The Honeymoon Machine (1961): Ignored or forgotten?

Following this years 82nd Academy Awards, I came to think of another movie made years ago (more precisely 1961) which I feel was rather overlooked at the 34th Academy Awards nominations.

"The Honeymoon Machine" from 1961, starring Steve McQueen and Jim Hutton among others, contains everything a 60's-movie should contain and has one of the best original screenplays I have ever seen (by screenwriter George Wells, based on the play by Lorenzo Semple Jr.). 

Furthermore, it could easily fit the category Best Adapted Screenplay 1961, too. I haven't seen either "Splendor in the Grass" (winner of Best Original Screenplay) or "Judgement at Nuremberg" (winner of Best Adapted Screenplay) yet, but I'm sure they're more than deserving of these Awards, and it's needless to say that they're very likely much more serious and deep than this movie. 

Anyway, I can't help adoring this crazy, lovable comedy that has a brilliant and surprising screenplay and a wonderful cast. I still think it should have won in at least one of the categories, because of its originality, yet it's arguable if it is Award stuff or not. However, it always is, isn't it?

Not much is said about "The Honeymoon Machine", except that it is lightweight and silly, yet still manage to bring out several laughs along the way, also praising Steve McQueen for one of his very few comic roles - a role he himself disliked (which is too bad because he's wonderful!). Not forgetting Jim Hutton and Paula Prentiss, the two stars who play love-interested (often paired together in movies because of their similar heights, which were above average) and their funny "battering" along the way (I recommend another of their films, "Where The Boys Are", from 1960).

Yes, the movie is silly, but the screenplay is just too funny and brilliant, so please DO "waste" your time watching this little flick! (I'd reward it an Oscar for one of the funniest comedies of its decade, anyway) ...