For four weeks, FilmScene 101 will watch the films of Elaine May to celebrate her work and legacy. See all of her films and discuss tropes, motifs, and stylistic choices particular to May's sensibility. Tuesdays in the month of May. Click below to purchase your FilmScene 101 pass.

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"One of the funniest and most tender films I have ever seen."—Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

"Achieves the nutty and improbable grandeur of the best movie comedies of the past."—Charles Champlin, Los Angeles Times

"A film of such wit and comic invention that it belongs among the great American comedies."—Calum Marsh, The Village Voice

Henry Graham (Walter Matthau) has lost his fortune. On the advice of his valet, referred to by Henry as his gentleman's gentleman, and with a sizable loan from his uncle that he must pay back in six weeks, he's determined to marry into wealth to maintain his lavish lifestyle. Enter heiress Henrietta Lowell (Elaine May), a klutzy botanist and the woman of Henry’s get-rich-quick-scheme dreams. The kind hearted Henrietta is taken in by Henry's affection almost immediately, but now he must convince everyone around her before he loses everything.

May established her dark comedic style right out of the gate as she reluctantly starred in her debut project. Getting the film off the ground was an uphill battle that led to critical success but ultimately resulted in box office failure. The difficulty she faced in making her first feature would only increase with each subsequent project.