Melvin and Howard (1980)

 

The story of hard-luck Melvin E. Dummar, who claimed to have received a will naming him an heir to the fortune of Howard Hughes.

From memory: Likable comedy-drama is endearing in its sympathetic slice-of-the-life depiction of lower-middle-class Americana, made in good humor and with a great cast of performers.

Halliwell***: "Eccentric comedy which has been compared to the work of Preston Sturges, but has an agreeable style of its own"

Maltin***1/2: "Wonderful slice-of-life story...An endearing, bittersweet American fable, with Oscar winner Steenburgen providing most of the comic highlights, including a memorable TV talent contest."