Melvin and Howard

Starring: Jason Robards, Paul LaMat, Mary Steenburgen

Directed by: Jonathan Demme

RS: 3of 4 Stars

1980 Comedy

DVDs were made for spiffing up forgotten gems such as this 1980 true story. Melvin Dummar (Paul Le Mat) claimed that billionaire Howard Hughes (Jason Robards) left him millions after Melvin picked up the ratty recluse in the desert and taught him to sing "Bye Bye Blackbird." Director Jonathan Demme and writer Bo Goldman craft a fable of rags-to-riches America that resonates more than ever. There are no extras. The movie is its own reward.

PETER TRAVERS
(February 25, 2004)