The Heartbreak Kid
"Poignant, charming, the best of Simon's talent..." -Pauline Kael, The New Yorker
Lenny Cantrow (Charles Grodin) is a young, ambitious salesman who falls for Lila Kolodny (Jeannie Berlin) in a singles bar. After a brief courtship, Lenny pops the question and the two wed.
On their honeymoon, Lenny's new bride develops a severe sunburn and has to spend three days in their room - which is fine with him because he's beginning to find her little idiosyncrasies maddening. In fact, Lenny is starting to feel his marriage may be a mistake. Then, when he hits the beach alone he meets a beautiful college student, Kelly Corcoran (Cybill Shepherd), and falls head over heels. He is sure this is the "real thing." There's just one problem... he's a newlywed!
The Heartbreak Kid features top-notch performances, including Jeannie Berlin's and Eddie Albert's, which earned them Academy Award® nominations.
Member Reviews
See this comedic GEM! - trix
I had never heard of this film...I am certain there are many who have not. I am shocked that this is not considered a comedic classic. This is probably the only Neil Simon writing I have ever liked, let alone loved. The characters are real and the writing is superb. It is so nice to see characters who are not just joke and jibe factories which Simon often does (which I find tedious and unfunny). I cannot recommend this movie enough. Jeannie Berlin and Charles Grodin are so good: hilarious and hearbreaking...you cringe but you laugh. And you really feel for these characters too. It is not some laugh-a-minute comedy. Much more complex, delving into real issues...and relationship stuff. I hope this movie has a strange second coming because people like me and you see it and then tell 10 friends about it! Let's get started!~ ONE OF THE BEST ROMANTIC COMEDIES of the 70's~ 4 ClassicStars ~ - SqueakyChair
SNAPSHOT: The particular annoying persona that is Charles Grodin is over-shadowed here by his excellent performance in a role suited to him then, and his stunning females leads, particularly Cybill Shepherd are excellent vehicles for him to shine opposite. And with veteran character actors like Doris Roberts and Eddie Albert you can begin to understand its success.
MORE THOUGHTS: Remember that it was a different era when you watch this film ... it is light-hearted but sometimes poignant in it's delivery. I am a fat older dude ... what else am i gonna say about a romantic comedy from the 70's except i watched and enjoyed so THAT has to say SOMETHING?! Right?
Might i suggest from ZIP.ca
" Bell, Book, and Candle "
~~> http://www.zip.ca/browse/title.aspx?f=titleId(101250)
" Funny Girl"
~~> http://www.zip.ca/browse/title.aspx?f=titleId(103911)
FINAL WORD: ~ Happy To Recommend ~ or SoSaysSqueakyChair
Member Reviews
Read All...
See this comedic GEM! - trix
I had never heard of this film...I am certain there are many who have not. I am shocked that this is not considered a comedic classic. This is probably the only Neil Simon writing I have ever liked, let alone loved. The characters are real and the writing ...~ ONE OF THE BEST ROMANTIC COMEDIES of the 70's~ 4 ClassicStars ~ - SqueakyChair
SNAPSHOT: The particular annoying persona that is Charles Grodin is over-shadowed here by his excellent performance in a role suited to him then, and his stunning females leads, particularly Cybill Shepherd are excellent vehicles for him to shine opposite. ...