Typecast as a grumpy old man, Oscar-winner Walter Matthau plays an older widower whose family misunderstands him in this dramedy directed by friend and colleague, Jack Lemmon.
This is Jack Lemmon’s sole effort as a director and it’s quite promising. Matthau, who was only 52, would play another dozen roles as grumpy old man, sometimes with Lemmon.
Oscar Nominations: 4
Actor: Walter Matthau
Sound: Richard Portman and Jack Solomon
Song: “Life Is What You Make It,” music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Film Editing: Ralph E. Winters
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The Best Actor winner was Gene Hackman for The French Connection, which also won the Editing Oscar.
The Sound Oscar went to Fidler on the Roof.
Isaac Hayes won the Song Oscar for Theme of Shaft, which stirred controversy among voters.