Pete 'n' Tillie (1972)

I started this movie out of boredom and was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining it is. Matthow and Burnett are so smart-alecky perfect that their continuous banter didn't get old at all. An adult drinking incessantly in movies seemed so normal back then but would now be frowned upon. I had no idea Carol Burnett had ever made anything like this. I have luckily never had to date after my 20's, but I imagine adult dating in the 70's to be actually pretty close to what is portrayed in this movie. The first part of the movie is very light and funny. The middle gets pretty deep. They try to handle serious subject matter in a light hearted way but it doesn't always work. It is still worth watching as far as I am concerned. It was good enough to compel me to write this. Entertaining without being preachy.

I'll treasure this movie for having given me of the my favourite lines, which I have used continually since first seeing this film... when on their first date... given a choice of beverages from Burnett, Matthau says 'whatever's the most trouble'.... that's pure Groucho... and of course the fight between Page and Burnett. A good woman on woman fight is rare in this type of film and the scene on the lawn with the hose is a gem,I like to revisit this film every few years and still enjoy it immensely. Yeah, it degenerates to soap...too bad...if it hadn't this one might have been WAY up there in the ratings.

Carol Burnett and Walter Matthau are middle aged singles at one of socialite Geraldine Paige's famous "parties". Seemingly inexperienced Burnett is unsure whether the wise-cracking and somewhat "obviously interested" Matthau is the real deal. Eventually they hit it off, get married, and have a son, whom they both adore. Time passes, Burnett learns that Matthau freely shares his sexual talents with other women, which he does not attempt to hide. When their school age son is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Burnett breaks down. The couple separates, all friends and acquaintances suggest Burnett get a divorce.The ending may be somewhat predictable, but it's a much needed "up" from the depressing 20 minutes preceding it. The brief interlude with Burnett and Paige in a "cat fight" is another welcomed distraction from compounding dramatic scenes. Matthau's constant witty remarks become an expected staple, although he does show emotion about the loss of his son.This is definitely an "adult film", although rated PG. Many issues about urban life and society in general are tackled. Pre-teens would certainly be confused and unable to make sense of some of the plot. Fans of the leads will enjoy this film

The dialog between Matthau and Carol Burnett is in itself worth the price of admission.Watch Mathhau's delivery. Watch how he communicates his own appreciation for his lines -- his smug self-satisfaction almost makes us believe that he wrote this stuff himself.Definitely not for Bruce Willis fans.