In Melvin and Howard, we follow the story of Melvin Dummar, a struggling and unlucky man who works as a gas station attendant in the Nevada desert. One night, while driving home, Melvin comes across a disheveled and seemingly drunk man lying in the middle of the road. He helps the man, who turns out to be the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes, and drops him off at a nearby hotel.
Years later, Melvin receives a mysterious handwritten will, supposedly signed by Hughes, which names him as a beneficiary to a portion of the mogul's vast estate. Melvin's friends and family are skeptical, but he maintains that the will is authentic and hires a lawyer to help him claim his inheritance.
As Melvin's improbable legal battle unfolds, we see flashbacks to his hardscrabble upbringing and the many setbacks and disappointments he's faced in life. We also witness his complicated relationships with his wife Lynda and his eccentric father-in-law Vern.
The movie is a quirky and poignant character study that explores themes of luck, ambition, and the American dream. It won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Mary Steenburgen's portrayal of Lynda Dummar.