A New Leaf

A wealthy, arrogant, and womanizing playboy, Henry Graham, suddenly finds himself broke after a series of bad investments. Desperate and facing ruin, he concocts a plan to woo and marry a clumsy, awkward heiress, Henrietta Lowell, solely for her fortune. However, his scheme takes an unexpected turn when Henrietta, after their marriage, begins to grow on him, and he starts to develop genuine feelings for her, complicating his original intentions.

A New Leaf was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its witty dialogue, sharp performances, and the unique blend of dark humor and romantic comedy. While some found its premise a bit outlandish, most agreed that Elaine May's directorial debut was a surprisingly sophisticated and funny film. Audience reception was also favorable, appreciating the chemistry between Matthau and May.

• Witty and charming, with standout performances from its lead actors.

• A surprisingly dark yet ultimately heartwarming romantic comedy.

• Elaine May proves herself a capable director with a keen sense of humor.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's humor and the performances of Walter Matthau and Elaine May, often citing the clever writing and the unexpected charm of the central romance. Some found the plot slightly implausible, but the overall sentiment was positive.

Elaine May not only directed and starred in 'A New Leaf' but also wrote the screenplay, drawing from a short story by Peter Shaffer. Her dual role as director and lead actress was highly praised.