Customer Reviews

A New Leaf (Special Home Video Version)

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4 star:		(2)
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A New Leaf (Special Home Video Version)

Another great lost movie. How hard can it be to get it on DVD
and get it out there? That about says it all!

This is a gem of a movie featuring the work of two fine actors at their comic best. I also laughed until I cried several times during the film. Matthau plays a man addicted to the very best in life but without the money to support his cravings (fast cars, fine food, quality clothing, fine art). Elaine May is the bumbling heiress/professor who has abundant wealth but no sense of how to manage it or even herself. Matthau, with the help of his faithful and very funny butler, targets her for marriage and then for murder so that he can inherit. The irony is that with marriage comes the dawning understanding that he likes being a responsible individual, and that he actually is quite good at managing his extreme needy, very dependent wife and her estate. May does a wonderful job of playing the absent-minded heiress who is only capable at her studies in plants and adoring her crusty husband. When the opportunity to murder his wife eventually arrives, Matthau's is a satisfying choice for everyone, including the butler.

If you like Walter Matthau, this should be in your collection. I had not seen it in 40 years till the other night, and I laughed again till I cried. A well crafted story that makes its point.

Perhaps this movie missed its audience when first released, but it has remained one of my all-time top views. Still watching the old VHS copy once in a while. It's wit and charm has survived the test of time. Come on guys, how about we see this now on DVD?

I bought a used VHS of this from Amazon, however, it is really a DVD I want. I did find one in DVD on anoter site so I keep checking Amazon to see if they will get it in. So far, no luck. This is my all time favorite movie. The humor is wonderful and the actors so enjoyable.

The humor in this comdedy is very subtle and that is just what makes it hilarious. What is more amazing is the fumbling dim-witted woman playing the lead is also the director! The movie takes you through what appears to be a very sinister plan at first to a satisfying conclusion. Several scenes are so unforgettable, you'll want to see it again and again as I have. This should really be released on dvd.