A New Leaf **** (1970, Walter Matthau, Elaine May, Jack Weston) – Classic Movie Review 7219

The 1970 A New Leaf is Elaine May’s first film and still her best movie. She sparkles as writer, director and star of this quirky black comedy about penniless playboy Henry Graham (Walter Matthau) chasing dim-witted, dithering, hopelessly shy botanist Henrietta Lowell (May) for her money. There is a bit of a rush on. Henry has just six weeks to find a bride, then marry her and kill her.

Both performances are spot on — unusually, May can make her stupidity and clumsiness seem endearing while Matthau does the same with his murderous greed and desperation. The two superb comedic actors push their extreme, unattractive characters to the max too great comic joy.

Matthau and May form a brilliantly funny double act, and James Coco is outstanding in support as mean Uncle Harry. Also in the cast are Jack Weston, George Rose, William Redfield, Graham Jarvis, William Hickey, Doris Roberts, Renée Taylor, David Doyle, Fred Stewart, Gordon Mack, Rise Arrick and Carol Morley.

With a jolly score by the writer of The Odd Couple music (a revamp of Neal Hefti’s little heard music for Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama’s Hung You in the Closet), A New Leaf is just lovely.

May’s rich screenplay is based on the story The Green Heart by Jack Ritchie.

A New Leaf was nominated for two Golden Globes – Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

Elaine May followed it with The Heartbreak Kid and Mikey and Nicky, but sadly only got to make four movies, after the fourth, Ishtar, crashed, losing a fortune.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7219

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