Me, Natalie is a 1969 American comedy-drama film directed by Fred Coe and starring Patty Duke in the titular role of Natalie Miller. The film is based on a screenplay by A. Martin Zweiback and is considered a coming-of-age story.
Natalie Miller (Patty Duke) is a young woman who has always felt unattractive and unlovable. She lives with her mother (Elsa Lanchester) and sister (Nancy Marchand) in the suburbs of New York City and dreams of escaping her mundane life. Natalie moves to Greenwich Village and rents an unusual apartment from an eccentric landlady (Marion Ross). Her apartment is accessible through a dumbwaiter, and she decorates it with a moose head.
Natalie gets a job at the Topless Bottom Club, where she works as a hat-check girl. She rides a motorcycle to work and befriends the other workers, including a dancer named Randy (James Farentino) and a bartender named Teddy (Martin Balsam). Natalie starts an affair with David Harris (Robert Reed), a married artist she meets at the club. Their relationship is complicated, and Natalie struggles to accept David's marital status.
As Natalie navigates her life in the Village, she starts to gain confidence and self-esteem. She discovers that she is capable of making her own decisions and standing up for herself. Natalie's mother and sister visit her in the city and are surprised by her independence.
Me, Natalie is a lighthearted and quirky film that explores themes of self-discovery, independence, and love. The movie features a memorable performance by Patty Duke, who won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her portrayal of Natalie. The film was praised for its portrayal of feminism and female empowerment and has become a cult classic.