Melvin and Howard
Seen it?1980 | 95 min | Comedy, Drama
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won 2 Oscars. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone with a soft spot for road trips and anyone who likes watching an argument won. It's a road trip, so the detours matter as much as the destination. Same wavelength as American Graffiti or Little Miss Sunshine. The best scenes are battles fought with words.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Skip it if you're after something serious tonight.
The story of hard-luck Melvin Dummar, who claimed to have received a will naming him an heir to the fortune of Howard Hughes. Inspired by real events.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
91% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress, Academy Awards: Best Screenplay – Written Directly for the Screen. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Awards: Best Drama Written Directly for the Screen. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar, 3 more Golden Globes and 1 Venice award. Plus 12 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$156 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 92K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
American Graffiti Friday Night FlickAlso stars Paul Le Mat, in another critically acclaimed dramedy.
Little Miss Sunshine Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed road-trip dramedy.
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Weeknight WatchAnother legal comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Last Vegas Weeknight WatchAlso stars Mary Steenburgen, in another comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Jonathan Demme
- Paul Le MatMelvin Dummar
- Mary SteenburgenLynda Dummar
- Jason RobardsHoward Hughes
- Elizabeth CheshireDarcy Dummar
- Chip TaylorClark Taylor
- Melvin E. DummarBus Depot Counterman
- Michael J. PollardLittle Red
- Denise GalikLucy
- Gene BorkanGo-Go Club Owner #1
- Lesley Margret BurtonGo-Go Dancer