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Latter-day Saint Main Characters
and Latter-day Saint (Mormon/LDS) References
in the movie:
Melvin and Howard (1980)



"Melvin and Howard" (1980)
Directed by Jonathan Demme
Screenplay by Bo Goldman

Starring: Jason Robards, Paul Le Mat, Elizabeth Cheshire, Mary Steenburgen, Chip Taylor, Melvin E. Dummar, Michael J. Pollard, Jason Ball, Dabney Coleman

MPAA Rating: R
U.S. Box Office: $4,309,490

The true, or possibly true, story of Howard Hughes' famous "Mormon Will." The film tells the story of how billionaire Howard Hughes met Melvin Dummar, a Mormon who acted as a "good Samaritan" and rescued Hughes after a motorcycle accident. Hughes liked Melvin so much that he willed his fortune to him. Mary Steenburgen received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as "Lynda Dummar," wife of the title character. Melvin was born in the Church, but he was apparently not active when he married Lynda, and he did not return to activity in the Church until after he divorced Lynda. In the film, Steenburgen's character is apparently not LDS. Melvin's second wife Bonnie was already LDS when he met her. The film also received an Academy Award for Best Screenplay, and Jason Robards was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

View the complete "Melvin and Howard" screenplay online: http://www.geocities.com/emruf0/mah.html

Published screenplay: Melvin and Howard: The Screenplay, written by Bo Goldman. Harvest Moon Publishing: Santa Monica, California (April 2000). This version of the screenplay: February 1, 1979 revised first draft screenplay by Bo Goldman.

Webpage created 22 March 2005.