Henry Graham (Walter Matthau) is told that he has spent all of his trust fund and is now penniless. He is suddenly poor. His hated uncle gives a loan worthy of a loan shark. He decides to marry rich. He finds oddball rich plant lady Henrietta Lowell (Elaine May).
This black comedy has an interesting early scene with Henry and his accountant. I wasn't sure about this character. He's not that funny and rather hateful. On the other hand, Henrietta is endearing as an oddball. It becomes fascinating. Writer/director Elaine May is also playing the lead. I don't think that I've seen her doing much acting. I fascinated by her. There is an inconsistency with Henry. He starts off as completely clueless in finances but when he starts dealing with Henrietta's money, he seems rather competent. This story may work better if he's simply a poor gold-digging hustler. The movie would lose that fascinating accountant scene but the sacrifice may be needed for the character. This movie is a mixed bag. I like Elaine May's writing. She's interesting as an actress but it may not be her best talent.
This black comedy has an interesting early scene with Henry and his accountant. I wasn't sure about this character. He's not that funny and rather hateful. On the other hand, Henrietta is endearing as an oddball. It becomes fascinating. Writer/director Elaine May is also playing the lead. I don't think that I've seen her doing much acting. I fascinated by her. There is an inconsistency with Henry. He starts off as completely clueless in finances but when he starts dealing with Henrietta's money, he seems rather competent. This story may work better if he's simply a poor gold-digging hustler. The movie would lose that fascinating accountant scene but the sacrifice may be needed for the character. This movie is a mixed bag. I like Elaine May's writing. She's interesting as an actress but it may not be her best talent.