Double Feature: A Touch of Class (1973) & The Goodbye Girl (1977)

A Touch of Class:

This lighthearted film features Glenda Jackson in an Oscar-winning performance as a fashion designer who gets involved with a married man (George Segal). Having met in London, he invites her to vacation with him in Spain, which she agrees to for the physical aspects of their relationship. However, his producer friend is meeting his wife and kids in Spain, causing all sorts of problems with their plan for a secret getaway. After getting back to London, the pair continue to see each other, even renting a flat to use for their rendezvouses. All of the hustle and bustle of their affair takes it toll on them, and they must decide whether to keep seeing each other, or go their separate ways.

The film received nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song. Glenda Jackson's win for Best Actress was her second Oscar win (after one for 1970's Women in Love).

The Goodbye Girl:

Written by playwright Neil Simon, this romantic comedy stars Richard Dreyfuss in his own Oscar-winning performance as Elliot, an actor who's just moved to New York City. His new apartment, it turns out, was sublet by his friend, who ran out on Paula (Marsha Mason) and her daughter Lucy (Quinn Cummings). Under the circumstances, Elliot agrees to let them live there, even though he is the rightful owner of the place. He's charming and funny, but has his share of quirks. While he practices for the role of Richard III, Paula tries to get back into dancing and Lucy takes a liking to Elliot. She even tries to sway her mother into liking him, which Paula can't help but do. But Paula's heart has been broken, and she has to find out if Elliot is like the others, or if he will stay with her and Lucy.

The film received nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress (Cummings), and Best Original Screenplay. This was actually one of two Best Picture nominees directed by Herbert Ross that year, the other being The Turning Point.