Elaine May made Hollywood history with this wickedly funny throwback to the screwball comedies of the 1930s, as the first female star-writer-director. But Paramount were unhappy with her final version running to a weighty three hours, took the film out of her hands and cut it by 78 minutes. Despite her understandable fury and (unsuccessful) attempt to have her name removed from the credits, the film was still a delight and went down well with critics and paying public alike. There are laughs-a-plenty from star Walter Matthau's attempts to stave off destitution by marrying a wealthy woman, and it makes several excellent observations on greed. Spare a thought, however, for actor William Hickey, whose blackmailer character was deleted completely in the revised version of the film. Still wildly funny in parts though: perhaps there's something to be said for studio interference after all.

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