Melvin and Howard

Year: 1980

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Demme

ComedyDrama

Melvin Dummar, a down‑on‑his‑luck former milkman who had dreamed of being Milkman of the Month, sees his world crumble as he loses his job, his truck and his marriage. He then asserts that Howard Hughes bequeathed him $156 million in a will, and the film follows his claim to the eccentric billionaire’s fortune.

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Timeline & Setting – Melvin and Howard (1980)

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Main Characters – Melvin and Howard (1980)

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Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:42

Major Themes – Melvin and Howard (1980)

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Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:42

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Quirky Character Studies like Melvin and Howard

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a similar arc: an unassuming, often unlucky protagonist encounters something seemingly magical or unlikely that offers an escape from their ordinary struggles. The narrative explores their hopeful pursuit, blending everyday realism with a touch of wistful fantasy, often leaving the outcome ambiguous.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on quirky, relatable protagonists, a bittersweet tone that mixes hope with melancholy, and a narrative that finds charm and wonder within a down-to-earth setting.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central, unverifiable claim or event that disrupts a character's life. The plot doesn't provide a definitive answer, instead exploring the emotional and psychological consequences of living with the uncertainty. The journey is more important than the resolution.

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Melvin and Howard Summary

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Melvin and Howard Timeline

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More About Melvin and Howard

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Discover movies like Melvin and Howard that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.