Divorce American Style

With two teenage children, Richard and Barbara Harmon, both from working class backgrounds, have hit a rough patch in their 17-year marriage. Richard cannot understand why Barbara isn't happy while he feels he has slaved for years, just within the last few years finally to become a business success and good breadwinner. Barbara feels he doesn't communicate well or understand her emotional needs, and that he has changed ever since he became that business success which is more important than her in their marriage. Their sexual dry spell is difficult on both, as neither has even contemplated being unfaithful. Taking advice from others, they take measures to protect their individual selves, in the process exacerbating the issue of divorce, which had not even been a possibility before these measures. As they work toward divorce, they must figure if they truly want a future without each other. Adding to the complicated situation is long-divorced couple Nelson and Nancy Downes, the former who is trying to marry off the latter so he won't need to pay alimony anymore and can get back on his feet. Nancy does want to remarry because she's lonely, but it must make economic sense. For Nancy, Richard fits the love side of the equation, but not the economic side as long as he must pay Barbara alimony. So Nelson and Nancy go on a mission to get Barbara remarried to someone else.