☆ ☆ ☆ ½
A New Leaf (1971) – E. May
Walter Matthau has
blown through the trust fund that he inherited and suddenly finds himself in
debt. The only way to continue the
lifestyle to which he has become accustomed is to marry rich. So, he borrows
$50K from his uncle to be paid back in 6 weeks (presuming he can spend his wife’s
fortune) just to keep himself afloat until he can find a willing bride. After a
few mistakes, he discovers Elaine May, a nerdy and clumsy botany professor with
a very large fortune. Let the courtship begin!
Of course, Matthau is thinking dastardly thoughts about what happens after
the marriage… and he wouldn’t be the first to take advantage of helpless May
(who also wrote and directed, her first feature, after great success on stage
in a comedy duo with Mike Nichols). The film is somewhat episodic (despite a
linear plotline), sometimes broadly funny, sometimes even tender, with some intriguing
impressionistic shots thrown in for good measure. By the end, we find ourselves
charmed by the transformation in the characters, despite themselves, and there’s
a warm feeling as a result.
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