Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Walter Matthau & Glenda Jackson in House Calls 1978

Widow Dr. Charley Nichols (Matthau) has just reentered the dating scene. It's the swinging 70's and opportunity abounds. Imagine his surprise when he encounters Ann (Jackson), a charming, intelligent woman who likes him, but has no patience for his fast and loose new lifestyle. Ann is a handful, but then again, so is Charley.
 
This is a charming comedy of manners that is handled deftly by the seasoned cast. Also in the film is Art Carney, Richard Benjamin, Candy Azzara and Dick O'Neill. It wasn't a runaway hit, but it did spawn a television series that ran for three years (1979 - 1982) and starred Wayne Rogers and Lynn Redgrave.
 
There is no video of this film available online, but there is some of the resulting television series. Above is the opening credits for it uploaded by bretmaverick2004. The film is available on DVD, though is mostly only known to hard core fans of Matthau and Jackson. The poster above is available at MoviePosterShop.com

Obscurity factor: 7 (available on DVD, largely forgotten)

2 comments:

  1. This, as I recall, was a major shift in tone for Jackson and an attempt to revitalize her box office. Her first major comedy, A Touch of Class, won her an Oscar in 1974, but the next several films (including another comedy, Nasty Habits)did not do well. Her chemistry with Matthau plus a well written script make this one a gem in my book.

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  2. Yes, Jackson had been (and is most remembered now) for her heavy drama. She's delightful in this though.

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