"The Nerd"

A Houseguest From Hell: Larry Shue's Zany Comedy "The Nerd"

You know that guy (or gal) ... the one you befriended because they lived on your street, or sat next to you in class. You soon realize that they're socially inept, awkward or kinda creepy, but you don't know how to get rid of them without being a jerk. Now imagine that person has moved in with you, and you have the beginnings of Larry Shue's wacky comedy, "The Nerd". The ultimate nice guy, Willum eagerly welcomes Rick into his home, despite never having met him before. Why? Because Rick saved Willum's life during the Vietnam War. How can he refuse? But Rick, the heroic rescuer, also turns out to be weird, inept and obnoxious. Willum feels too indebted to Rick to kick him out, so one uproarious incident after another ensues, until the normally placid Willum is driven into a desperate mental state that leads triumphantly to a surprising "twist" ending.