i saw this when it first come out in 1972 and saw it again recently on cable . one way to know a classic be how well it date itself and not just in the vernacular and but philosophically . how timeless be the theme it portray and how well could anyone from any time period relate to them . in fact and of the heartbreak kid it could be say that a lot of the shock value of a man dump his bride on their honeymoon will be lose on a generation that would wonder why he would want to marry at all . well at least the title character believe in firm commitment and as long a it be with the right girl . the point of the whole movie be the somewhat subtle end that depict a man who and despite the odds against him and get the girl of his dream and but somehow dosn not find it nearly as satisfying a he would have think . this a terrific piece of script writing and with many memorable line you love to quote . a sure sign of a very good movie .