Plaza Suite

One-third of a good movie
While Walter Matthau and his talented co-stars do an admirable job, the first two vignettes have little to offer. Even 35 years ago, I think the stories of adultery and seduction were unoriginal. The last story, however, is a non-stop laugh session. I mean, face it, Walter Matthau's best moments are those when he's at the boiling point. And in this case, with his daughter locked in the Plaza's bathroom on the day of her wedding, the penny-pinching Matthau erupts over and again. Lee Grant, as his hysterical wife, is a perfect companion. This episode is well worth suffering through the first two.

Walter Matthau shines in "Plaza Suite"
Walter Matthau has a field day playing three roles in this trio of one-act plays that all take place in Suite 719 of the Plaza Hotel. In the first story, he plays a bored businessman with a mid-life crisis and a desperate wife (Maureen Stapleton. Witty dialogue with a serious tone. In the second act, Matthau plays a self-centered movie producer who calls his star-struck old flame (Barbara Harris) in hopes of some afternoon delight. Silly and funny commentary on the power of celebrity. In the last story, Matthau is the father of a bride who is currently locked in the bathroom, refusing to come out. Snappy sarcasm played for big laughs.

Adapted from the Broadway smash by Neil Simon, the movie looks and sounds like a staged play. The actors all shout like they're reaching for the balcony and there's never a moment's pause between lines. The actors even come out for a curtain call at the end. It's dated, but made thoroughly enjoyable by the stars, especially Matthau,...

Tour-De-Force For Matthau!
What happens when you combine Neil Simon and Walter Matthau? You get this hilarious remake from a Neil Simon play! Matthau is just absolutely amazing to watch, going from one character to another! He proves his status as an "A" list actor. The story concerns Matthau playing three roles. Each just happens to be staying at the same room in the same hotel, at of course, separate times. And offers three different and unique stories for each situation. Of the three skits, I prefer the third sketch. Sure, many say the first one is better, but it's more sentimental then the three, which is exactly what it's suppose to be. But the reason I chose the third one is because, it's simply the funniest of the three. And when I watch a Neil Simon film, I expect pleny of laughs. And the third one offers them. Wonderful performances by all the supporting women. Many think Mauren Stapleton was the best off all three, she was in the "first act", playing Matthau's wife, who...

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