Based on the true story of Melvin Dummar (Paul Le Mat) an affable all-American loser whose miserable luck changes when he gives a ride to the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes (superbly played by Jason Robards). Melvin is a nice guy but to be honest he doesn't have much luck in life. He's impractical and although not unemployable finds it incredibly difficult to hold down a job. One night by chance though Melvin comes across a stranger in the desert who has suffered a motorcycle accident. To Melvin's amusement the old - and seemingly insane - man claims to be Howard Hughes the eccentric millionaire. After helping the old man Melvin thinks no more of the instance and continues about his dreary existance ; that is until a few years later when Melvin receives a letter informing him he has inherited an eighth of a one Howard Hughes' estate the small matter of 0 million dollars... Without doubt one of the best films of the 80s winner of 2 Oscars in 1981.