THE GOODBYE GIRL (Herbert Ross, MGM, 1977)

I absolutely love it when I discover an older film that catches me totally off guard. THE GOODBYE GIRL (Herbert Ross, MGM, 1977) is my latest find. I am not one to be a big fan of plays turned into films but this adaptation to the screen of the Neil Simon play is superb. Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason turn in really good performances and Quinn Cummings is adorable. Not only are the performances good but the chemistry between all three actors is great. The writing of Simon is at his usual great standards, funny and topical, witty and a delight. Finally thanks to a good directing job by Ross the film never stalls and briskly moves along. Although titled the THE GOODBYE GIRL the star of the film is Dreyfuss. He plays Elliott Garfield, a struggling actor new to New York. Garfield goes through all the travails of an actor; being broke, negative reviews, a director that doesn't have a clue. Dreyfuss hits every moment with his usual kinetic energy and ever present charm. Three moments stand out for me and all three assuredly helped him to his Oscar. First when he meditates and will not stop with the stretching of his neck. Hysterical if only cause I have known people who do this. Then any time he plays the gay Richard. Lost in that interpretation he is the consummate actor, knowing the portrayal is wrong yet trusting his director. Finally when he succumbs at long last to his desire for Paula, chasing her around the apartment. Who hasn't felt that longing, that desire to be with someone. Dreyfuss reels in our sympathy and helps us identify with him. It helps his cause that both Marsha Mason and Quinn Cummings portray the McFadden ladies so well. The chemistry between the two is remarkable. They feel like actual mother and daughter. I'd be interested to know if these three actors performed this play on Broadway prior to filming. It would explain much of the chemistry and ease with which they perform. Speaking of Broadway, this is another great Simon writing. So funny, very witty and just real. There is no need for contemporary gross out humor because Simon pens a good story. So refreshing to watch something like this compared to what passes for comedy today. And Herbert Ross does a great job of keeping this play fresh for the screen. Often times plays brought to the screen are rather stagnant due to their location and setting constraints. Never once did this film fall into that trap. And what a trap Elliott Garfield fins himself in as he plays Richard III in the films "play with in a play" motif. These were the moments in this film which had me almost in tears. Knowing Elliott's pain as he is forced into portraying Richard as gay, against everything he studied and prepared for. And when he embraces it finally, going fully into the role? This is pure comedy. What a great sendup of theatre Simon provides yet at the same time he shows empathy for those that choose the profession. Comical yet heartfelt. Like I said, I absolutely loved watching this gem and highly recommend it to anyone.