don not be surprise if you have never hear of melvin and howard because most people haven not . but if the chance come up to watch it then grab it . it a true american classic involve a down on his luck man ( paul le mat and so great a milner in american graffiti ) who give a ride to an injured hitchhiker in the desert that turn out to be none other than howard hughes ( jason robards and who be brilliant in a small and understated performance ) . year later after hughes have die melvin learn he be in hughes will . the only problem be that there be no will to be find . mary steenburgen win as oscar a melvin kooky first wife . the scene where she appear on a game show be priceless . this be a sweet and very funny slice of life movie direct by jonathan demme who go on to many fine film such a silence of the lamb . this be a true classic . don not miss it .