Prologue: A few thoughts from a bench across the street from Elaine May's apartment

I will tell you anything, but I warn you now, it's a lie

When in doubt, seduce (1952-1957)

Nichols and May take Manhattan (1957-1961)

What the hell happened to Elaine May? (1961-1967)

You make the crew nervous : Adaptation/Next and A New Leaf (1967-1971)

Laugh and laugh and laugh and shudder later : The Heartbreak Kid (1972)

Two stolen reels and a clown car : Mikey and Nicky (1976)

Nothing was a straight line : Heaven Can Wait, Reds, and Tootsie (1976-1985)

Dangerous business : Ishtar (1987)

There's no prize, just a smaller size (1988-1996)

Don't call it a comeback : The Birdcage (1996) and Primary Colors (1998)

We adapt very quickly (1998-2014)

What is important in life and art? (2015-2023).