Jennifer on My Mind

"Jennifer on My Mind" is a 1971 American comedy-drama directed by Noel Black, with a screenplay by Erich Segal, based on Roger L. Simon's novel "Heir." The film centers on Marcus Rottner (Michael Brandon), a 24-year-old heir residing in his New Jersey apartment, who discovers that his hippie girlfriend, Jennifer Da Silva (Tippy Walker), has died from a heroin overdose in his living room. Fearing arrest, Marcus decides to dispose of her body, but his plans are interrupted by the unexpected visit of his sister Selma (Renée Taylor) and her psychologist boyfriend Sergei (Peter Bonerz), who notice his odd behavior. Through a series of flashbacks, the film depicts their relationship: Marcus first meets Jennifer in Venice, where they fall in love. After her sudden departure, he follows her to New York, where their relationship resumes but is marked by instability. He later finds her involved with musicians using drugs and attempts to rescue her from addiction by persuading her to return to Venice. However, Jennifer soon grows bored and returns to New York, leading their lives into a downward spiral of drug dependency, culminating in a tragic ending. The film explores themes of love, addiction, and the destructive consequences of irresponsible behavior, reflecting the wave of early 1970s films addressing drug issues. Supporting roles include Robert De Niro as cab driver Mardigian, Barry Bostwick, and Jeff Conaway, marking some of their earliest screen appearances. ​