What a Way to Go!
Directed by J. Lee Thompson
Four-time widow Louisa May Foster sees a psychologist to discuss her marriages, in which her husbands (humble businessman Edgar, blase millionaire Rod, bohemian painter Larry, and nightclub singer Pinky) got rich and died because of greed.
Where to Watch What a Way to Go!
- ncte0October 27, 2025What a Way to Go! (1964) is a dark romantic comedy starring Shirley MacLaine, supported by an all-star cast including Paul Newman, Gene Kelly, Dean Martin, and Robert Mitchum. The film follows Louisa May Foster, a woman who sincerely wants a simple life but keeps marrying men who become wildly successful—and die soon after. It’s a satirical look at wealth, love, and the absurdity of the American dream, wrapped in extravagant 1960s Technicolor style. The tone shifts between slapstick and social critique, with lavish costumes and surreal visual gags. While the humor can feel dated, MacLaine’s charm and the film’s playful excess make it a curious, stylish time capsule of mid-century Hollywood glamour and cynicism.
What a Way to Go! Trivia
What a Way to Go! was released on June 26, 1964.
What a Way to Go! was directed by J. Lee Thompson.
What a Way to Go! has a runtime of 1h 51m.
What a Way to Go! was produced by Arthur P. Jacobs.
Four-time widow Louisa May Foster sees a psychologist to discuss her marriages, in which her husbands (humble businessman Edgar, blase millionaire Rod, bohemian painter Larry, and nightclub singer Pinky) got rich and died because of greed.
The key characters in What a Way to Go! are Louisa May Foster (Shirley MacLaine), Larry Flint (Paul Newman), Rod Anderson Jr. (Robert Mitchum).
What a Way to Go! is rated Not Rated.
What a Way to Go! is a Comedy, Romance film.
What a Way to Go! has an audience rating of 6.6 out of 10.
What a Way to Go! had a budget of $20M.
What a Way to Go! has made $13.3M at the box office.