University of Virginia Library

Poignant Scenes

Yet there is more. Strategically
placed throughout the movie are
two or three poignant scenes that
set off the humor perfectly. In one
of these, Butch places Etta on the
handlebars of his bicycle and the
pair pedal through the countryside
as a chorus sings Burt Bacharach's
newest song (a dandy called "Raindrops
Keep Fallin' On My Head")
in the background. It is a beautiful,
even memorable sequence that
creates a mood of peace, serenity,
and love. It ends abruptly and
much too soon with a laugh, but
it's wonderful while it lasts.

Mr. Goldman has written his
screenplay with a considerable
amount of wit. At least seventy per
cent of the gags come off. The
failure of those that don't can most
often be attributed to faulty
delivery. The sudden changes of
mood (from humor to poignancy
and vice-versa) create sort of a
pleasant incongruity that in less
talented hands would be the film's
downfall, but in Mr. Goldman's is
one of its charms.