A New Leaf

In the 1971 romantic comedy film "A New Leaf," Henry Graham (played by Elaine May) is a charming but aimless playboy who lives a life of luxury, but not a life of financial stability. After spending his entire inheritance, Henry finds himself in a precarious situation, with no money, no job, and no prospects for the future. Desperate and with no other options, Henry concocts an audacious plan to marry a wealthy woman, secure her inheritance, and then marry her off to someone else in order to maintain her fortune. The object of Henry's desire is the shy, yet lovely botanist Henrietta Lowell (played by Elaine May). A kind and gentle soul, Henrietta comes from a wealthy family and is an avid botanist, spending most of her time studying and researching different plant species. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, Henry is drawn to Henrietta's innocence and beauty, and he sees her as the perfect mark for his scheme. As Henry sets out to win Henrietta's heart, he discovers that she is not as meek and vulnerable as he initially thought. In fact, Henrietta is a clever and resourceful woman who is well-versed in her field of botany. Henry's plan to marry her and then get rid of her quickly becomes complicated, and he finds himself falling for her genuine and loving nature. Despite his initial reservations, Henry starts to develop real feelings for Henrietta, but he is torn between his affection for her and his desire to maintain control of her fortune. Meanwhile, Henrietta begins to fall for Henry, unaware of his true intentions and seeing him as a kind and gentle soul who genuinely cares for her. As the story unfolds, Henry becomes increasingly conflicted, struggling between his love for Henrietta and his desire for financial security. Throughout the film, Henry's antics and escapades provide much of the comedic relief, as he tries to navigate his way through his complicated scheme. Meanwhile, Henrietta's family, who are equally wealthy and influential, are wary of Henry's intentions and begin to sniff out his true nature. The film's climax features a series of hilarious misunderstandings and mishaps, as Henry tries to extricate himself from his complicated situation. In the end, Henry's plan ultimately backfires, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. In a surprising twist, Henry decides to take a leap of faith and abandon his selfish plans, choosing instead to pursue a genuine relationship with Henrietta. The film's ending is a poignant commentary on the importance of genuine human connections and the dangers of letting material wealth and status define our lives. Through Henry's journey, we see the transformative power of love and relationships, and the importance of choosing authenticity over artificial connections. "A New Leaf" is a charming and witty film that explores themes of love, family, and personal growth. With its talented cast, witty dialogue, and engaging storyline, the film is a delightful treat for audiences of all ages. Elaine May's performance as Henry and Henrietta brings depth and nuance to the characters, making them relatable and sympathetic. The film's direction by Elaine May and the writing by Elaine May and Joseph Bologna provide a clever and engaging narrative that holds the viewer's attention from start to finish.