Movie Review - A New Leaf

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"A New Leaf" is a romantic comedy released in 1971 and written and directed by Elaine May who also plays Henrietta Lowell. The movie is based on the book, "The Green Heart" by Jack Ritchie. Henry Graham (Walter Matthau) is a confirmed bachelor who enjoys the finer things in life. He likes to drive his expensive sports car in the city and then must bring it into the shop every week because he has "carbon on the valves". Henry Graham does what Henry Graham wants to do. Until... Henry Graham is informed by Beckett (William Redfield), his Accountant/Lawyer, that his fortune is gone. He doesn't know how to explain it better; but Henry Graham is out of money...broke...insolvent. Henry is dismayed and full of disbelief. How could this be possible? He visits the Club, his favorite restaurant, the polo fields, trying to relive his past glories...but he is destitute. Graham goes home and his Butler, Harold (George Rose), suggests to him that he find someone rich to marry. Henry is not happy about the married part; but this would solve his problem. Harold tells him, "You have preserved in your own lifetime sir, a way of life that was dead before you were born". And Henry Graham's quest for a rich bride has begun... "A New Leaf" is a hidden gem of a movie and was only available on VHS until recently. It's funny, it's warm, it's funny, it's romantic...and it's funny. I think that you will enjoy Henrietta Lowell's (Elaine May's) character the most with her crumbs and price tags and general naivite. She is brilliant in this movie, as is Matthau. "A New Leaf" is rated G. Thank you for stopping by; and happy viewing! Photo Credit: Pixabay