Pete 'n' Tillie

Geraldine Page, whose succinct, horrified charade at a police station and the subsequent catfight pack that beautiful release of laughter after a tragic peak. Like most great comics, Burnett, held in rein by a somber, down-to-earth story, is impressive, even in graver moments that feel contrived to the point of bathos. Matthau has given more cumbersome performances but none more disarming since The Odd Couple.