THE STERILE CUCKOO (1969) C 108m dir: Alan J. Pakula

w/Liza Minnelli, Wendell Burton, Tim McIntire, Elizabeth Harrower, Austin Green, Sandra Faison, Chris Bugbee, Jawn McKinley, Fred Lerner, A Frederick Gooseen

From Variety's review of the film: "The Sterile Cuckoo is a kook named Pookie, a wacky, wisecracking motherless, outrageously adorable, collegiate gamine [from a novel by Jack Nichols] who comes on like gangbusters. Liza Minnelli plays the role, and her fragile, funny freshman love affair with an undergraduate entomologist (Wendell Burton in his first screen role) is in a class by itself."

From The Movie Guide: "Pakula's directorial debut, after he had produced pictures directed by his partner, Robert Mulligan, is thoroughly crafted. Unlike many first-timers (especially during the indulgent late 60s), Pakula uses understatement, avoids cinematic tricks, and carefully guides young stars Minnelli (who was nominated for an Oscar) and Burton, who was making his screen debut after starring on Broadway for three years in the title role of 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.' Shot primarily at the Hamilton College campus in upstate New York, the film is a youth-oriented tearjerker that is just perceptive enough to transcend the genre. ...

"Minnelli's boilerplate 'lovable kook' is a matter of taste --- Liza worshippers should swoon; others may wince. Burton, who seemed to disappear after his next picture, FORTUNE AND MEN'S EYES, is excellent. The syrupy theme song, 'Come Saturday Morning' (Fred Karlin, Dory Previn), was a big hit for The Sandpipers."

Oscar nominations for Best Actress (Minnelli) and Best Song.