The Goodbye Girl* (1977)

Director: Herbert Ross Starring: Quinn Cummings, Marsha Mason, Richard Dreyfuss Genres: US Classics, Romantic Drama Origin: USA Certificate: M Running Time: 111 min

synopsis

Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason), an attractive 33 year old ex-Broadway chorus dancer, is shattered when the man in her life, an actor called Tony, suddenly disappears to make a film in Italy. Having previously had her actor husband walk out on her she decides that from now on the acting fraternity is definitely not for her. Tony holds the lease on the flat he shared with Paula and her 10 year old daughter Lucy (Quinn Cummings). Paula is dismayed and angry to find he has sub-let the flat to ambitious actor Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss), who has come to New York for his big chance in Richard III, off-off-off Broadway. Elliot suggests they share the flat, at least until something else can be worked out. Paula, in no position to bargain, agrees. Elliot is paying the rent but still only gets the small bedroom. Difficulties soon arise. He likes to play the guitar at bedtime; is devoted to health foods and starts each day at dawn - with chants and incense. Elliot's play opens - and closes again. Paula is sympathetic. Gradually their relationship becomes more harmonious and they are drawn closer. But then Elliot gets a role in a film to be shot in Seattle. It looks as if Paula is once again destined to be a goodbye girl... Richard Dreyfuss won the Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA for Best Actor for his role. 'The Goodbye Girl' was also nominated for 4 other Oscars for Marsha Mason and Quinn Cummings (who both won Golden Globe Awards) and screenwriter Neil Simon (also a Golden Globe winner).