Melvin and Howard (Widescreen)

Demme, who also directed Something Wild (1986) and Silence of the Lambs (1991) does a wonderful job of relating the story of Melvin (Paul Le Mat) and how he came across Howard Hughes (Jason Robards) stranded in the desert outside of Las Vegas and gave him a ride. Hughes, looking disheveled and grisly, stated that he was who he was, but Melvin didn't take him seriously, thinking he was just some old wino.

Some time goes by, Howard Hughes passes away, and a mysterious stranger leaves a handwritten letter in Melvin's gas station. The document, which appears to be Hughes will, names Melvin as a beneficiary, entitling him to somewhere in the neighborhood of $156 million dollars. Well, this immediately launches Melvin into the public spotlight and focuses much attention on the validity of the will.

While the movie is titled Melvin and Howard, it's mostly about Melvin, and deals with his many ups and downs (mostly downs) in a particular period of his life. Melvin switches jobs a few times, working as a magnesium bagger, milk truck driver, and gas station owner, and deals with personal problems like his wife leaving, cars repossessed, being in debt up to his ears...Paul Le Mat, who many may recognize as John Milner from American Graffiti (1973) is wonderful as the poor but likeable schlub who, due to his natural good nature, may have found himself in a position to inherit millions. The supporting cast is great including Robards, Dabney Coleman, John Glover, Pamela Reed, and Mary Steenburgen, who won an academy award for best supporting actress as Melvin's wife, Lynda. The real Melvin E. Dummar even makes an appearance as a counter clerk at a bus terminal. And speaking of academy awards, it should also be noted that Bo Goldman won the award for best writing for this film.

There are no special features on this release, only a trailer, but the picture looks wonderful in the wide screen format. There is another release, one from Anchor Bay Entertainment that does include some more extras like commentary and production notes not available here, so if you are interested in those kinds of things, you might want to search it out. Does Melvin get the money in the end? It doesn't really matter, at least not in the scope of this film. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys good filmmaking and is interesting in discovering an under-appreciated movie with great scripting, casting, dialogue, direction, and music. Everything clicks really well in this little 'slice of life' gem.

Cookieman108

Though the phrase has been used too often "Melvin And Howard" is a one-of-a-kind classic. The movie tells the story of Melvin Dummars, one of life's unfortunate losers living a hand-to-mouth existence. A financial ruin trying to live beyond his means, he never sees his life quite the way he should - his truck and motorcycle are repossessed shortly after he arrives home from work. Earlier in the film Melvin has an encounter with Howard Hughes that has to be seen to be believed. This event will change his life inexplicably a few years down the road, resulting in chaos and personal trial. But all that takes up surprisingly little of this film. It centers firmly on Melvin and his efforts to make something of himself - any success will satisfy him immensely. The episodes of Melvin's life that are played out for us range from comedic to tragic to bittersweet to frustrating to exhilarating. Definitely more of a fable than a document of Melvin Dummar's true life experiences, it still doesn't diminish the effectiveness of the movie. As portrayed by Paul Le Mat, Melvin embodies a spirit that assures you he will endure and survive long after many others will have given up.