With the new movie "The Aviator", starring Leonardo DeCaprio as aviator and businessman Howard Hughes during his "prime" years, just now in theaters...I think it's time to discuss about an 80's movie that dealt with Hughes near the end of his life.
I'm referring to the sublime comedy "Melvin And Howard" (1980), starring Paul Le Mat and Jason Robards (as the aging Howard Hughes).
It's about the alleged story of an ordinary 'working stiff' and gas station owner named Melvin Dummar, who, in the mid-1970's claimed that he was the benefactor of Hughes' will, which totaled $156 million. The only thing that Melvin ever did for Howard, was to give him a ride into town after Howard had a motorcyle accident.
The movie doesn't really investigate whether or not Dummar was telling the truth, but it shows how an unexpected, sudden wealth can change a person's life, and not necessarily for the better.
It was directed by Jonathan Demme, and it was one of his earlier works.
Mary Steenburgen (who was married to Malcolm McDowell at the time) won a "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for her role as Melvin's wife.
Has anyone here seen it? I saw it once in the theaters many years ago, but have not seen it since.
Posted by HipsterMom27 (Member # 2161) on :
Wonderfully quirky & well-acted!
And I thank you for mentioning a movie that had nothing to do with teen sex-capades, horror or toothy action stars.
Posted by rhodes (Member # 3293) on :
And I thank you for mentioning a movie that had nothing to do with teen sex-capades, horror or toothy action stars.
quote:
The things above are what make classics dammm get some culture
Posted by HipsterMom27 (Member # 2161) on :
To each his own...I happen to like quirky character-driven odd-ball films...one person's culture is another person's trash.
