Can Hieronymous Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?
Directed, written by and starring (he even composed the music) Anthony Newley, this film has to be the ultimate example of cinematic self-indulgence. The story concerns a sex obsessed writer/director/singer/actor named Hieronymus Merkin. He soon becomes a superstar with the help of a mysterious manager. Soon women are lining up at his doorstep to sleep with him. Eventually he has a Lolita like affair with a young girl name Mercy Humppe and his world falls apart. The movie takes place entirely on an island except for the moments when we see Hieronymus screening the film we are watching for a room full of critics and producers. It's a great example of the kind of non-narrative experiments people were doing after seeing one too many Fellini movies in the late 60’s. Featuring lots of lusty moments, strange music and more bizarre narrative shifts than even Godard could handle, CAN HIERONYMUS MERKIN EVER FORGET MERCY HUMPPE AND FIND TRUE HAPPINESS? is a must see for fans of lost and forgotten 60's excess.

quality rating: B