House Calls (1978 film)

House Calls 1978 film

House Calls is a 1978 American comedy film directed by Howard Zieff, featuring an ensemble cast led by Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, Art Carney, Richard Benjamin, and Candice Azzara. The screenplay, written by Max Shulman, Charles Shyer, and Alan Mandel, revolves around the romantic and comedic entanglements of a widowed doctor.

Plot

The film follows Dr. Charley Nichols (played by Walter Matthau), a skilled but disillusioned surgeon who becomes a widower. Seeking companionship, he ventures into the dating scene, where he meets Ann Atkinson (played by Glenda Jackson), a recently divorced woman. Despite their initial differences and the chaos of their personal lives, they find themselves drawn to each other, navigating the complexities of new love in middle age against a backdrop of hospital politics and the quirky behaviors of their friends and colleagues.

Cast

• Walter Matthau as Dr. Charley Nichols
• Glenda Jackson as Ann Atkinson
• Art Carney as Dr. Amos Willoughby
• Richard Benjamin as Dr. Norman Solomon
• Candice Azzara as Ellen Grady
• Additional supporting roles are filled by a talented cast that brings the hospital setting and its surrounding community to life.

Production

The production of House Calls brought together a notable team behind the scenes. Directed by Howard Zieff, known for his ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, the film benefits from a script that balances witty dialogue with the exploration of deeper themes such as love, loss, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Filming locations and specific production details highlight the late 1970s era, capturing both the fashion and societal norms of the time.

Reception

Upon its release, House Calls received positive reviews for its smart script, direction, and especially the chemistry between Matthau and Jackson. Critics praised the film for its blend of humor and humanity, making it a standout romantic comedy of its era. It performed well at the box office, further cementing the reputations of its leading actors and director in Hollywood.

Legacy

The success of House Calls led to the creation of a television series of the same name, which aired from 1979 to 1982. While the series adapted the film's premise, it featured a different cast and expanded on the hospital setting and the personal lives of its characters. The film remains a beloved classic, often cited for its witty dialogue, charming performances, and its portrayal of romance between mature adults, themes that continue to resonate with audiences today.