I just saw this movie again on TCM. Terrific film.
First saw it some 30+ years ago on the 'Late, Late Show', a little, black & white portable and never forgot it. One of those films that was shot in color but has more of an impact in b&w.

Burt Lancaster is marvelous. So carefree and pompous at the beginning, ready to embark on a bold adventure. By the end...crushed, pathetic and defeated by having been forced to face the reality of his life.

Recommended.

Apple

Indeed, my wife's plan is working.

This has always been one of my favorite films - but certainly, a difficult film to watch and definitely not for everyone.

And, with the rather unexpected and downbeat ending, you feel (or, at least, I did) that you want to watch the whole thing over again to see the clues leading up to the final scene.

As I recall, though, the scene with Janice Rule was shot after the film was completed at the studio's insistance and over Burt Lancaster's objections. (It was shot in California while everything else was shot on the east coast.)

The Swimmer is one of those films which has, over time, become quite a bit more appreciated than it was upon its initial theatrical release.

I can actually remember the first time I saw it: it was on a little black and white television around 1973 or 1974 when I was in college; my roommate was rather indifferent to it while I was riveted and could not turn away (except during the commercials). Several years later, I was able to get an uncut copy on videotape, which I still have.

Excellent and disturbing film.

Signor V.

I've read that too (on imdb). The role of the former mistress was originally played by Barbara Loden. Apparently Loden overpowered Lancaster's character to a significant enough degree that it somehow affected the flow of the film. The scene was later reshot with Janice Rule, who's performance served to restore "...balance to the scene..."

It would be very interesting to one day be able to see that scene with the original actress, however it was almost certainly destroyed or long lost in a vault somewhere.

Apple

Wow, this stirred up some dormant brain cells. I started dating my wife-to-be at the end of 1967. Going to the movies was a big date thing back then. We were freshman in college. We took in every movie of the day; in particular anything considered "artsy". The Swimmer was one of those. I remember it being somewhat dark. I've never seen it since. Burt Lancaster was one of my favorite actors; handsome, athletic, understated. Loved him in The Jim Thorpe Story, Bird Man of Alcatraz, Elmer Gantry, Atlantic City, Field of Dreams, and some circus movie with Tony Curtis.

Although not one of his more famous roles, I also always enjoy Lancaster as one of the German judges on trial in 'Judgement At Nuremberg'.

The part was to originally have been played by Laurence Olivier, who for some reason backed out. Lancaster stepped in almost out of necessity and from what I've heard was slightly uncomfortable with the part. Still, he makes the most out of it especially with his characters climactic 'Statement' late in the film. (Not to mention that sobering final scene with Spencer Tracy)