The Olive Signature classic films division of fantabulous Olive Films pays homage to the spectacular PBS and independent stations Sunday afternoon movie marathons of the '60s and '70s with the December 5, 2017 Blu-ray release of the 1971 Walter Matthau-Elaine May comedy "A New Leaf." The first of many numerous notable aspect of this release is the amazing flawless remastering; this more than 55 year-old film looks as crystal-clear as a Blu-ray of a modern film.
The following YouTube clip of a theatrical trailer for "Leaf" terrifically reflects the '70slicious humor of the film.
Writer-director May puts her wonderful on- and off-screen comedic talents to good use in this tale of middle-aged trust fund baby Henry Graham (Matthau) whose reversal of fortune requires a shotgun marriage of convenience to a wealthy woman. These desperate times led to the desperate measure of marrying plain spinster heiress/botanist Henrietta Lowell.
Matthau steals the show from the opening scene in which he expresses great concern regarding an "illness" of a beloved patient. He then goes to great lengths to avoid reality and subsequently faces off with his pompous attorney. A hilarious farewell to his current life ensues from there.
Aided by gentleman's gentleman Harold (George Rose of "The Pirates of Penzance"), Henry has a few hilarious encounters with potential spouses before being a complete dirty rotten scoundrel in rapidly wooing and wedding Henrietta.
The film takes an awesomely madcap turn on Henry moving into the chaotic Lowell mansion; the comically excessive staff (including Doris Roberts as the ringleader) quickly learns that the new sheriff in town is ending the party.
The end of the festivities has as even larger impact on attorney Andy McPherson (Jack Weston), whom Henry is replacing as the primary object of the bounty of Henrietta. A scene in which this girl with the golden credit card innocently does the exact opposite of what a frantic McPherson desires is a highlight of the film.
The third act is the most surprising in the film in that our "its complicated" couple take an excursion that literally and figuratively takes many unexpected turns. We further learn the extent to which Henry has a heart; the copious dark humor indicates that that may not be the case.
May skillfully presents all this as wonderful commentary on one-perecnters. "Kids" have had to debase themselves to maintain the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed after squandering family fortunes for centuries; further, he (or she) who has the gold does not always make the rules but always is the object of the affection of have-nots who want to have.
Signature does itself equally proud regarding the Criterion-level Blu-ray special features. These include film director Amy Heckerling ("Clueless and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") discussing "Women in Hollywood: A Tragedy of Comic Proportions"), and a discussion of the short story The Green Heart on which May bases "Leaf."
We also get a booklet with essays that include a terrific ode to May and Heart. The former opens with a hilarious tale of the wedding night scene with Henrietta and Henry.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Leaf" is strongly encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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