Directed by Walter Matthau's son, Walter, this film is a superb adaptation of one of Truman Capote's finest stories, depicting the survival of Southern misfits in the 1930s. Piper Laurie and Sissy Spacek, portraying the wealthy Talbo sisters, are impeccably cast, delivering their best performances. Walter Matthau, in one of his most sympathetic roles, plays a retired judge under his son's direction. The entire ensemble cast excels, with Jack Lemmon and Mary Steenburgen as a hilariously unrelated pair of con artists, Nell Carter as the feisty cook, Joe Don Baker as the bumbling sheriff, Charles Durning as the preacher, and Roddy McDowall as the gossipy barber. Keep an eye out for Doris Roberts (known as Ray Romano's 'mom') in the role of Mrs. Richards and the director himself, Charles Matthau, making an appearance as a barbershop regular.
Review of The Grass Harp
