The recently widowed Dr. Charley Nichols (Walter Matthau), as surgeon at Kensington General Hospital, decides he wants to join the younger generation in their swinging sexual lifestyle. After thirty-one years of marriage, he finds the role of Lothario to be an appealing one. And there is no shortage of willing women.
But then the good doctor meets Ann Atkinson (Glenda Jackson) who has divorced her philandering husband. Dr. Nichols rescues her from the clutches of Dr. Amos Willoughby (Art Carney), the senile chief of staff who has botched the treatment of her jaw fracture. Later doctor and patient meet as adversaries on a TV panel discussion. The woman has spunk.
Charley gets Anne a job as a secretary at Kensington General and eventually spends a night with her. There is something there for both of them. She wants a two-week trial run on a relationship. Can he remain faithful to her alone? Or will his sexual itch carry the day?
Howard Zieff (Slither and Hearts of the West) directs this romantic comedy with a nutty appreciation for its likeable characters. The dialogue is bright and witty and the pace is brisk. It brings to mind the screwball comedies of the Thirties and Forties. Walter Matthau exudes a basset-hound charm as Dr. Nicholas; Glenda Jackson does well in her first comedy role since A Touch of Class; and Richard Benjamin is good as Matthau's best friend. As the doddering old Dr. Willoughby, Art Carney once again proves that he is one of Hollywood's finest character actors.