Another Misunderstood 70s era Masterwork!

The theatrical colorized version tonally makes very little sense. The bw longer version plays more like a 1930s film from Hawks/Ford/Dwan/Capra etc. it's a tender, warmhearted, well acted dramedy in a similar satirical vein to Young Frankenstein and pathos akin to Wes Anderson.
Critics unfairly maligned this film along with At Long Last Love. From the late 70s to the early 80s, Hollywood auteurs had lost much of their respect from critics; they'd been unable to differentiate artistic license from lazy homage. Many of the late 70s/early 80s auteurist filmmakers had started to bring warmth to their new edgy films. This was often mistaken as unbalanced melodrama.
Thank god for DVDs and directors cuts. Nickelodeon, Heavens Gate, Sorcerer, Hardcore, and many others have finally gained greater attention and discussion. Yes, good and bad are ultimately subjective, but one can hardly disparage the artistry at work as was done upon original release.