“A marvel of comic invention—and, more surprisingly, of astringent romance. The essence of the film is a love story that rises from mutual delusion, and that perspective makes this uproarious and antic comedy, in its moral soul, an essential work of intimate realism.” -Richard Brody, The New Yorker

“Do you take this woman?” “Yes, for everything she’s got.” Elaine May wrote and directed (credits May attempted to have removed after the studio made cuts in the film) this dark and funny comedy about marriage, murder, and money. May also stars as Henrietta, a shy and clumsy wallflower, who is also heir to a large pile of money. Indigent playboy Graham (Walter Matthau), who has squandered his inherited trust fund and needs to get a new source of money, begins to ply his affections upon Henrietta. When his butler (George Rose) recommends that Graham should marry Henrietta and gain control of her funds, Graham borrows money from his miserable uncle (James Coco) and wines and dines Henrietta. Graham’s dastardly plan is to marry Henrietta, take her off on a trip to the mountains, and murder her. Graham can then return from her funeral and inherit his wealth. But thrown into his path toward the perfect murder are a collection of Henrietta’s loyal — and not so loyal — retainers and the small dim light of Graham’s own conscience.

This film is screening as part of Arkadin’s March-long spotlight on great films by female directors.