Based on a novella by Philip Roth, this insipid romantic comedy profiles two unorthodox Jewish families and their in-love offspring. Benjamin is an impoverished librarian and MacGraw is a spoiled Jewish American princess. He spends a few weeks at her home, where MacGraw's
well-to-do-father, Klugman, exhorts Benjamin to make something of himself. Benjamin sneaks into MacGraw's room to make love to her, but is later dismayed to learn that she won't take birth control pills because they make her ill. They later rendezvous in a sleazy hotel, where MacGraw explains that
the diaphragm Benjamin insisted she get was found by her mother. Benjamin packs his bag and leaves her forever.
There's not much in this film to which most viewers can relate. Benjamin and MacGraw, in their film debuts, give inept performances. Klugman, who plays a money-grubbing businesman, is the only cast member who contributes a believable portrayal. Pierce's direction is slipshod, almost indifferent,
and at times this patchy, confusing story seems little more than a home movie. Songs include "Goodbye, Columbus," "So Kind to You," "It's Got to Be Real" (The Association, performed by the Association). Look for Jaclyn Smith in a cameo role as a model. The screenplay received an Oscar
nomination. leave a comment
