A real find. Who would have thought that the teaming of Ali McGraw and Alan King would bring out the best in these two dubious acting talents. King is a lunatic millionaire unable to let mistress McGraw go despite their unbelievably rocky (and downright violent) love/hate relationship. Sharply directed by Sidney Lumet from a wicked, albeit over-plotted, script by Jay Presson Allen. The acting is all first-rate, with McGraw giving a truly funny performance. Like some other 70s beauties (Candice Bergen, Raquel Welch) it's clear her forte was comedy. Although she didn't have a career anywhere near the length of those two, she's never been more relaxed than she is here. She almost never flares her nostrils (see THE GETAWAY). King, who usually played hoods or Mafiosos in his few film roles, is a hoot. As King's perpetually infirm wife, Dina Merrill brings just the right regal presence to bear and Myrna Loy is great as his caustic-tongued secretary. The supporting cast includes Peter Weller, Tony Roberts and Joseph Maher (very funny as Merrill's lecherous doctor).

I have seen this movie several times, and the interplay between Alan King and Ali McGraw never fails to make me smile. There is no confusion as to which genre this movie was meant to be or in how it turned out. It's clearly a romantic comedy, and a funny one. Some younger viewers may have a hard time understanding the humor, because none of it involves body fluids, toilet humor, eating disgusting things or other gross-outs. We know that love and war are sometimes the same thing. This time, it's business, too!King shines as a hard-nosed business tycoon who is romantically involved with his executive assistant, Bones (McGraw). He likes the informal arrangement just fine, but Bones is to the point where she either wants marriage or to move on. When she seems to fall for a young writer and moves in with him, it's not clear if she is truly in love with him, or if she is using him as leverage to make King jealous enough to propose. King, of course, retaliates. The war between the two, using under-handed business tactics is very funny, with each trying to top the other. The winner can either move on in triumph or dictate the terms of their reconciliation. King is probably best known for his stand-up comedy, but this movie shows him to be a fine comedic actor as well.

Saw this years ago when it came out. Now seeing it again through older eyes makes it even better. While the relationships depicted are predatory--eat or be eaten--they still have a certain sweetness to them. It's a uniquely well-done commentary on the rich. Fitzgerald was right: they're different.Can't understand why there's no "memorable quotes" part of this entry.

Alan King's world falls apart when long time mistress Ali Macgrue breaks up with him and marries much younger Peter Weller. Snobby comedy isn't for all taste, but is expertly performed and is very, very funny, especially the scene in the department store. Alan King is displayed at his absolute as is Loy in a quite performance. Terrific entertainment. 9 out 10.