A New Leaf (1971)

Welcome to 'Don't You Want Me?' - a podcast series taking a lighthearted look at the most relatable, intriguing and dysfunctional relationships in film. 

In this episode, we’re walking down the aisle with 1971’s A New Leaf, written and directed by Elaine May. Based on a short story by American writer Jack Richie, this movie was May’s directorial debut and made her only the third woman ever in the Directors Guild of America. Though when studio executives made edits to her original darker, three-hour cut of the movie, she tried to have her name taken off the project and unsuccessfully sued Paramount when they decided to release it anyway. We’re kind of grateful they did. Tonight we’ll be looking at mysterious ferns with Henry, played by Walter Matthau and Henrietta, played by May herself. Are these two a match made in a botanical journal? Let’s discuss. The only difference between us, Cat, is that I am a man and you are a woman and we don't have to let that interfere if we are reasonably careful.

Follow Don't You Want Me on Twitter @DYWMpodcast, Instagram @dywmpodcast and Facebook @DYWMpodcast 

Recorded in April 2022.

Edited by Rich Nelson

Additional material written by Catrin Lowe 

Theme music by Paul Abbott (on Twitter @Pablovich)

Design by NOAKE (on Instagram @n_o_a_k_e)

Rich can be found on Twitter @Fantana275

Cat can be found on Twitter @KittyCostanza