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When an old war buddy suddenly (after a 20-year absence) reappears with a suitcase full of money, bottles of absinthe and a desire to kill himself, eccentric Algernon finds himself caught up in an increasingly ridiculous situation. Before Norbie Hess (Charles Durning) showed up, and just prior to meeting the beautiful, enigmatic Madge Clerisy (Carrie-Anne Moss) at his favorite antique store, Algernon (John Cullum) led a quiet life in the splendiferous home of his great grandfather, a world renowned Egyptologist. His only companion is Eulalia, a porcelain statue of a cat, with whom he converses. With no job, Algernon supports himself by selling off some of his grandfather's valuable finds at the antique store. Madge tells Algernon that she is an Egyptologist and interested in his great granddad's collection, but she is actually a treasure hunter who has heard that the old man may have taken his really valuable finds to the grave. Eulalia knows this and tries to warn him, but Madge is beautiful, Algernon is lonely and will not listen. The night that Norbie shows up, the two old buddies stay up reminiscing and sipping absinthe until Norbie grabs Algernon's war pistol and shoots himself. Afraid that he will be accused of murder, the poor Algernon buries Norbie beside his great grandfather in the backyard. Things become more hectic when the determined Madge shows up to dig up Algernon's ancestor.