they must leave.
• In this comedic scene, Sylvia impatiently cha-cha dances and knocks on Bud's door, while Dr. Dreyfuss disapprovingly observes before retreating to his apartment. Inside, Bud is trying to keep his affair with Fran a secret from Kirkeby, who smugly comments on Bud's romantic success. Bud forces Kirkeby out, leading to a humorous exchange where Kirkeby suggests they visit Sylvia's mother instead, deflecting from their original plans. The scene ends with Kirkeby and Sylvia leaving together, creating a light-hearted atmosphere filled with awkwardness and innuendo.
• In this poignant scene, Bud enters the bedroom and awakens Fran, leading to a heartfelt exchange where he expresses concern for her well-being. As Fran jokes about her despondency, Bud warns her against any thoughts of self-harm, revealing his protective nature. Their conversation touches on themes of vulnerability and unrequited affection, with Fran wistfully wishing for love. The scene concludes with Bud resuming his shaving routine after ensuring the razor blade is safely in place, highlighting the tension between care and despair.
• In the tense morning after Christmas, Sheldrake coldly fires Miss Olsen for her indiscreet comments at the office party, leading to a confrontation about their past relationship. Miss Olsen, hurt and emotional, acknowledges that Sheldrake had already let her go years ago when he began his affairs. After accepting her dismissal, she packs her belongings and secretly eavesdrops on Sheldrake's phone call to C.C. Baxter, leaving the unresolved tension between them lingering in the air.
• In Bud's apartment, he updates Jeff Sheldrake about Fran's recovery after a troubling incident. Despite Bud's encouragement, Fran is reluctant to speak with Sheldrake. As she answers the call, the conversation becomes tense and awkward, with Sheldrake downplaying the situation while Fran remains emotionally withdrawn, leading to unresolved conflict.
• In Sheldrake's anteroom, Miss Olsen overhears a tense phone conversation between Sheldrake and Fran, where Fran angrily denies their past relationship. After contemplating the situation, Miss Olsen decides to call Mrs. Sheldrake, inviting her to lunch to discuss her husband's infidelity. As she hangs up, Sheldrake emerges from his office, unaware of her intentions. Miss Olsen quickly covers her actions and exits, leaving Sheldrake watching her departure, setting the stage for future conflict.
• In scene 49, Bud Baxter rushes home to address a gas leak in his apartment, discovering Fran Kubelik has been cleaning and doing laundry. Their conversation shifts from the chaos of Bud's messy living space to personal stories, including Bud's failed suicide attempt and Fran's feelings for Mr. Sheldrake. As they bond over their vulnerabilities, Bud convinces Fran to stay for dinner, highlighting their growing connection amidst the humor and warmth of their interaction.
• In scene 50, Karl Matuschka, a worried cab driver and Fran Kubelik's brother-in-law, arrives at the insurance building seeking information about Fran, who hasn't reported to work for two days. He learns from the elevator starter to approach Mr. Dobisch on the 21st floor. In Dobisch's office, Matuschka finds Dobisch and Kirkeby discussing Fran's absence and her connection to 'Buddy-boy,' whom they resent. Matuschka expresses his concern for Fran, but Dobisch and Kirkeby are evasive, hinting at their knowledge while withholding information. The scene ends with Matuschka confused and scowling, questioning who 'Buddy-boy' is, leading to a transition to the next scene.
• In Bud's apartment, a romantic dinner takes a chaotic turn when Fran's aggressive brother-in-law, Karl Matuschka, confronts them, suspecting impropriety. After a playful start, the mood shifts dramatically as Matuschka's anger escalates, leading to a physical altercation with Bud. The situation intensifies when Dr. Dreyfuss reveals Fran's recent suicide attempt, prompting Fran to intervene and leave with Matuschka. Despite the turmoil, Bud remains euphoric, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of love and misunderstanding.
• In scene 52, Bud arrives at his office on the nineteenth floor, concealing a swollen eye with dark glasses. He prepares to confront Mr. Sheldrake about his feelings for Miss Kubelik, rehearsing a speech about taking her away. Despite being mocked by colleagues Kirkeby and Dobisch for his appearance and behavior, Bud remains focused on his mission. The scene highlights Bud's internal struggle and determination, contrasted with the sarcastic humor of his coworkers, ending with them commenting on his odd behavior as he leaves.
• In scene 53, Bud arrives on the 27th floor, rehearsing his intentions to marry Miss Kubelik. However, upon entering Sheldrake's office, he discovers that Sheldrake has left his wife and plans to pursue Miss Kubelik, leaving Bud stunned. The conversation reveals a clash of intentions, with Bud wanting to marry her while Sheldrake assumes Bud is relinquishing her. The scene ends with Bud hesitantly moving toward an adjoining office, reflecting his internal conflict and the tension of the moment.
• In this scene, Sheldrake brings Bud into a smaller office to announce his promotion, which Bud receives with mechanical compliance and underlying resentment. While Sheldrake excitedly lists the perks of the new position, he remains oblivious to Bud's discomfort and concerns about Miss Kubelik and the rapid changes in his life. Bud's internal conflict is highlighted when he breaks his dark glasses in frustration, symbolizing his struggle with the situation. The scene ends with Bud left alone, grappling with his emotions as Sheldrake exits, emphasizing the tension between their differing priorities.
• In the evening lobby of an insurance building, Bud Baxter watches as his name is added to the directory, marking his promotion. He and Fran Kubelik engage in a polite yet awkward conversation about their lives, revealing unspoken feelings and personal struggles. Bud lies about having a date to mask his loneliness, while Fran avoids discussing her relationship with Sheldrake. As they part ways, Bud's solitary actions of buying books highlight his isolation, culminating in a bittersweet farewell.
• In Sheldrake's office, Bud Baxter is pressured into lending his apartment key for Sheldrake's date with Miss Kubelik. Initially resistant due to moral objections, Bud faces threats to his job and career advancement from Sheldrake. Despite his initial defiance, Bud ultimately submits to the coercive pressure, handing over the key before leaving the office in frustration.
• In scene 57, Bud decisively quits his job, confronting Sheldrake's attempts to control him. He tidies his office, symbolically rejects his old life by donning his coat and hat, and declares his intention to become a 'mensch.' As he leaves, he places his bowler hat on a handyman's head, signifying his surrender of status. The scene ends with Bud entering the elevator, leaving Sheldrake confused and the handyman bewildered.
• On New Year's Eve, Bud packs his apartment, contemplating a gun before being interrupted by his neighbor, Dr. Dreyfuss, who asks for ice for a party. Their conversation reveals Bud's emotional detachment and desire to leave without a plan. Despite Dr. Dreyfuss's friendly invitation to join the party, Bud declines, showcasing his isolation. After Dr. Dreyfuss leaves, Bud continues packing, reflecting on his life as he twirls a strand of spaghetti from his tennis racquet, symbolizing his lingering memories and internal struggles.
• On New Year's Eve in a crowded Chinese restaurant, Fran sits alone, wearing a paper hat and feeling detached as Sheldrake arrives late, frustrated by his plans and Baxter's actions. Their conversation is laced with sarcasm and emotional distance, highlighting their strained relationship. As midnight approaches, the festive atmosphere contrasts with their personal dissatisfaction. When the lights come back on after the celebrations, Fran has mysteriously left, leaving her paper hat behind, while Sheldrake, confused and searching for her, realizes her absence.
• In the final scene, Fran arrives at Bud's apartment, initially fearful after hearing a loud noise but relieved to find him safe. They share their new single statuses and engage in a playful card game, during which Bud confesses his love for Fran. The scene captures their joyful reunion and the start of a romantic relationship, concluding with a fade out as Bud deals cards while gazing at Fran.