''Grace Quigley'' (also titled ''The Ultimate Solution of Grace Quigley'') is a 1985 American black comedy film starring

Katharine Hepburn Katharine Houghton Hepburn (May 12, 1907 – June 29, 2003) was an American actress in film, stage, and television. Her career as a Hollywood leading lady spanned over 60 years. She was known for her headstrong independence, spirited perso ...

and Nick Nolte, produced by Yoram Globus and

Menahem Golan Menahem Golan ( he, מנחם גולן; May 31, 1929 – August 8, 2014, originally Menachem Globus) was an Israeli film producer, screenwriter, and director. He was best known for co-owning The Cannon Group with his cousin Yoram Globus. Cannon sp ...

and directed by Anthony Harvey. The film is noted for being Hepburn's last leading role in a film for the big screen, as well as the last appearance, stage or otherwise, of Walter Abel.

Plot

The plot centers on Grace, an elderly widow who lives alone in a dreary New York City apartment. She has twice tried and failed to commit suicide, so she decides to hire Seymour, a hit man, to kill her and then do in others like her who are old, alone and tired of living. To her way of thinking, this professional killer will be committing acts of mercy, not murder.

Cast

as Grace Quigley * Nick Nolte as Seymour Flint * Kit Le Fever as Muriel * Chip Zien as Dr. Herman * William Duell as Mr. Jenkins * Elizabeth Wilson as Emily Watkins * Walter Abel as Homer Morrison

Versions

In addition to the version of the film originally released in 1985, two other versions are known to exist: the original cut, which premiered at the

1984 Cannes Film Festival The 37th Cannes Film Festival was held from 11 to 23 May 1984. The Palme d'Or went to the ''Paris, Texas'' by Wim Wenders. The festival opened with ''Fort Saganne'', directed by Alain Corneau and closed with '' The Bounty'', directed by Roger D ...

running 102 minutes; and the alternate and re-edited version titled ''The Ultimate Solution of Grace Quigley'', assembled by screenwriter A. Martin Zweiback, running 94 minutes. The latter version is considered superior by some critics..

References

External links

* * {{Anthony Harvey 1985 films American black comedy films Films about contract killing Films about old age Films about widowhood Golan-Globus films Films directed by Anthony Harvey Films scored by John Addison Films set in New York City Films shot in New York City 1980s black comedy films 1985 comedy films Films produced by Menahem Golan Films produced by Yoram Globus 1980s English-language films 1980s American films