Another Great Matthau Film

One year after A NEW LEAF, the film-going public was treated to a new Matthau film, PETE 'N' TILLIE. Directed by Martin Ritt, it's based on novels by Peter DeVries. In this one, Matthau plays Pete Seltzer, a womanizing bachelor who finally settles on marrying the virginal Tillie Schlaine played by Carol Burnett. As in A NEW LEAF, the stars turn in absolutely amazing performances and it's worth watching to see these two actors, both at the height of their skills.

Pitched to the public as a comedy, it is that, but I have always seen it as a very effective drama. The movie is permeated with sadness and despair. One aspect of the story that I always liked was how each of the main characters deal with the stresses of life--Pete's almost constant cheating, and a truly hideous tragedy that strikes the small family.

Here, we see these two figures--best known for comedic roles--showing their skill at portraying pure drama. It's something fans of these actors really need to see.

The comedy aspect of the film is present, though. Specifically in the form of Gertrude, one of Tillie's friends played by Geraldine Page. Page is absolutely funny in the movie, and there is one scene in PETE 'N' TILLIE that is among the funniest moments of any film I've ever seen.

Also, Rene Auberjonois does a great turn as Tillie's gay friend who even offers to marry her if being with her could make her happy. I think this role was the first obviously gay character I ever saw in a movie.

If you haven't seen this one...give it a shot.

I watched this movie with my mom once. I don't think I ever saw her laugh so much as when she witnessed this scene. I must concur with her judgment.

Matthau

For some reason a lot of people make fun of Walter Matthau. As if he was not a very good actor. I honestly don't know why this is, because I always quite admired his abilities as a performer and can't figure out why so much good work is discounted.

Most people know him, of course, from his role in the film version (and the Broadway play) of THE ODD COUPLE. And then later in life he did some films with Jack Lemmon that were popular (which is probably why I don't particularly like those films). And he did some things on TV toward the end of his career which were not that good; but I reckon you take what you can get when you are an aging actor and choices are limited.

However, he sometimes did movies that I have always figured were against type and which I thoroughly admire, partly because he was indeed cast against type in such films. These movies were also directed by people I quite admire and seem to be rather forgotten these days, but I like to recommend them to folk looking for a good movie to watch.

One of these films is A NEW LEAF. It was written and directed (and co-starred) Elaine May. Matthau portrays Henry Graham, a playboy who has realized that he has burned through his inherited millions and is facing poverty. He talks a hateful uncle into advancing him some money so that he can continue to pretend to be rich for a few more weeks so that he can find and marry a millionairess (the idea of marriage having heretofore been an idea repulsive to him).

Pretty much everyone in the film turns in amazing performances, including James Coco as the vengeful uncle who does extend the loan but who does so only because he thinks Henry will fail. Elaine May cast herself as the heiress he finally lands and she, too, turns in a priceless performance. In no time, Henry (who has no intent to remain married) begins to plot his wife's murder. Will he go through with it, or will some shadow of conscience cross his mind?

It's a great movie. Give it a shot. (In a day or so I'll list another such fine Matthau film that remains obscure.)

"Don't let 'em out!"